Complete Guide to Carnarvon Gorge with Kids
We had an amazing time at Carnarvon Gorge with our two daughters who were 3 and 4 years old when we visited.
We were skeptical at first because we already knew that Carnarvon Gorge is focused on bush walks. We knew our 4 year old was not a fan of long bush walks and our 3 year old was simply to little to attempt most of the walks. Or so we thought! Carnarvon Gorge really blew us away not only with the spectacular scenery and wildlife, but also what this sacred country brought out in our girls and enabled them to achieve!
Is Carnarvon Gorge Good for Kids?
Carnarvon Gorge is an excellent destination kids of all ages. It’s like a giant adventure playground with stepping stone creek crossings, boulders to scramble, narrow gorge spaces to explore and heaps of wildlife to spot. Young kids under five can achieve many of the walks and there are more challenging hikes for the older ones.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family adventure, Carnarvon Gorge is the perfect destination. Nestled in the heart of Queensland, this stunning natural wonder offers a fantastic mix of breathtaking scenery, exciting hikes, and educational experiences that kids and parents alike will love.
Thinking about taking the kids to Carnarvon Gorge? This guide is just what you need! I’ll walk you through all the different trails and how we navigated them, plus provide a family-friendly itinerary. You’ll also find tips on getting to Carnarvon Gorge, the best times to visit, accommodation options, and what essentials to pack.
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan an amazing family adventure to Carnarvon Gorge.
How to get to Carnarvon Gorge
The easiest way to get to Carnarvon Gorge is to drive as it is a farily remote location in central Queensland. The closest town is Rolleston (about 100km away) and the nearest town with a supermarket would be Roma to the South (243 kms) and Emerald to the north (241km). From Brisbane it is 722km or an 8-9 hour drive.
Carnarvon Gorge Walks Summary
Carnarvon Gorge offers a variety of activities, with the hiking trails being the star attractions. Don’t be deterred if you have young kids or if bushwalking isn’t their favorite activity. The adventurous feel of this place really brought out a side of our kids we hadn’t seen much of before.
You’ll be surprised by how many parents navigate the tracks with little ones in tow, either carrying them or using child hiking carriers. While we did carry our 3 year old for a bit on our biggest walk (15km) she did most of it on her own two legs!
The beauty of most Carnarvon Gorge trails is that they are generally flat and not too difficult, though they can be long. There are a few steep sections on the side tracks, but for the most part, the trails are manageable. Unlike some hikes that are all uphill one way and downhill the other, these are more balanced with a flowing feel.
If you’re wondering if it’s a suitable destination for your family, you might find detailed, family-oriented information hard to come by. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you understand which trails we found to be kid-friendly.
The key thing to know is that there is one main trail through the gorge, with several smaller trails branching off from it. Additionally, there are a few other shorter trails that are not connected to the main trail.
Our 4 Days at Carnarvon Gorge
Main Gorge Walking Track
The main gorge walking track starts at the Carnarvon Visitor Centre and ends at Big Bend, stretching 9.7 km one way, making it a 19.4 km round trip. With a 3 and 4 year old, we did not go past the Art Gallery which is around 10km return.
The walk is truly spectacular, with our kids enjoying the journey through the gorge, hopping over creek crossings and marveling at the unique rock formations. Towering cliffs of white sandstone guide your way, with the soft sounds of the creek accompanying you.
The track is mostly flat, but you’ll encounter numerous creek crossings that require rock hopping. If there has been some rain recently the crossings can get a bit tricky.
Hot tip from the ranger :
“Walk to the furthest attraction you want and then see the sights on the way back”
Next, I’ll run through the various side tracks branching off the main gorge walking track. Continue to the itinerary section for our recommendations on how to best navigate the main gorge walk and its side tracks.
Carnarvon Gorge - Moss Garden
One of the first attractions on the main gorge track is the Moss Garden, around 3.5km from the visitor center. One of the highlights of the Moss Garden walk is the variety of flora and fauna you’ll encounter. Keep an eye out for native bird species, like the colorful kingfisher, and the occasional wallaby. The track itself is relatively easy, with a few gentle inclines, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll pass by ancient cycads, ferns, and other native plants that thrive in this sheltered environment.
