4 Places to stay around Carnarvon Gorge
Imagine a national park filled with grassy plains, tranquil creeks flowing through lush forest, and giant rocky arches and cliffs – don’t just dream about it, find it in this sandstone sanctuary, Carnarvon Gorge.
It’s hidden away in the Central Highlands (inland from Rockhampton) where the bustling country towns make way for mountain ranges, rocky escarpments and deep gorges.
Sleep among the untamed wilderness and base your Carnarvon Gorge visit at one of these four places to stay:
1. For the luxury – Wallaroo Outback Retreat
If you’re keen on experiencing Carnarvon Gorge, minus the swag and hiking backpack, put your feet up at Wallaroo Outback Retreat.
This five-star retreat is nestled amongst 72,000 acres of outback landscape – with panoramic views of the Carnarvon Ranges so you feel connected to the sandstone beauty while you recline in a hammock and sip on a cuppa.
It’s a self-catered affair with classic and deluxe glamping tents, a fully equipped kitchen, activities hall, and amenities.
Spend a day venturing out to the gorge, with an easy one hour drive north to the start of short walking tracks, meaning you can get back to your afternoon cuppa without rushing back through the bush.
Find out more about the Retreat here.
2. Close to the action – BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks Carnarvon Gorge
No matter your preferred accommodation style, BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks Carnarvon Gorge has got you covered (previously known as the Takarakka Bush Resort).
From self-contained studios, cottages and cabins to glamping safari tents and standard caravanning and camping sites, you can map out your very own Carnarvon Gorge adventure.
With the Park being nestled in the Carnarvon National Park and set on 100 picturesque acres, you’re going to want to explore the scenery. Check out the gorge and rock pools by day, ease into the night with a drink at the Bush Bar, and unwind under the starry sky with a roasted marshmallow or two around the campfire.
Plus… if you spend some time down at the resort’s Carnarvon Creek, you might be lucky to spot a platypus!
Find out more about the Park here.
3. For the view – Sandstone Park
Get the best of both worlds with a stay at Sandstone Park, which offers 360 degree panoramic views of the gorge and easy access into the thick of it.
This one is for those who aren’t about adventuring 24/7 – nestled on the base of the national park, this camping and caravanning oasis lets you appreciate its beauty from afar while you take a rest from exploring.
A quick five minute drive takes you from scenic views to self-guided adventure, however it you’d prefer not to go it alone, there are guided tours and even helicopter rides available from Sandstone Park.
Don’t want to leave the pooch behind? Sandstone Park is pet-friendly, so all members of the family can enjoy the holiday.
Just keep in mind that the Park usually closes from around October – March.
4. For a resort – Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge
If camping in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a swag and canned food isn’t your cup of billy – then settle in at this resort-style accommodation.
With a swimming pool, licenced restaurant, discovery centre, and cabins – the Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge allows you to stay amongst the wilderness, without sacrificing creature comforts.
Just a short 3km from the lodge is the starting point for most of the national park’s walks, which take off from the Park Headquarters.
Here you can grab a map, learn about what flora and fauna you’ll encounter, and plan your route to the different lookouts, swimming spots, and gorge walks.
Keen to explore the wider Carnarvon Gorge area?
- Head to cattle country [read – Roma]
- Get to know Biloela – starting with these fascinating facts
- Venture further west and explore Tambo – the teddy capital of Australia
