Well-known among seasoned caravanners, hikers and trail walkers, Carnarvon National Park is a mecca for walking trails that uncover some of Australia's most spectacular landscapes. There is one main track in and out of the gorge at Carnarvon National Park with short tracks branching out along the way. There are 11 hikes or places to explore, more than 2000 Aboriginal rock paintings, towering sandstone cliffs and smaller gorges.
Main Gorge Track
Along the Main Gorge Track, we recommend picking the destination furthest away to explore first and branching off as you return.
Moss Garden
Distance: 7km (return to the start of the Main Gorge Track)
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Start: On Main Gorge Track
Grade: 3
Explore the rainforest, sheltered side gorge, moss-covered rocks and cliff faces. At the end of the boardwalk, you will discover the Moss Garden where a small waterfall cascades over a ledge into a clear pool and water seeps from the porous sandstone.
Amphitheatre
Distance: 8.6km
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Start: On Main Gorge Track
Grade: 3
Discover the impressive natural amphitheatre walk formed over tens of thousands of years from running water. Climb the ladder and walk through the narrow nook revealing a 60m chasm deep inside the gorge.
Ward's Canyon
Distance: 9.2km
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Start: On Main Gorge Track
Grade: 3
Take a step back in time into an ancient culture and immerse yourself in this spectacular display of Aboriginal rock art. Explore over 2000 engravings, ochre stencils and freehand paintings adorning the sandstone walls. The stories and meanings of the artwork are told on interpretative signage around the artworks, so be sure to spend some time at this special place, learning the history of the land and the local indigenous culture.
Cathedral Cave
Distance: 18.2km
Time: 5 to 6 hours
Start: On Main Gorge Track
Grade: 4
The largest and most spectacular cultural site in Carnarvon Gorge is Cathedral Cave. The ancient rock art exposes Aboriginal people's strong connections to the extraordinary landscape.
Boowinda Cave
Distance: 18.4km
Time: 5 to 6 hours
Start: On the Main Gorge Track
Grade: 4
Explore the moss-coated sandstone walls in this slender gorge. There's narrow walkways waiting to be explored.
Big Bend
Distance: 19.4km
Time: 7 to 8 hours
Start: On the Main Gorge Track
Grade: 4
The Big Bend is a stunning spot with crystal clear water with towering sandstone cliffs surrounding the area. This is a point where overnight hikers often camp on their multi-day trecks.
Other Trails
Mickey Creek Gorge
Distance: 3km return
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Start: Mickey Creek car park
Grade: 3
Walk through Mickey Creek then climb your way through Mickey Creek Gorge. The gorge is so narrow in some places that you will be able to touch both sides with your arms spread out.
Rock Pool
Distance: 600m return
Time: 30 minutes
Start: Rock Pool car park
Grade: 3
Follow the short track to the Rock Pool to enjoy a refreshing dip in the park's only designated swimming area.
Nature Trail
Distance: 1.5km return
Time: 1 hour
Start: Carnarvon Gorge visitor area
Grade: 3
Explore Carnarvon Creek on this short walk to spot some of the local wildlife.
Boolimba Bluff
Distance: 6.4km
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Start: On Main Gorge Track
Grade: 4
Discover the gorge's cliffs with picturesque views of the distant ranges. Walk through the diverse range of landscapes and climb a series of ladders and 300 steps to reach your final destination.
Whether you pick the longest walk or the shortest, Carnarvon Gorge is sure to be a destination that leaves a few great memories in the bank.
