Carnarvon Gorge is the most visited section of the 298,000 hectare Carnarvon National Park. The inaccessible Consuelo Tableland and Great Dividing Range provide the spectacular backdrop to the Gorge that was carved from the rugged sandstone range by the passage of water and time.
 

The gorge holds special significance in Aboriginal mythology and is also important as an historic geological landmark. Vast rock formations hold secret memories of ancient tribal gatherings. Stencil art, images and symbols of the Aboriginal Dreamtime adorn the various walls in the Gorge. Cathedral Cave is one of the most extensive Aboriginal Art Sites within the Gorge. Other locations include Baloon Cave, or a half-day walk to the Art Gallery.

There are many short walks from the main track leading to beautiful side gorges and waterfalls. A half day walk will lead to sites such as the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre and Ward’s Canyon. The Moss Garden is a world of its own. A natural spring constantly pours forth water which, slowly filtering through the sandstone, leaves the rock surface with a myriad of tiny droplets. A carpet of green moss and a waterfall looking up into the accessible Violet Gorge make this an essential place to visit.

Another site is the Amphitheatre. Millions of years have produced an incredible crevice, whose entrance is accessed by a narrow steel ladder. Once inside you will feel dwarfed by the sheer beauty of this large chasm caved out by water. The stillness leaves you full of wonder.

A short steep climb leads past Lower Aljon Falls to Ward’s Canyon, where you will notice a dramatic drop in temperature. It is like stepping back into time, surrounded by ancient king ferns (Angiopteris evecta), the largest fern in the world. At the end of the canyon is the shaded pool bed by upper Aljon Falls.

There is plenty of wildlife including over 175 recorded bird species. There are green tree-frogs, freshwater snakes, eastern water dragon, gliders, possums, wallabies, grey kangaroos, and platypus to name but a few. Although most park visitors spend their time exploring the Gorge itself, most of the park is actually higher, a drier plateau with rugged hills and gentle slopes covered with grassy open eucalypt forest.

For Carnarvon Gorge accommodation, click here. For additional information visit the local tourist centre.