Carnarvon National Park @ ExplorOz

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Description

Carnarvon National Park is situated at the southern end of the "Central Highlands" region and is at the edge of Queenslands sandstone belt. It contains spectacularly eroded sandstone outcrops, cliffs and gorges. The park is a watershed for a large portion of Australia's river systems. The Nogoa, Comet, Maranoa and Warrego Rivers all have their headwaters here. The Nogoa and Comet head north and east to join the Fitzroy River and the Warrego and Maranoa Rivers head south and west to join the Murray Darling system.

Carnarvon National Park has four separate sections, each with it's own unique landscape, plants and animals. Each area can be accessed and visited in isolation or explored as a complete trek.

1. Mt. Moffatt section
2. Carnarvon Gorge section
3. Ka Ka Mundi section
4. Salvador Rosa section

1. Mt Moffatt

Mt Moffatt is the southern most section of the Carnarvon National Park and is home to some of the most spectacular sandstone formations in Australia. The Duchess or Looking Glass, The Chimneys, Lot's Wife and Marlong Arch are some of the must see formations.

The gravel road into Mt Moffatt is rough but can be traversed by 2WD vehicles in dry weather, with a lot of care, as far the Dargonelly Rock Hole and West Branch camp areas.

The two other camp areas are at the Rotary Shelter Shed and the old Homestead Site. Access to these areas and all other tracks in the park are 4WD only. The tracks, including the road back to Injune can become impassable for days after heavy rain so make sure you have enough food, water and time to stay put for an extra few days.

Mt. Moffatt was home to the Nuri and Bidjara Aboriginal peoples for around 20,000 years and they have left a legacy of art works throughout the park. The most significant art site is Kennif Cave but it is now closed to the public. Shifting rock formations have put the cave roof in danger of collapse. Kennif Cave is named after the Kennif brothers, Patrick and James. They were turn of the 20th century bushrangers, who used the cave as a hide out. Near the cave is the Murder Site; where the brothers allegedly killed a constable and station manager sent out to arrest them; and the Incineration Site; where evidence suggests they burnt the bodies before packing the remains into the constables saddlebags and sending his horse back to town.

The park rises to 1150m above sea level and affords spectacular views over the surrounding country from the Top Shelter near the Rotary Shed campground. The track past the Top Shelter Shed takes you down to the Peawaddy Gorge, the Mahogany Forest and the head of Carnarvon Creek, famous for the creation of Carnarvon Gorge.

There are no tracks from Mt Moffatt to the Carnarvon Gorge, Ka Ka Mundi or Salvador Rosa sections.

2. Carnarvon Gorge

This is the most well known and visited section of the park. 2WD vehicles and caravans can access the park in dry weather but the roads can become impassable after rain.

Camping is only permitted in the park during Easter and the winter and spring Queensland School holidays. Early bookings are a must for these times.

Alternatively there is a privately run bush resort and a wilderness lodge less than 5km from the park. There is a farmstay 57km away on the sealed Carnarvon Highway that offers an option for travellers with caravans who don't want to tow over the rough gravel roads.

Carnarvon Gorge boasts some of Australia's best Aboriginal rock art. A visit to either Baloon Caves (500m walk) the Art Gallery (1/2 day walk) or Cathedral Caves (full day walk) is a must. Spring feed Carnarvon Creek and the gorge is home to over 150 birds and native animals. Remnant rainforest grows in the sheltered side gorges. Over 20km of walking tracks allow access to waterfalls, lookouts, rock art sites and other park features. Some of the tracks, like Battleship Spur, are challenging and should only be attempted by fit, experienced bush walkers.

There are no direct roads from Carnarvon Gorge to the Mt Moffatt, Ka Ka Mundi or Salvador Rosa sections.

3. Ka Ka Mundi

Isolated Ka Ka Mundi is a direct contrast to the busy Carnarvon Gorge section. The camp ground at Bunbuncundoo Springs has no amenities or supplies including drinking water. Campers need to be totally self-sufficient with food, water and fuel to last for their stay plus a reserve. 2WD vehicle access is possible but not recommended. The roads become impassable after rain.

The Ka Ka Mundi section protects areas of brigalow scrub and other native vegetation. Rainforest patches grow along the base of sandstone cliffs, drawing moisture from the many springs that dot the cliffs. The area is a haven for a variety of native animals including swamp wallabies, wallaroos and king parrots.

4. Salvador Rosa

Heavily eroded sandstone outcrops are a stunning feature of the Salvador Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park. Places to visit include Spyglass Peak and The Eye of The Needle. This section is extremely remote with few facilities. Make sure you are totally self sufficient and have enough fuel, food and water plus a reserve in case wet weather hits.

2WD vehicle access is possible to the camp ground but not recommended. A 4WD is vital in the park.

Major Mitchell camped in Salvador Rosa on his way to the Gulf of Carpentaria, and a self guided trail through the park takes in his camp site and other features of this section.

Preparation

Directions

From Section to Section	Distance
Injune to Mt Moffatt	191km
Mt Moffatt to Carnarvon Gorge	333km
Carnarvon Gorge to Ka Ka Mundi	305km
Ka Ka Mundi to Salvator Rosa	196km
Salvator Rosa to Tambo	198km

Distance from start	Distance between points	Description
Trip Meter (km)
0	0	Injune
191	191	Mt Moffatt Ranger Station via Womblebank. Signposted from Injune.
370	179	Return to Injune via Westgrove Station then head north on the Carnarvon Highway.
480	110	Turn left onto bitumen road at the signposted Carnarvon Gorge turn off.
524	44	Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area.
568	44	Return to Carnarvon Highway. Turn left to Rolleston.
629	61	Rolleston - follow signs to Springsure
699	70	Springsure - follow signs towards Tambo on the Dawson Developmental Road.
751	52	Turn left onto Buckland Road. Follow signs to park. (Alternatively straight on to Salvator Rosa or Tambo 194km)
829	78	Bunbuncundoo Springs.
907	78	Backtrack to the Dawson Developmental Road then turn left towards Tambo. (Alternatively turn right to return to Springsure 52km)
971	64	Turn left at the signposted Salvator Rosa turn off. (Alternatively straight on to Tambo)
1025	54	Salvator Rosa camp ground via Cungelella.
1079	54	Backtrack to the Dawson Developmental Road then turn left towards Tambo. (Alternatively turn right to return to Springsure 114km)
1181	102	T junction. Turn left to Tambo. (Alternatively turn right to Alpha 121km)
1223	42	Tambo on the Matilda Highway