Gudda Gumoo lookout and gorge walks, Blackdown Tableland National Park

Gudda Gumoo lookout and Gudda Gumoo gorge track are in Blackdown Tableland National Park.

Rising abruptly above the surrounding dry plains, Blackdown Tableland protects spectacular sandstone scenery with deep gorges, springs and waterfalls. It lies at the north-east edge of the central Queensland sandstone belt.

This is the traditional home of the Ghungalu people, who have visited Blackdown Tableland for thousands of years. The park’s cultural sites are vivid and visual reminders of their continued connection to this country. Cultural sites and places of special significance are irreplaceable and easily damaged. Look and learn, but please do not enter or touch. The Gudda Gumoo area is of deep cultural significance to the Ghungalu people. Do not venture to or enter other waterholes in the area. Please respect this special place and Ghungalu culture by staying on signed designated walking track.

On the 3.6-kilometre (1.5 hour) return walk to the Gudda Gummoo lookout, walk through stringybarks and spiky grasstrees. At the lookout, gaze across the gorge to distant plains and hills and learn about the significance of Moonda Gudda to the Ghungalu people. Retrace your steps or, alternatively, continue onto the gorge walk. Remember, keep well back from the edge of the cliff on this walk.

To complete the gorge walk, continue another 400 metres, a 240-stair descent, down into Gudda Gumoo gorge. Here, damp fern fronds glisten and colourful birds come to cool off. Sit and enjoy the tranquil rock pool at the base of the falls. You may catch a glimpse of a rainbow in the water flowing over the red-stained sandstone ledges. Beware! Nature hazards such as pea gravel and unfenced cliff edges occur along this walk.

Moderate fitness is required for the lookout walk, which involves short, steep slopes, some stairs and loose surfaces. A higher level of fitness is required to complete the more difficult gorge walk, which has loose surfaces and 240 stairs leading to the base of the waterfall. Allow 1.5 hours for the lookout return walk (or 2 hours for the gorge return walk).