15 - 20 July
We were booked to visit in June 2021, but this thing called life got in the way. Covid also prevented our 2022 May visit. Thankfully the Takaraka Bush Resort, now Big4 Breeze Holiday Park, honoured our original payment.
Carnarvon Gorge is hidden in the rugged ranges of Queensland's central highlands, some 600 kilometres from Brisbane and some 8 hours of travelling time. The decision was made to depart at 5 am on a very chilly morning. We made good time, stopping only for breakfast at Dalby and petrol at Injune.
It was definitely third time lucky for our visit. Carnarvon Gorge is an absolutely pristine, spectacular oasis, with its towering sandstone cliffs, soaring gums and palm trees, lush green undergrowth, golden wattle and cute wildlife. We were accompanied on our hikes by birdsong and the sound of gurgling streams, beneath crisp blue sunny skies. The rain began to fall as we departed on our return journey to Brisbane. We felt for all who had just arrived, as I've read that National Parks had closed all trails due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Leaving would also be difficult because of the numerous low-level crossings, back to the main road.
Our happiness didn't just come from hiking. I hope my photos evoke the sense of beauty and wonder felt during our stay.
Departure, moon setting, vistas along the way.
The last 40 kilometres - agriculture and the escarpment drawing closer.
The welcoming committee.
Our canvas cabin.
Evening view from the lookout, bonfire and fruit bats flying off for their night's feeding.
It was chilly so porridge was much appreciated for breakfast.
Dinner was of gourmet quality and not just at our table. The camp kitchen was open with a high roof. At times there could have been up to 50 people present, either preparing or dining. The friendly atmosphere and aromas made for very pleasant evenings and certainly added to the enjoyment of our stay.
Carnarvon Creek curved around the camping ground and was touted as a platypus habitat. We silently watched this tranquil stream both morning and evening but to no avail.
A chorus of birds welcomed us and their cheerful chatter was rarely absent, either in the park or along the trails.
Cockatoos, Apostle Birds, Currawongs, Parrots and Kookaburras were loudest, but many smaller birds flitted in and out of the bush as we hiked.
The Apostle birds demanding that the Kookaburra leave their territory. They won.
Wattle blossom made splashes of golden yellow in the sea of Aussie green.
On one occasion only, the Currawongs dropped in for a barbie.
Wallabies grazing near our cabin until a noisy vehicle drives nearby.
We were very fortunate to see this threatened Australian marsupial in our headlights. The Bettong or Rat Kangaroo digs for its food and in so doing assists in the food exchange between soil and plants.
It was still early for the wildflowers to bloom but we were surprised by the number of staghorn and crows nests. A rainy summer, come winter, may be the reason.
Nature's sculptures!
Creek crossings
Sunrise and sunsets!
Green trails.
Soaring eucalypts and palms.
Spot Leanne.
Open forest glistening in the sunshine!
Towering cliffs!
This photo was on display in the Visitor Centre and gives a wonderful impression of how dramatic Carnavon Gorge is.
Big4 Breeze Park is at the top of the image. The pink line indicates where we hiked to Boolimba Bluff. The red line takes us to The Art Gallery.
Park map - pink lines denote our destinations over four days.
There is just so much to love about Carnarvon's natural landscape. I am so missing its serenity and tranquillity.
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