Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park Capricorn | Outback Queensland

Stroll along the short Nature trail in the late afternoon and be rewarded with stunning light on the gorge walls. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

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

Nature trail

Become one with nature on this short stroll along the shady creek bank for a snapshot of plant life on the gorge floor.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
1.5km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
Time suggested
Allow 1hr walking time.
Grade
Grade 3 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Grab your binoculars, camera and field guide and explore the shady banks of Carnarvon Creek on this short walk from Carnarvon Gorge visitor area. To make the most of your experience, walk during the early mornings and late afternoons when wildlife is most active.

Tread quietly and you might see a turtle basking in a patch of sunlight, or a shy platypus cruising on the water’s surface. Find somewhere quiet to sit and watch some of park’s many bird species in action—there’s no shortage of brilliant birdwatching opportunities. After the sun has set, spotlight for yellow-bellied gliders as they glide between the trees.

Getting there and getting around

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

  • The Nature Trail starts in the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area and can be accessed along the main walking track or through the Carnarvon Gorge camping area, 5.9km by 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Nature trail 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.