Carnarvon Gorge Walking Adventure, Queensland
This inspiring walk takes you off the beaten track to see the remote scenery, forested escarpments, fern-filled gorges, sandstone cliffs, and fauna and flora of Queensland’s iconic Carnarvon Gorge National Park and surrounds. Your knowledgeable local guide will take you to little-known sites and help you appreciate the amazing biodiversity of this region. Includes one night (with a tour) in Roma and three nights at Wallaroo Outback Retreat – glamping-style tents (real beds). All meals and transfers included. Walk 8–15 kilometres a day.
AT A GLANCE
| Dates | 22 – 26 August 2023 (If the dates listed are not suitable, please contact our team travel@australiangeographic.com or call 1300 241 141 to enquire about alternative dates) |
| Activity Level | Intermediate (walking grade 4 moderate) It is recommended that walkers be in good physical shape (a reasonably fit adult is someone who gets some cardio-vascular exercise on a regular basis). This walk involves some stretches of moderate inclines, water crossings, narrow gorges, uneven ground with varying surfaces from sand to rock. Pace may vary depending on the type of terrain being covered, expect to be able to keep up with a walking pace of approximately 3–5km per hour and distance could be up to 8–15km per day. |
| Duration | 5 days, 4 nights |
| Prices | From $3,345 per person twin share From $615 single supplement |
| Group Size | Minimum 8 guests, maximum 16 guests |
| Featuring Regions | Outback Queensland iconic Carnarvon Gorge National Park |
WHAT TO EXPECT
For the fit traveller looking to challenge themselves on their next holiday, join our 5-day Carnarvon Walking Adventure. See things off the beaten track that few others know about. Trek the unformed paths of Expedition National Park, explore the best walks of the Carnarvon Gorge National Park and hike cross-country through a 72,000-acre, privately owned property nestled in the Carnarvon Ranges with sandstone cliffs, cycad filled gorges, stunning rocky outcrops and panoramic views. After a day of adventure exploring the area, sit by the fire and enjoy the quiet sounds of the Queensland Outback while you glamp in style at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat. This unique and iconic region is not to be missed and is best seen with a guide.
Tour Highlights
- A once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience journeying through the heart of Outback Queensland’s iconic Carnarvon Gorge National Park and surrounds.
- View the magical scenery as you explore rocky outcrops, cliffs, hidden cycad and fossil-filled gorges while experiencing the vastness of this heavily forested and beautiful land.
- Glamp in style at Wallaroo Outback Retreat – nestled among the magnificent sandstone cliffs of the Carnarvon Ranges, situated on a privately owned 72,000-acre cattle property.
- Travel with an ecological expert as an interpretive guide as you marvel in a true and brilliant Outback Australian experience.
- Take an evening spotlight guided walk with your ecological guide to uncover Australian nocturnal wildlife.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Welcome to Roma
Welcome to Roma! We suggest you arrive in Roma by 1.30pm and check into your accommodation. If you are flying into Roma airport, a transfer will be provided on arrival.
This afternoon, enjoy a Roma Town Tour. You will be picked up from your Roma accommodation and we will travel to key landmarks and locations within Roma Town, including Lake Neverfill, Roma’s Cattle Sale Yards (largest in the Southern Hemisphere), The Butter Factory and Railway Station, Bassett Park, Roma’s largest bottle tree, Roma’s abandoned winery, Heroes Avenue. Enjoy afternoon tea in the picturesque setting of Roma Bush Gardens before we continue on with the tour through town.
As the sun starts to set, enjoy a sunset tour to the EMSCO Rig (The Big Rig) while tasting regional port followed by a 35-minute sound-and-light journey and learn all about the early oil and gas exploration in Roma.
Enjoy dinner at a local Roma pub before transferring back to your Roma accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation: local Roma motel
Meals: Dinner provided
DAY 2 – Carnarvon and Expedition National Park
Wake early this morning for breakfast before your included transfer to the Roma meeting point by 6.30am where you will be able to park your car before boarding your 4WD air-conditioned bus to depart Roma. We will head to the Lonesome section of Expedition National Park located at the junction of the Carnarvon and Expedition Ranges. Enjoy the spectacular sandstone scenery and diverse vegetation as we walk along unformed tracks to enjoy spectacular views of sandstone rock formations that others don’t get to see. Mid-afternoon, we’ll depart Lonesome, travel to and check into your glamping accommodation at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat. Once the sun goes down, take a walk with our ecological guide to uncover the nocturnal wildlife around the retreat.
Accommodation: Wallaroo Outback Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 3 – Walking the formed tracks along Carnarvon Gorge National Park
Today we explore iconic Carnarvon Gorge National Park (about 45 minutes from the retreat). Walk the formed tracks along Carnarvon Creek while exploring the main gorge and key attractions such as the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Wards Canyon and Art Gallery, depending on desired length of walk. Afterwards, if weather permits, take a revitalising dip in the gorge’s iconic rockpool.
Accommodation: Wallaroo Outback Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 4 – Explore an outback cattle station and marvel at Aboriginal art
Learn about working life on a large outback cattle station as we hike around parts of a 72,000-acre privately owned property in the Carnarvon Ranges. Marvel at the sandstone cliffs and gorges, see unique Aboriginal rock art at spectacular Rainbow Cave, Cycad Gorge and Arch Rock. Before the day is out, take a moment to breathe the fresh air, relish in the vastness of the country while enjoying the spectacular views with light refreshments overlooking The Sphinx as the sun sets in the distance.
Accommodation: Wallaroo Outback Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 5 – Walk around Skull Mountain before departure to Roma
In the morning, take an optional short walk around Skull Mountain followed by a hearty breakfast before departing for Roma at 8.30am. Arrival back in Roma around 11am.
Is this the right trip for you? Find out more by reading our important trip notes here.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Return transfers from your accommodation/airport in Roma. All transfers around the property and hiking sites in 4WD air-conditioned vehicle
- 1-night accommodation twin share in a Roma motel accommodation
- 3-nights accommodation twin share at Wallaroo Outback Retreat – glamping style tents with real beds. Some shared amenities; others with ensuite.
- Fully catered with wholesome outback tucker – 4 breakfasts, 4 morning teas, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon teas and 4 dinners
- Return transfer from Roma Airport or Roma Railway Station.
- National park & property access fees
- Entry into The Big Rig Night Show Sunset Tour
- Your own ecological expert as an interpretive guide
- Lend of walking poles (if needed)
- Evening guided spotlight walks.
COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Flights or Transport to/from Roma prior to the tour departure and after tour ends
- Accommodation after the tour (Day 5)
- Items of a personal nature: hire gear, hiking backpack, walking poles
- Alcoholic beverages (BYO)
- Lunch Day 1 and Day 5 (noting tour departure 2pm Day 1).
- Travel Insurance.
CONTACT US
Want to know more or register your interest?
Send us an email to [email protected] or call 1300 241 141.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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