Werner replied:

Hi Brian, we travelled to Carnarvon Gorge in July 1996. From memory the roads were quite reasonable as far as Qld unsealed roads go. We had to book in advance to camp. After rain the access road can become impassable to all vehicles if the river is carrying lots of water. We didn't worry about a campfire so I can't help you on that one. The walk up the Gorge is one of the best 3 walks I have done in Australia. Took about 10 hours with plenty of stops for videoing/photos etc. Mainly flat with a number of side excursions. Hope this is of help. Enjoy your trip.

Andrew replied:

Brian, we went there a year ago, only about 40 km or so of graded dirt, so problem what so ever.
The Nat park campsite did close and has now re-opened, but smaller, only about 30 sites, and NO fires allowed anymore, so forget the wood..
There is still the private run camp/van places at the park perimetre..but we prefer the closeness of the Nat park camp ground.
It is virtually mandatory that you pre-book with the park management, to ensure a site, and max 5 days allowed there.
Worst thing was the vandalism of some areas.. graffetti etc..and bloody smokers cigarette butts along the trails, why can't they take them back with them..like pulling up beside a traffic island..yuk!!

Darren replied:

Brian

I was there last week. Great spot. The National Park camping ground shuts this Friday 17 May unfortunately. The minister is to decide if it will reopen - maybe not. There is 22 km of gravel road (the last part). Not a problem with 2wd car. We had falcon s/wagon and trailer. Road is not fantastic but is fine (bit corrugated). No fires allowed now at the campingground (when it was open)

Places to stay are Takarakka and Oasis Wilderness Lodge. Dont know what theya re like but sounds like Takarakka is fairly open. They have a fire there apparently so no need to take firewood.

Brian Noyes replied:

Thanks for the replies. Seems a pity they have closed the camping at the National Park itself. Maybe a few idiots have ruined it for the people who do have respect for things in our great country. Maybe something to do with those vandals and smokers as Andrew spoke about. I have located a telephone number for the National Park so will give them a call. Thanks again for the info and am looking forward to having a look around up there. Hope the Qld winter will be OK as looks like no campfires. Pity as one of our favourite meals is jaffles cooked in the campfire. Thanks again and will now start planning our trip.

Fred replied:

Takarakka private campground was great last year
Fees cover use of kitchen and BBQ including gas stoves, kettles, detergent [August 2001]
They have a common campfire each evening near the kitchen - can use for cooking or just sitting