Carnarvon Gorge

A 30-kilometre sandstone gorge in central Queensland's Sandstone Belt, halfway between Emerald and Roma — Bidjara, Karingbal and Kara Kara country, with rock art at the Art Gallery and Cathedral Cave reckoned among the finest ochre stencil work in Australia. Carnarvon Creek runs cool through fan palms, ferns and remnant rainforest in the side gorges. Wards Canyon, the Moss Garden, the Amphitheatre, Cathedral Cave on the main 20km return walk. Sealed road access from Injune or Rolleston.

The main gorge track crosses Carnarvon Creek many times over the 9.7km to Big Bend — 19.4km return from the visitor area — and the stepping stones can be slippery or unstable. Carnarvon Creek rises fast after heavy rain: do not cross in flood, and wait until the crossings are safe. Side walks close for works, so check the park alerts — the Wards Canyon walk has been shut through 2026. The 45km access road in from the Carnarvon Highway is sealed and fine for cars and caravans, but creeks across it can flood and cut access, so check road conditions with Transport and Main Roads on 13 19 40.