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Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park Capricorn | Outback Queensland

Take in the panorama of rock art on the Cathedral Cave walk. Photo credit: Michael O'Connor © Queensland Government

Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Like to become a campground host?

The department is seeking volunteers to act as campground hosts at Carnarvon Gorge section, Carnarvon National Park over the Queensland school holidays. Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Cathedral Cave walk

Ancient rock art reveals Aboriginal people's strong ties to this extraordinary landscape, leaving you spellbound by the cultural significance of this site.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
18.2km from visitor area return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 6 hr walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Walk the extra distance to visit Cathedral Cave, the largest and most spectacular cultural site off the Main Gorge track. This massive, wind-eroded overhang sheltered Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Along the way read the signs to understand more about the rich cultural life of those who gathered here.

Gaze in awe at paintings, stencils and engravings adorning the sheer white sandstone walls. Some of the artwork is thousands of years old, while others were created here a mere 200 years ago. Pause to consider how much or how little has changed since the first marks were left here by unknown hands.

Getting there and getting around

The Cathedral Cave walk is in the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, halfway between Emerald and Roma.

  • Cathedral Cave is 9.1km along the Main Gorge track from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.
  • The Carnarvon Gorge visitor area is 5.9km by mostly road from the park entrance.
  • To reach Carnarvon Gorge from Roma, drive 90km north to Injune then a further 160km along the Carnarvon Highway to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off. If you are travelling from Emerald, drive 65km south to Springsure then 70km east to Rolleston, and a further 61km along the Carnarvon Highway to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off. From here, the 45km road to the park entrance is sealed.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Drinking water

Drinking water is provided at the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.

Treat all water before use.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Cathedral Cave walk is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Carnarvon Gorge safely and Walk with care.