Name: Best trails in Carnarvon National Park
Address: Queensland, Australia
Rating: 4.6

Best trails in Carnarvon National Park

4.6(1,957 reviews)

Australia
:
#99 of 637 national parks

The Carnarvon National Park is located in the Maranoa Region of Central Queensland. Its landscape is made of tall sandstone cliffs, gorges, sandy valleys, basalt capped tablelands and bush forests that are home to a variety of fauna and flora. 210 bird species and about 60 species of mammals make the park their home, as Carnarvon Gorge inside the Carnarvon National Park is a place of great Indigenous significance to the Bidgera people. The Dreamtime stories say that it was Mundagurra, the rainbow serpent, who carved the gorge as he travelled the creek system. The area is ideal for, bushwalking, trail running and backpacking.

Top trails

#1 - Boolimba Bluff Walk

A solid trail through the Carnarvon National Park, located in central south eastern Queensland. This out and back route begins and ends from the parking area at the end of Obriens Road - near the Carnarvon National Park Campground. Begin by crossing over the Carnarvon Creek and follow the Boolimba Bluff Walk all the way to the Boolimba Bluff Lookout point and back again. The trail features some challenging steep sections but the view at the end makes it totally worthwhile!

A beautiful trail through Carnarvon National Park in the Maranoa Region of Central Queensland. This out and back route begins from the parking area at the trailhead on Obriens Road. You'll eventually reach a fork, where you have the option to extend this route by taking the fork to the right and go all the way to the gorge, past where the formed track ends - it's amazing there!

#3 - Moss Garden Walk

This hike gives visitors to Carnarvon National Park the simplest glimpse into the beauty and wonders of the natural area. The walking trail that follows Carnarvon Creek to access the Moss Garden can also be walked further up creek to visit other notable features of the park like The Amphitheatre, Wards Canyon, and the Art Gallery. The environment is lush and full of life as you walk through remnant rainforest in the spectacular sandstone gorges of the creek.

#4 - Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk

4.6(100)

•Hard

•17.2 mi

Nestled inside Carnarvon National Park of the Maranoa Region of Central Queensland, this trail follows the Carnarvon Creek to Battleship Spur via Boowinda Gorge along the Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk trails. The landscape comprises tall sandstone cliffs, deep gorges and bush forests home to various fauna and flora and incredible Indigenous rock art. The gorge is an area of Indigenous significance and should be walked respectfully. Several short out-and-back detours can be taken to...

#5 - Carnarvon Gorge Nature Walk

A lovely family friendly circuit looping around Carnarvon Creek passing by the Platypus viewing platform that is great to visit around dusk and dawn when your chances of spotting this unique and incredibly special monotremes are highest. This is a great walk to take the kids on with little to climbs found along the way and a nice short length with plenty to keep them interested.

#6 - Rock Pool Picnic Area to Rock Pool

Cool off in a beautiful natural swimming hole on this easy walk in Carnarvon Gorge. The short track leads you to the Rock Pool, the only spot in the gorge where swimming is allowed. It’s a top spot for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring the longer walks. Towering gum trees surround the area and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the sounds of the bush.

#7 - Nature Trail to Rock Pool

A surprisingly lovely walk through the Carnavon National Park, located in the central highlands of Queensland, Australia. The loop trail begins and ends from the Carnavon National Park Campground. The trail features most of the marked Nature Trail and then connecting to the Rock Pool Walk before returning along the road. Would be better as an out and back along the trail rather than the road loop. Don't forget your swimmers!

#8 - Rock Pool Walk from Carnarvon Gorge Camping Area

This is the perfect walk for a hot day in Carnarvon Gorge, leading you to the only designated swimming spot in the park. It's a relatively easy journey from the campsite to the Rock Pool, a beautiful spot carved out of Carnarvon Creek. Relax in the shade of the fig and casuarina trees and keep an eye out for platypus and turtles in the cool, clear water.

#9 - Mount Moffat Loop

This trail explores a section of the beautiful Carnarvon National Park, home to gorges, canyons, and ancient aboriginal cave paintings, in central Queensland. The route commences from Carnarvon Park North Road, If you cross the road in the other direction from the trailhead you can visit the spectacular Cathedral Rock.

#10 - Carnarvon Great Walk: Day 1 Visitors Centre to Big Bend Camp Site [CLOSED]

Permits are needed to access the park and the campsites. You are advised to plan and book at least six weeks in advance. See the following link: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/camping/bookings From the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, the Great Walk heads along the main Carnarvon Gorge track, following the winding course of Carnarvon Creek up the ever-narrowing gorge. The main walking track is mostly flat, although side branches involve steeper sections. Surrounded by towering cliffs of...

