Carnarvon National Park.

G'day Scoof,
Was there some years ago and camped in the camping area at the park but I have heard that you can't camp there anymore and you now camp a few k's away from that area.
There are a number of walks to do and we found the place fantastic. One was about 25k's return but the aches and pains the next day would not stop me from doing it again.
The park had a very informative interpretive centre and they can supply all the information you needed. Back then, you had to book well in advance to get in but I don't know if you still have to do that.
There is another section to the west but can't comment on that bit.
are you going to follow the Darling or drive up the Darling? Not really LOL
Cheers
Des.

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Hi Scoff.

Carnarvon Gorge is a great spot(can get quite busy in school holiday period).Be prepared for quite a few long walks, take your time & you will really enjoy the area.

If you have time, the Mt. Moffatt section of the NP is a great place to camp & explore. This section of the park is further west of the main gorge & can be reached by turning off at Injune or Mitchell. It is nowhere as crowded as the main gorge as the access road outs off the normal day travellers!!.

There are another areas at Ka Ka Mundi & Salvator Rosa however I have not been to these areas. They are reached from Springsure or Tambo.

Enjoy your trip.
Vince

Hi Scoof
l have been to Carnarvon 4 times in last 6 years. It is a great spot for relaxing and walking. The campsite at the start of the walks (not Big Bend which is 10 walk) is open only on school holidays not including Christmas. You can book online at the link shown above. There are compost toilets and coin operated showers there.... no powered sites. There is also a ranger office there.The sites are flat and a fair size. There is a large modern caravan park about 10 minutes drive away called Takarakka. I believe there is also a farmstay type place further out. Oasis Lodge is about 5 minutes from the walks also but is quite expensive, ie basic resort style accomodation. 5 years ago the price was approx 400 a night for 4 adult and 2 kids. Wonder what it is now? I'm not sure about the prices at Takarakka as honestly I can put up with the lack of power in exchange for the tranquility and proximity of the national park sites.The walks apart from the bluff are easy going. It is 10 km to Big Bend and there are things to see along the way ie large exhibits of aboriginal art and other scenery. If you are a keen walker overnight stays may be had at Big Bend (this might depend on flood damage experienced recently... toilet only amenity, or further up the gorge). Sometimes during school holidays aboriginal guides are also there and provide informative walks and talks. You would have to check with the rangers about this though. Most of the walks meander back and forward across the creek that winds up through the gorge. I would suggest 4 or 5 days to really get the feel for the place. It gets quite cold at night so be prepared. The hardest walk would be to the bluff which is 1000 plus steps uphill plus some level ground,but if you are not in a rush that should not be a problem. Tips : Dont leave any rubbish/food where the birds and goanna can get into it while your away from camp. I have seen this happen frequently.

regards Kc

your welcome.. when you arrive check out what night the rangers have an information session. They usually have a slide night which is quite interesting both for the kids and adults. They also sometimes have a ranger at a certain place at a set time and they are good for info when doing the walks....especially if you walk up with them.The campground is nowhere as crowded as it once was as the number of sites has been reduced to reduce stress on the local habitat. The showers are a bit finicky to use. If you see a coach load of people arrive make sure you get to them before the coachload as there are only 3 showers in the mens and same in womens I think. They take $1 coins (hope that hasnt changed) but are a bit tricky to get to the right temperature. There are supposed to be platypus in the local creek but we have never seen one. We usually have a good breakfast carrying a light lunch for the day and returning mid afternoon for an early tea. Make sure you carry drinking water and 1st aid kit in case of ankle sprain or snake bite... though we have only ever seen 2 snakes there. It is a long walk back if one of the kids does an ankle. We usually walk in joggers as the tracks are mainly dirt with some rock sections. They road in now quite good with the bad sections now bitumen. Check the RACQ website before going or phone the rangers to check for accessibility if there has been decent rain. We have left home on 2 occasions with the road cut but have been able to get through as the water must get away quickly. One last thing ice available at Takaratta. Help this all helps
KC

Hi Scoof, we were there in mid May and it was great. They had a big flood through in February so the riparian zone is somewhat trashed, but still awesome. A long walk (14km or so) along the creek bed stopping at places of interest along the way. The wife did the dlimb up to the lookout which she says was great (my feet were too sore from the 14km the day before!). We also did a spotlighting tour with one of the guides from the campsite. Highly recommended.

Hi Scoof

when we were there last I asked this and was told by the ranger that we could not use our portable shower. I wonder what would have happened if I had just erected the shower without saying anything. If I were you I would be inclined to put it up and see what happens.... after all we put up our own showers at all other national parks I have been to and there hasn't been a problem. When i asked the question I had the impression it hadn't been asked before and I caught the ranger off guard so he erred on the side of caution.

Kc