Carnarvon Gorge is a popular National Park in Qld but I don’t think many Victorians know about it. I’ve been really looking forward to exploring it and it did not disappoint – stunning.

Today was our big hiking day. We headed off with anticipation to the National Park, about a 7 minute drive from where we are staying. There is a main trail (called Main Trail) which is about 20km return – a straight line to a place called Big Bend and back. Along the way there are side trails you can take of varying lengths to see different park features. We wanted to do them all one on one day to avoid doubling back on the main trail the next day.  About 27km in total probably.

I was looking forward to a leisurely pace  and lots of photos but as soon as we started walking Chris said “let’s start brisk walking.”

I ignored him and continued at my pace and eventually he had to abort his brisk walking mission.

The Main Trail

The hike along the main trail was beautiful, through a gorge with lots of fern trees, grasses and the gorge walls peaking through as the backdrop. One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done and very flat because it winds through the bottom of the gorge. While I like the idea of challenging hikes, we both said flat was enjoyable. I might need to rethink some of my future hiking plans.

There were 20 river crossings. The park rangers strategically place rocks to step across. I met one person who slipped in and walked with wet shoes all day – she had about 10 blisters on the back of her heals. Definitely best to try and avoid wet feet.

The Side Tracks

We walked to the end of the main trail and did the side tracks on the way back. The side tracks were all different – it was like a little surprise of what we would see at each one.  We bumped into the same people along the way and compared notes. Everyone had a different opinion on what their favourite side destination was. Chris said see Lea, that’s how you meet people. Out and about not stalking them at the bar. Here are some of our favourite.

Boowinda Gorge

I found out after we visited this side gorge goes for 4km. Most people only go a few hundred metres (including us). It was flat but rocky. Loved the narrowness. It was one of our favourites.

Cathedral Cave

Amphitheatre

You have to climb up a ladder and then go through a passageway to get into the amphitheater. This made it more fun.

Moss Garden

Our last side track. It was 650m to get there and I had lost all energy – but was glad we persevered. We really didn’t want to get back and have any regrets at missing any of the sights.

By the time we got back to the caravan we were exhausted.

In the old days we would have come back and cracked open a drink straight away. Instead we were sensible – shower, quickly marinate the salmon for dinner, take the washing off the line… Finally we sat down with a drink. Aaaghhh.

I was asleep by 8.30.