Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge

Starting from the Cabbage Tree campground in Carnarvon Park, this walk takes you to the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre via the sixth and last section of the 87 km Carnarvon Great Walk, visiting Jimmy’s Shelf and Devil’s Signpost along the way. With lovely views of Mount Acland and beyond, this track features scenic cliffs and impressive rock formations as well. The Demon’s Ridge combined with the Bulknaoo Cliffs can impress and challenge you at the same time. Once used by the stockmen of the time, this track connected the plateau and the nearby settlements at the time. The side trip to Boolimba Bluff Lookout(s) will reward you with more spectacular views. Keep in mind that you’ll need a permit to access Carnarvon Park and the said campsites. This walk is closed from the 1st of November to the last day of February. Bring some insect repellent to protect yourself from the mozzies(Australian slang for mosquitoes). Let us begin by acknowledging the Bidjara & Karingbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Photo by admin, 2021.

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Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

Safer Bushwalks
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Segment	This is part of longer journey and can not be completed on it is own.
Full Journey	Carnarvon Great Walk
Start	(-24.9914229,148.2166916)
Finish	(-25.0602838,148.2354231)
Mode (end)	Car

Track Notes

Getting started
From Cabbage Tree campground, head east along the Carnarvon Great Walk Track, then stay on-track as it veers left. Cross the creek (bed) as you’re heading south to continue along Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge Track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Carnarvon Great Walk. Find the Cabbage Tree camping zone at the start. W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Boolimba Bluff Lookout(s) where you can get exceptional southerly views over the gorge. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 12 km (at the intersection of Boolimba Bluff Walk & Carnarvon Great Walk) turn right, to head along Boolimba Bluff Walk. After another 135 m head down the steps (about 315 m long)
	After another 890 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Boolimba Bluff Walk) turn left, to head along Big Bend Walk.
	After another 1 km (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Nature Trail) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 15 m cross the stepping stones (about 30 m long) Then cross the ford. After another 75 m come to a pay phone. About 75 m past the end is a toilet.
	The end.

This optional side trip takes you to the Boolimba Bluff Lookout(s) where you can get exceptional southerly views over the gorge.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Boolimba Bluff Walk & Carnarvon Great Walk Start heading along Boolimba Bluff Walk (a walking track). After 730 m come to the "Boolimba Bluff" (15 m on your right). Continue straight, to head along Boolimba Bluff Walk. After another 70 m come to "Boolimba Bluff".
	Continue another 0 m to find Boolimba Bluff at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 770 m to the main route.

Terrain

Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	14.5 km
Time	5 h to 6 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There is one 2 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one 14.5 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Camp site	2 m	Cabbage Tree camping zone
Toilet	14.5 km	[toilet]

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