As you approach the Moss Garden, the landscape becomes even more lush and verdant. The final section of the walk involves a short ascent up stone steps, leading to a viewing platform that overlooks the garden. Here, water trickles down the moss-covered walls, creating a serene and almost mystical atmosphere. The constant water supply supports a vibrant display of green mosses, liverworts, and ferns, making it a refreshing spot to rest and take in the beauty around you.
The Moss Garden is a peaceful, almost otherworldly side track within Carnarvon Gorge, offering a unique glimpse into the rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty of this country.
Carnarvon Gorge - The Amphitheater
The Amphitheatre at Carnarvon Gorge is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Queensland, offering visitors a glimpse into a hidden world that feels almost otherworldly. This stunning geological formation is a must-visit for anyone exploring the gorge, combining the thrill of adventure with the serenity of a natural cathedral.
The walk to the Amphitheatre begins along the main Carnarvon Gorge track, a journey that itself is rich with scenic beauty. The trail winds through dense forests, crosses clear-running creeks, and passes beneath towering sandstone cliffs. Keep an eye out for the vibrant birdlife, wallabies, and even the occasional echidna as you hike.
About 4.3 kilometers into the walk, you’ll reach the turn-off to the Amphitheatre. A short, well-marked side track leads you deeper into the gorge, where the landscape begins to change. The towering walls of the gorge narrow as you approach, creating a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. After a few minutes, you’ll find yourself at the base of a towering cliff face with a narrow opening—your gateway to the Amphitheatre.
The entry to the Amphitheatre is via a metal ladder and staircase that climbs steeply up the rock face. This is a bit of an adventure, as you ascend into the heart of the rock formation. The climb, while short, adds a thrilling element to the experience and is manageable for most visitors, though those with a fear of heights might find it challenging.
Once you’ve made the climb, you’ll step through a narrow crevice into the Amphitheatre itself, and the view that greets you is nothing short of breathtaking. Enclosed by sheer sandstone walls that rise 60 meters into the sky, the Amphitheatre is a natural chamber that feels like a hidden sanctuary. The walls are smooth and almost perfectly vertical, forming an open-roofed cavern that is both intimate and grand at the same time.
The acoustics inside the Amphitheatre are remarkable, amplifying even the slightest sounds and creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. It’s easy to see why this place is often described as a natural cathedral—there’s a sense of reverence and peace that fills the space. The floor of the Amphitheatre is flat and sandy, with patches of greenery adding to the serene environment. Light filters in from above, casting a soft glow on the walls and enhancing the sense of being in a sacred space.
Spending time in the Amphitheatre is a beautiful experience. Many visitors find themselves simply standing in silence, taking in the grandeur and tranquility of the place. It’s a perfect spot for quiet reflection, photography, or simply soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
The Amphitheatre is more than just a geological formation; it’s a place that evokes a deep emotional response, leaving visitors with a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. As you make your way back down the ladder and retrace your steps to the main track, the memory of this hidden gem will stay with you, a highlight of our time in Carnarvon Gorge.
For anyone visiting Carnarvon Gorge, the Amphitheatre is an absolute must-see.
Carnarvon Gorge - The Art Gallery
It’s only 600m off the main gorge tract to see the Art Gallery. As you approach, the atmosphere shifts, with the towering cliffs closing in to the rock overhang. The Art Gallery itself is a 62-meter-long sandstone wall adorned with over 2,000 individual engravings, stencils, and freehand paintings, making it one of the most significant rock art sites in Australia.
The artworks, created by the Bidjara and Karingbal peoples over thousands of years, tell stories of the Dreamtime and offer insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of the region’s Indigenous inhabitants. Hand stencils, boomerang and net stencils, and intricate engravings of symbols such as the Rainbow Serpent and emu tracks cover the rock face, each element rich with meaning.
Interpretive signs along the boardwalk provide context for the artwork, explaining the significance of the symbols and the techniques used to create them. The boardwalk itself is thoughtfully designed to protect the art while allowing visitors to appreciate it up close.
Visiting the Art Gallery is not just a walk through nature but a journey through time, offering a profound connection to the ancient history and cultural heritage of Carnarvon Gorge.