Carnarvon National Park

298 000ha Carnarvon National Park is situated in the rugged ranges of Queensland's central highlands. The lush, spectactular Gorge is the best known part of Carnarvon National Park, which also includes drier and less developed sections at Mt Moffatt, Ka Ka Mundi and Salvator Rosa.

Carved over millions of years by the flowing waters of Carnarvon Creek, the sandstone Gorge now snakes 30km through an otherwise dry landscape. Within its white walls, the creek flows year-round, giving life to luxuriant ferns, palms, shrubs and trees. This lush environment also supports diverse native animals, including birds, kangaroos and platypus.

Despite its remote location between Roma and Emerald, Carnarvon Gorge is popular for family camping holidays. Most visitors stay at least three nights to walk the 21km of graded tracks, explore side gorges and view Aboriginal rock art. Visitors wanting a more adventurous holiday can bush camp in the Gorge Section, or visit more remote sections.

Baloon Cave Aboriginal cultural trail - 1km return (45 minutes) Class 2. This short walk among the fan palms and cycads leads to a small sandstone overhang featuring stencilled Aboriginal rock art. Signs along the trail introduce aspects of traditional use of the area's resources.

Mickey Creek Gorge - 2km return (1.5 hours) Class 3. Wander along Mickey Creek and into narrow side gorges where the walking track becomes a rock-hopping adventure. Swamp wallabies are often seen resting here. Rocky sections of this track are slippery. Caution is needed when navigating slopes or crossings.

Rock Pool walk - 600m return (1 hour) Class 3. From the carpark you can stroll down to a shaded picnic area and on to the Rock Pool. Here you can enjoy a swim, a picnic or rest in the shade of fig and casuarina trees and watch the wonderful array of bird life, or spot platypus and turtles. If swimming, please do not jump or dive into the pool.

The following tracks can be reached from the information centre and main walking track.

Nature trail - 2km return (1 hour) Class 3. This short stroll along the shady banks of Carnarvon Creek provides a snapshot of the plant life on the gorge floor. You can see turtles basking in the sun, and if you're quiet enough you may see the elusive platypus. Dusk and dawn provide the best opportunities for watching wildlife.

Boolimba Bluff walk - 6.2km return (2-3 hours) Class 3. Follow this undulating walk up through a dry gorge and into the high country and take in spectacular sweeping views over and above the gorge. A climb up 963 steps with several small ladders takes you to the top of the Bluff.

All these sites branch off the main walking track, which extends from the information centre to Big Bend.

Moss Garden walk - 7km return (2-3 hours) Class 3. The Moss Garden is a rich mosaic of mosses, ferns and lichens. Here the micro-climate sustains a lush rainforest environment. Some sections of track have steps and an elevated boardwalk.

Amphitheatre walk - 8.6km return (3-4 hours) Class 3. Hidden inside the walls of the gorge is a 60m deep chamber, gouged from the rock by running water.

Lower Ward's Canyon walk -h; 9.2km return (3-4 hours) Class 3. Ward's Canyon is home to the world's largest fern; the king fern Angiopteris evecta. A short, steep rise up through spotted gums leads to the lower falls and then further into the shaded canyon.

The Art Gallery walk - 10.8km return (3-4 hours) Class 3. Over 2000 engravings, stencils and freehand paintings adorn the long sandstone walls of this significant Aboriginal site.

Cathedral Cave walk - 18.2km return (5-6 hours) Class 3. This massive overhang sheltered Aboriginal people for thousands of years. A panorama of rock art reflects rich cultural life.

Big Bend campground - 19.4km return (7-8 hours) Class 3. The main walking track ends at the Big Bend campground.