Carnarvon Great Walk

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre, head towards the creek along the formed walking track. After crossing the said creek, keep left at the first intersection to join the Big Bend Walk. Stay on the track as it veers left and meanders along the creek(to your left) to continue along the Carnarvon Great Walk. Keep an eye out for the yellow trail markers.....

Carnarvon Gorge to Big Bend 2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min 9.5 km

Getting Started
From the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre, head towards the creek along the formed walking track. After crossing the said creek, keep left at the first intersection to join the Big Bend Walk. Stay on the track as it veers left and meanders along the creek(to your left) to continue along Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre to Big Bend walkers’ camp Track.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Big Bend Walk. There is a toilet (about 75 m back from the start). There is a pay phone (about 35 m back from the start). After 105 m cross the ford. Then cross the stepping stones (about 30 m long) Then cross the ford.
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Nature Trail & Big Bend Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 1 km (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Boolimba Bluff Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 370 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Moss Garden, a place that has an incredibly peaceful and stunning scenery, along with a little waterfall to add to the serenity. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Moss Garden Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 130 m pass the toilet (50 m on your left). Continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 85 m cross the stepping stones (about 140 m long) After another 320 m cross the stepping stones (about 45 m long)
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Amphitheatre. 60 metres deep, this acoustic rock formation presents a unique audible experience. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 270 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Amphitheatre Walk) veer right, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 20 m find the "tiered ladder" (110 m on your left). tiered ladder After another 310 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Ward's Canyon. Step back in time as you're passing through the King ferns and slender tree ferns in this naturally cool spot. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 305 m (at the intersection of Ward's Canyon Walk & Big Bend Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 480 m cross the ford. After another 40 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the historic Art Gallery, where Aboriginals of the time engraved and painted 2000+ pieces of art. Especially the ochre stencils here are amongst the best in Australia. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 225 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Art Gallery Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 65 m cross the ford. After another 60 m cross the ford. After another 205 m cross the ford. After another 550 m cross the ford. After another 550 m cross the ford. After another 60 m cross the ford. After another 205 m cross the ford. After another 610 m cross the ford. After another 255 m cross the ford. After another 230 m cross the ford. After another 240 m cross the ford. After another 180 m cross the ford. After another 290 m cross the ford. After another 260 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Cathedral Cave. Eroded by wind and rain, this cave was used as shelter by the Aboriginals for thousands of years. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 40 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Cathedral Cave Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 95 m cross the ford.
	After another 9 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Boowinda Gorge) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 25 m cross the ford. After another 320 m cross the ford.
	After another 75 m come to "Big Bend walkers' camp". W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite. About 75 m past the end is a toilet. The end.

This optional side trip takes you to the Moss Garden, a place that has an incredibly peaceful and stunning scenery, along with a little waterfall to add to the serenity.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Moss Garden Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Moss Garden Walk (a walking track). After 135 m cross the ford. After another 55 m cross the ford. After another 310 m cross the ford.
	After another 125 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 630 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the Amphitheatre. 60 metres deep, this acoustic rock formation presents a unique audible experience.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Amphitheatre Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Amphitheatre Walk (a walking track). After another 10 m continue straight, to head along Amphitheatre Walk. Keep left. After another 10 m cross the ford. After another 60 m cross the ford. After another 60 m cross the ford. After another 15 m find the "tiered ladder" (on your left). tiered ladder
	After another 195 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 350 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the historic Art Gallery, where Aboriginals of the time engraved and painted 2000+ pieces of art. Especially the ochre stencils here are amongst the best in Australia.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Art Gallery Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Art Gallery Walk (a walking track).
	After another 335 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 335 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the Cathedral Cave. Eroded by wind and rain, this cave was used as shelter by the Aboriginals for thousands of years.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Cathedral Cave Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Cathedral Cave Walk (a walking track).
	After another 40 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the Ward's Canyon. Step back in time as you're passing through the King ferns and slender tree ferns in this naturally cool spot.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Ward's Canyon Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Ward's Canyon Walk (a walking track).
	After another 265 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 265 m to the main route.

Big Bend to Gadd's 5 h 30 min to 7 h 14 km

Getting Started
From Big Bend walkers’ camp (in Carnarvon Gorge), head downstream along Carnarvon Creek via the Big Bend Walk track. After about 430 metres, turn right and head into the Boowinda Gorge to continue along Big Bend walkers’ camp to Gadd's walkers’ camp Track.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Big Bend Walk. There is a toilet (about 75 m back from the start). Big Bend walkers' camp (about 20 m back from the start). W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite. After 85 m cross the ford. After another 290 m cross the ford.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Boowinda Gorge & Carnarvon Great Walk) turn right, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk (a highway\|).
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Boowinda Gorge & Carnarvon Great Walk) continue straight, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk. After another 2.2 km head up the metal steps (about 7 m long)
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Battleship Spur where you can view the Carnarvon Gorge in all its glory. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 670 m veer left, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk.
	After another 9.5 km come to "Gadd's walkers' camp". W:parks.des.qld.gov.au About 45 m past the end is a toilet. The end.

