Everything you need to know about Carnarvon Gorge for families

How to get there | When to visit | Things to do | Where to stay

With creeks to rock-hop across, boulders to climb, wildlife to spot and over 2000 examples of Aboriginal rock art, Carnarvon Gorge is a natural playground for kids. Sure, a trip to Carnarvon Gorge involves a lot of hiking, but the hikes are like no other, and there is certainly no time for the kids to complain of boredom. 

If you’d like to plan an adventure the kids will be excited about, this Carnarvon Gorge guide for families covers everything you need to know.

Why take the kids to Carnarvon Gorge

For some families, a trip to Carnarvon Gorge can be daunting. However, be assured that with every step and around every bend, there's something new that will excite the entire family.

While carefully navigating across the creeks, the kids will constantly be using problem solving skills and working with others to safely cross. All the while, excitedly pointing out something new they’ve spotted.

Then there's the spectacular landscape. One minute you’ll be climbing ladders into gigantic rock formations, the next you’ll be wandering through narrow moss covered gorges with small waterfalls at every turn. And the kids will be captivated by the Indigenous rock art, learning about the ancient form of storytelling.

There is also the chance to spot native wildlife, with Carnarvon National Park being home to numerous birds, mammals, frogs and reptiles. You’ll likely see a few kangaroos and wallabies bounding around the place – maybe even see a few little babies in the mothers’ pouches. Then in the creeks and rock pools, you’ll see turtles and platypus, if you’re patient.

Getting there

Carnarvon Gorge is part of Carnarvon National Park, a remote natural paradise in Queensland Country. Approximately 740km northwest of Brisbane and 450 km south of Rockhampton, you’ll need a vehicle to get here. 

Coming from further afield? You can fly from Brisbane to Roma, Emerald or Rockhampton, hire a car from the airport and then drive on to Carnarvon; Emerald being the closest town at just a three-hour drive from Carnarvon Gorge.

Those coming from Brisbane may like to break up the trip with a night in Roma - and there's plenty to do here, too. The drive straight through will take around eight hours. Just be sure to avoid driving at dawn or dusk when the wildlife is most active.

The last stops for fuel before coming off the Carnarvon Highway into Carnarvon are Injune (in the south) and Rolleston (in the north). It’s an easy drive, with sealed roads all the way, except for the last 500 metres– but it’s still accessible by all vehicles. 

When to go

The best time to visit Carnarvon Gorge is between April and September. This is when the weather is best for long days of hiking, with cooler temperatures and generally less rainfall. 

During the winter months (June - August), the nights tend to be quite cold so be sure to bring appropriate clothing. The summer months are hot and humid, and there's more chance of rain. While the national park is open during summer, many local accommodation providers are closed. 

To see Carnarvon Gorge at its absolute best, come in April. During this time, the gorge is lush and green, and the creeks are full. However, this is also the busiest time, so ensure you book your accommodation well in advance, particularly if coming during school holidays. 

Things to do in Carnarvon Gorge

The very best thing to do in Carnarvon Gorge is to explore on foot. But with so many different hiking tracks, no two days will ever be the same.

The most popular walk is the Main Gorge Walking Track (9.7 km one way), which passes by the most famous sights in the national park. Plan one day where you do as much of the Main Gorge Walking Track as your kids can handle, including the smaller tracks that come off it. Most families aim to walk as far as the Art Gallery (around 5 km from the start of the track), then return doing all the shorter walks as they go, except for the Boolimba Bluff (this is a steep track and at 6.4 km, is best done separately).

On other days, you can combine some of the shorter walks together – with perhaps a walk in the morning, a walk in the afternoon and a rest in the middle of the day. For example, do the Natural Trail (around 1.5 km return) and the Rock Pools (600m return from the car park) in the morning, and Mickey Creek Gorge (3 km return) in the afternoon.

If you have a three or four day stay, you’ll be able to complete most of the hikes. 

Want to learn local knowledge and stories as you go? Carnarvon Gorge Eco Tours offers a range of guided walks within the gorge - as well as night safaris where you’ll have the chance of seeing the nocturnal wildlife.

Where to stay in (or near) Carnarvon Gorge

Several accommodation options offer great stays for families, with something for every travel style. Accommodation tends to book out in advance so plan ahead.

• Camping in Carnarvon National Park: Camp within the national park at the visitor centre area, open during Queensland school holidays (Easter, June-July, and September-October).  Year-round camping is available at Big Bend (accessible via a 19.4km return walk along Main Gorge Walking Track) - perfect for adventurous families who can backpack with all necessary gear.
• BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks: Nestled on 100 acres within Carnarvon National Park, BIG4 Breeze offers camping, cabins and caravan sites. Families will appreciate the camp kitchen, communal fire pits, bush bar, lawn games and convenience store - ideal for a comfortable nature getaway.
• Sandstone Park: Just five minutes from the national park entrance, Sandstone Park offers spacious unpowered sites with stunning 360° views. It's the only pet-friendly option in the area, with kennels available for hire during your daily adventures. Open 31 March - 6 October 2025. 
• Wallaroo Outback Retreat: About an hour's drive from the park entrance, this atmospheric lodge on a 72,000 acre cattle property is home to ten fabulous glamping tents, and a fully equipped onsite kitchen that makes meal prep fuss-free. What makes this such a unique stay is the amount of off-the-beaten-track beauty to appreciate right here, before you even explore Carnarvon National Park. Be sure to sign up for a day tour around the propery, exploring Aboriginal cultural sites, sandstone formations, and hidden gorges with expert ecologists. 

Tip for families: ensure your eskies are full when heading to Carnarvon Gorge, as you'll be relying on self-catering and there are not many spots to buy snacks or groceries.