Tour Summary
Embark on a journey through time as we explore the magnificent Carnarvon Gorge, an ancient wonderland surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs that have stood the test of time for over 200 million years. Our walk will take us through the breathtaking landscape of the gorge, as we explore the winding paths and side-gorges that make this destination a must-see for any traveler.
As we traverse this stunning landscape, we'll uncover the fascinating stories behind the formation of the gorge and the ancient forces that shaped its awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs. Our team of passionate guides will bring these stories to life, transporting you back in time and immersing you in the rich history and culture of this remarkable area.
The Carnarvon Gorge is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna that has survived for millions of years, making it a true oasis in the heart of Australia. With its crystal-clear springs and dense rainforests, the gorge offers a glimpse into a world that once existed long before human civilisation.
So why not take a step back in time and join us on a journey through this ancient wonderland? With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, the Carnarvon Gorge is a destination that you won't want to miss.
8:00am - Meet at the Carnarvon Gorge Visitors Centre
We will begin our day with a meet and greet, then a short overview of the Carnarvon Gorge and how this magnificent landscape has formed over time.
8:20am - Begin our Walk to the Moss Gardens
We start our journey up the Carnarvon Gorge with the first creek crossing of the day. Passing by ancient cycads, we will delve into the stories of these pre-historic plants that are unique to the Carnarvon Ranges.
9 - 9:30am - Moss Gardens
We then meander our way into the Moss Gardens to enjoy a morning tea (BYO) while viewing the waterfall and wall of moss and ferns.
10 - 11am - Walk to Art Gallery
As we rock hop a few more creek crossings, we begin our short ascent to the Art Gallery. This is an incredibly special place that has been a place of ceremony and much more, for many thousands of years. The Art Gallery boasts some of the world’s most significant stencil rock art, and our guides will delve into some of the scientific and cultural meanings behind this special place developed by the local Bidjara and Karingbal peoples.
11:30am - 12:30pm - Make our way to Ward's Canyon
We then begin our journey back down the track to the Ward's Canyon. This 'side-gorge' hosts the largest species of fern in the world, the King Fern (Angiopterus evicta). The Ward's Canyon is a perfect spot to stop for lunch (BYO) and enjoy a break listening to the ever-flowing water in the shaded canyon.
1 - 2pm - Amphitheatre
The Amphitheatre is a real highlight of the Carnarvon Gorge experience. After a short climb up a series of stair-ladders, we then make our way through a narrow canyon where it opens up into a stunning oasis surrounded by 60m tall ancient sandstone walls. Your expert guide will delve into the stories that the layers in the sandstone tell us about what was happening many millions of years ago.
2 - 4pm - Walk Back to Visitors Centre
We will then make our way back to the Visitors Centre for conclusion of the tour.
Tour Details
Prices:
Per Person - $75
Duration:
Approx. 8 Hours
Distance:
Walking - Approx. 14km
Whats Involved:
This tour is a scenic walk visiting the main sites of the Lower Section of Carnarvon Gorge. These include the Art Gallery, Ward's Canyon, Amphitheatre, and Moss Garden. You guide will give you insight into the unique flora and fauna that call the Carnarvons their home.
Meeting Point:
Carnarvon Gorge Visitors Center - Located at the end of the road into the Carnarvon Gorge Section of Carnarvon National Park.
Difficulty:
This tour involves about 14 creek crossings that require rock-hopping. Therefore, it requires hikers to have good balance to walk the track. The terrain is generally flat, with some stairs involved in accessing the 'side-gorges'.
No need to be an experienced bushwalker! We will tailor the tour to your pace.
Tour Highlights
Amphitheatre
Discover a secret oasis. Hidden inside the gorge walls is a 60m deep chamber gouged from the rock by running water. This is a place for quiet contemplation - the towering stone walls and natural skylight create an awe-inspiring atmosphere within.
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Art Gallery
Nurture your spirit gazing at over 2000 engravings, ochre stencils and free-hand paintings adorning the 62m long sandstone walls of this significant Aboriginal site. The Art Gallery contains some of the best examples of stencil art in Australia.
Moss Garden
Beneath tree ferns straining for sunlight, a small waterfall tumbles over a rock ledge into a pool of reflections. Here water dripping constantly from the sandstone sustains a lush, green carpet of mosses, ferns, and liverworts.
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Photo: Tourism & Events Queensland
Ward's Canyon
Be enticed into a cool and inviting Wards Canyon to visit an ecological refuge sheltering the world's largest fern, the King Fern (Angiopterus evicta). These impressive green 'dinosaurs' have strong links with the ancient flora of the distant past.
Availability
CONTACT US
Let us know if you have any special requests. We are highly flexible with our tours and will do our best to tailor the experience to your required needs. Please send us an email and we will be in touch shortly.
Email: info@cqnaturetours.com.au
Phone: 07 49843312
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