This little side trip takes you to the Battleship Spur where you can view the Carnarvon Gorge in all its glory.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 255 m pass the "Battleship Spur" (10 m on your left).
	After another 40 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 295 m to the main route.

Gadd’s to West Branch 5 h to 6 h 30 min 16.7 km

Getting Started
From Gadd’s walkers’ camp, head northwest along the singular dirt track, keeping the creek to your left. About 200 metres later, make a perpendicular right turn to continue along Gadd’s to West Branch Track.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is a toilet (about 45 m back from the start). Find the Gadd's walkers' camp at the start. W:parks.des.qld.gov.au
	After another 185 m turn right. After another 2.1 km cross the ford.
	After another 5.1 km turn left.
	After another 8 km continue straight.
	After another 1 km continue straight. After another 20 m cross the ford. After another 65 m come to the "West Branch walkers' camp" (6 m on your left). W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite.
	After another 60 m veer left. After another 140 m come to a toilet. About 55 m past the end is "West Branch camping area". W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite.
	The end.

West Branch to Consuelo 5 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min 16.1 km

Getting Started
From West Branch campsite, head north along the dirt track as you keep the creek to your right. After about 135 metres veer right and cross the creek, then make a perpendicular left turn at the 3-way intersection to continue along West Branch to Consuelo Track.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. West Branch camping area (about 60 m back from the start). W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite. There is a toilet (about 40 m back from the start).
	After another 175 m veer right. After another 125 m cross the ford.
	After another 15 m turn left. After another 780 m veer left.
	After another 8.3 km continue straight, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk.
	After another 680 m veer left, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk.
	After another 6 km come to "Consuelo camping zone". W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite. The end.

Consuelo to Cabbage Tree 3 h to 4 h 30 min 13.6 km

Getting Started
From Consuelo campground, head south along the singular dirt track, then stay on the said track as it veers left and starts heading northwest to continue along Consuelo to Cabbage Tree Track. Keep an eye out for the orange markers along the way.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Carnarvon Great Walk. Consuelo camping zone. W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite.
	After another 13.6 km come to "Cabbage Tree camping zone". W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite. The end.

Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge 5 h to 6 h 30 min 14.5 km

Getting Started
From Cabbage Tree campground, head east along the Carnarvon Great Walk Track, then stay on-track as it veers left. Cross the creek (bed) as you’re heading south to continue along Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge Track.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Carnarvon Great Walk. Find the Cabbage Tree camping zone at the start. W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Boolimba Bluff Lookout(s) where you can get exceptional southerly views over the gorge. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 12 km (at the intersection of Boolimba Bluff Walk & Carnarvon Great Walk) turn right, to head along Boolimba Bluff Walk. After another 135 m head down the steps (about 315 m long)
	After another 890 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Boolimba Bluff Walk) turn left, to head along Big Bend Walk.
	After another 1 km (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Nature Trail) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk. After another 15 m cross the stepping stones (about 30 m long) Then cross the ford. After another 75 m come to a pay phone. About 75 m past the end is a toilet.
	The end.

This optional side trip takes you to the Boolimba Bluff Lookout(s) where you can get exceptional southerly views over the gorge.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Boolimba Bluff Walk & Carnarvon Great Walk Start heading along Boolimba Bluff Walk (a walking track). After 730 m come to the "Boolimba Bluff" (15 m on your right). Continue straight, to head along Boolimba Bluff Walk. After another 70 m come to "Boolimba Bluff".
	Continue another 0 m to find Boolimba Bluff at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 770 m to the main route.

Start	(-25.0602838,148.2354231)
Mode	Car
Finish	(-25.0602838,148.2354231)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	84.3 km
Time	4 days to 6 days

Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient	Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage	No directional signs (5/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Forecasted & unexpected severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-76 m	[toilet]
Toilet	2.9 km	[toilet]
Camp site	9.5 km	Big Bend walkers' camp
Toilet	9.5 km	[toilet]
Toilet	23.5 km	[toilet]
Camp site	23.5 km	Gadd's walkers' camp
Camp site	40 km	West Branch walkers' camp
Toilet	40.2 km	[toilet]
Camp site	40.2 km	West Branch camping area
Camp site	56.5 km	Consuelo camping zone
Camp site	70 km	Cabbage Tree camping zone

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