Tour Summary
Are you looking to get more from your time in this very special place, with a deep and rich history, than those that visit it without a guide? Then join us on a walk as we delve into the secrets of this oasis in the Carnarvon Ranges.
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Join us for an extraordinary 8-hour journey through Carnarvon Gorge, a timeless sanctuary where ancient sandstone cliffs—forged over 200 million years—rise over a landscape brimming with stories and secrets. This 14km return walk isn’t just a trek; it’s a chance to step into a living masterpiece, guided by a team who’ve made it their mission to uncover what makes this place so unforgettable.
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As we wind through the gorge’s paths and side-canyons, you’ll discover a world shaped by both nature and history. At the Art Gallery, we’ll pause to reflect on the rich cultural legacy etched into the rock, a testament to the Traditional Custodians who’ve called this land home for millennia. Along the way, we’ll reveal the natural refuges that have cradled unique survivors like the King Fern, a living relic thriving here as the world beyond changed.
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Carnarvon Gorge is a place of subtle wonders—countless ground orchids tucked beneath your feet, rare flora and fauna flourishing in quiet corners, and the fascinating behaviours of its wildlife, from darting birds to elusive rock wallabies. Most visitors pass these intricacies by, but with our passionate guides, you’ll see the gorge through fresh eyes. We’ll point out the crystal-clear springs that breathe life into dense rainforests and share the ancient forces that sculpted this rugged beauty, connecting you to a story millions of years in the making.
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This isn’t just a walk—it’s an immersion into a landscape that’s as humbling as it is breathtaking. With our laid-back yet deeply knowledgeable approach, we’ll ensure you leave with more than just photos; you’ll carry a piece of Carnarvon Gorge’s soul. Don’t miss the chance to explore this remarkable oasis with those who live and breathe it—book your spot and let us show you why this place holds a special corner of our hearts.
8:00am - Meet at the Carnarvon Gorge Visitors Centre
We will begin our day with a meet and greet, then a short overview of the Carnarvon Gorge and how this magnificent landscape has formed over time.
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8:20am - Begin our Walk to the Moss Gardens
We start our journey up the Carnarvon Gorge with the first creek crossing of the day. Passing by ancient cycads, we will delve into the stories of these pre-historic plants that are unique to the Carnarvon Ranges.
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9 - 9:30am - Moss Gardens
We then meander our way into the Moss Gardens to enjoy a morning tea (BYO) while viewing the waterfall and wall of moss and ferns.
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10 - 11am - Walk to Art Gallery
As we rock hop a few more creek crossings, we begin our short ascent to the Art Gallery. This is an incredibly special place that has been a place of ceremony and much more, for many thousands of years. The Art Gallery boasts some of the world’s most significant stencil rock art, and our guides will delve into some of the scientific and cultural meanings behind this special place developed by the local Bidjara and Karingbal peoples.
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11:30am - 12:30pm - Make our way to Ward's Canyon
We then begin our journey back down the track to the Ward's Canyon. This 'side-gorge' hosts the largest species of fern in the world, the King Fern (Angiopterus evicta). The Ward's Canyon is a perfect spot to stop for lunch (BYO) and enjoy a break listening to the ever-flowing water in the shaded canyon.
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1 - 2pm - Amphitheatre
The Amphitheatre is a real highlight of the Carnarvon Gorge experience. After a short climb up a series of stair-ladders, we then make our way through a narrow canyon where it opens up into a stunning oasis surrounded by 60m tall ancient sandstone walls. Your expert guide will delve into the stories that the layers in the sandstone tell us about what was happening many millions of years ago.
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2 - 4pm - Walk Back to Visitors Centre
We will then make our way back to the Visitors Centre for conclusion of the tour.
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Tour Details
Prices:
Per Person - $80
Duration:
Approx. 8 Hours
Distance:
Walking - Approx. 14km
Whats Involved:
This tour is a scenic walk visiting the main sites of the Lower Section of Carnarvon Gorge. These include the Art Gallery, Ward's Canyon, Amphitheatre, and Moss Garden. You guide will give you insight into the unique flora and fauna that call the Carnarvons their home.
Meeting Point:
Carnarvon Gorge Visitors Center - Located at the end of the road into the Carnarvon Gorge Section of Carnarvon National Park.
Difficulty:
This tour involves about 14 creek crossings that require rock-hopping. Therefore, it requires hikers to have good balance to walk the track. The terrain is generally flat, with some stairs involved in accessing the 'side-gorges'.
No need to be an experienced bushwalker! We will tailor the tour to your pace.
Tour Highlights
Amphitheatre
Discover a secret oasis. Hidden inside the gorge walls is a 60m deep chamber gouged from the rock by running water. This is a place for quiet contemplation - the towering stone walls and natural skylight create an awe-inspiring atmosphere within.
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Art Gallery
Nurture your spirit gazing at over 2000 engravings, ochre stencils and free-hand paintings adorning the 62m long sandstone walls of this significant Aboriginal site. The Art Gallery contains some of the best examples of stencil art in Australia.
Moss Garden
Beneath tree ferns straining for sunlight, a small waterfall tumbles over a rock ledge into a pool of reflections. Here water dripping constantly from the sandstone sustains a lush, green carpet of mosses, ferns, and liverworts.
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Ward's Canyon
Be enticed into a cool and inviting Wards Canyon to visit an ecological refuge sheltering the world's largest fern, the King Fern (Angiopterus evicta). These impressive green 'dinosaurs' have strong links with the ancient flora of the distant past.
Availability
CONTACT US
Let us know if you have any special requests. We are highly flexible with our tours and will do our best to tailor the experience to your required needs. Please send us an email and we will be in touch shortly.
Email: info@cqnaturetours.com.au
Phone: 07 49843312
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