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Trail reviews for Carnarvon National Park

2,046 trailgoers Busiest in July

melita collins

Sep 4, 2025

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

Favourite trail at Carnarvon

Boolimba Bluff Walk

Regina Baker

Aug 1, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Moss Garden Walk – Carnarvon Gorge Today I ventured along the 7 km return track to the beautiful Moss Garden in Carnarvon Gorge. The walk was easy and peaceful, with a cool and refreshing temperature of 13°C – perfect for a day of exploring nature. As I continued through the track and entered the shaded sanctuary of Violet Gorge, the temperature dropped to a crisp 10°C, adding to the serene atmosphere. Inside the gorge, I was greeted by towering sandstone walls, glistening with fresh water trickling down from hidden cracks above. The sandstone was blanketed in soft, lush green moss, creating a living tapestry of texture and life. At the heart of the Moss Garden lies a stunning waterfall that flows gracefully from a rockpool perched above, its gentle cascade adding a soothing rhythm to the surroundings. A beautifully constructed boardwalk leads up to the viewing area, complete with steps, handrails, and benches that invite you to pause and take it all in. I sat quietly in this magical place, embraced by the peace and tranquility of the natural world around me. It was a moment of spiritual connection – listening to the delicate sound of dripping water, birdsong in the distance, and the stillness that only places like this can offer. The Moss Garden is truly a hidden gem, a cool, green oasis that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

Conditions: Bugs, Pollen, Poisonous plants, Wildflowers, Dry ground, Well maintained

Moss Garden Walk

Regina Baker

Jul 30, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Trail Name: Mickey Creek Gorge & Warrumbah Creek Gorge Location: Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland, Australia Distance: 7 km return Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trail Type: Out & Back Estimated Time: 2.5–3 hours Elevation Gain: Minimal, with some uneven creek beds ⸻ Trail Overview Tucked deep within Queensland’s breathtaking Carnarvon Gorge, the walk into Mickey Creek Gorge and Warrumbah Creek Gorge is an unforgettable journey through ancient landscapes, towering cliffs, and tranquil forest-lined creeks. This 7 km return walk begins easily along a well-formed track that meanders gently through open forest. Early on, you’ll cross a few stony creek beds—mostly shallow and manageable, though footing can be uneven. As you enter Mickey Creek Gorge, the trail gradually transforms from a simple stroll into a more adventurous, immersive experience. Beyond the maintained path, the real magic begins. The gorge narrows as you follow the creek between massive sandstone cliffs, where time and water have carved a breathtaking passageway. The further you go, the more the noise of the world falls away—replaced by the hush of flowing water and the echo of your own footsteps. Mosses and ferns cling to the cool sandstone walls where shafts of sunlight filter down from high above, creating an ethereal atmosphere. It’s here, in these quiet, shaded spaces, that we felt most at peace—enveloped by the ancient stillness of the land. Warrumbah Creek Gorge offers a more adventurous offshoot. With no formed path, you’ll be boulder-hopping and squeezing through narrow passageways. While not technically difficult, it does require sure footing and a sense of curiosity. It’s well worth the extra effort for those wanting to explore deeper into this dramatic terrain. ⸻ Highlights • Narrow gorges with dramatic cliff walls • Moss- and fern-covered rock formations • Shaded, peaceful walking environment • Unique creek crossings and natural acoustics • Wildlife sightings possible (including birds and lizards) ⸻ Tips for Hikers • Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, especially beyond the main track • Creek crossings may be slippery after rain—take care • Carry plenty of water and snacks • Best explored during cooler parts of the day • Phone signal may be limited—let someone know your plans ⸻ Final Thoughts The Mickey and Warrumbah Creek Gorges walk is more than just a hike—it’s a peaceful, almost spiritual experience through some of Carnarvon Gorge’s lesser-traveled corners. Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection to the landscape, this walk offers beauty, solitude, and a sense of ancient wonder at every step.

Difficulty: Moderate

Mickey's Creek

Regina Baker

Jul 28, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

I had the most peaceful and soul-nourishing walk today in Carnarvon Gorge. It’s a 22 km return track to Big Bend, and the weather was perfect — a cool 17°C most of the way, then dropping to 12°C inside the gorge. I did the Moss Garden yesterday so I never did that today, however the others were spectacular. The track is well marked with steps in place along steep sections, stoney creek crossings and some bridges, lovely boardwalks with steps and seating, so I took time to sit, reflect, and just listen… the sound of water, the stillness of nature — it felt deeply grounding and spiritual. A truly special place I won’t forget.

Parking: Free, Large lot

Carnarvon Great Walk: Day 1 Visitors Centre to Big Bend Camp Site [CLOSED]

Matt Gregory

Apr 11, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

From the Carnarvon NP Visitor centre we planned a long day walk to Battleship Spur. 32 km round trip with some side trips. Its quite easy walking up to Cathedral Cave. After that take the river bed walk to the turn off to Boowinda Gorge.Battleship Spur track leads off from here. The goat track was challenging. It gets steep, track is overgrown and you are up to your hips with long grass. The view from BS is good but you are not close to the canyon in the distance.

Difficulty: Hard

Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk

Maree Brennan

Aug 4, 2024•Hiking

Great conditions

“HIKE WITH MAREE” GUIDES HIKERS AROUND THE CARNARVON GREAT WALK EACH MAY AND AUGUST, Taking 8 hikers per hike. So much fun, secure safe way to do this hike.

Difficulty: Hard

Carnarvon Great Walk: Full Trail [CLOSED]

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Carnarvon National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Carnarvon National Park is Boolimba Bluff Walk, which has a 4.8 star rating from 292 reviews. This trail is 4.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,003 ft.

What is the longest trail in Carnarvon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Carnarvon National Park is Carnarvon Great Walk: Full Trail [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 53.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Carnarvon National Park?

There are 17 trails in Carnarvon National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 1,957 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Carnarvon National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Carnarvon National Park has you covered. Carnarvon Great Walk: Full Trail [CLOSED] boasts the most elevation gain with 8,471 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk, which will get you 3,300 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Carnarvon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 camping trails in Carnarvon National Park and the most popular is Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk with an average 4.6 star rating from 100 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Carnarvon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Carnarvon National Park and the most popular is Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk with an average 4.6 star rating from 100 community reviews.