Australian Nature Guides About Carnarvon Gorge Carnarvon Gorge Map Services & facilities
Carnarvon Gorge Photos Where is the Gorge? What to see and do Carnarvon Gorge Guided Tours Carnarvon Gorge products

Services and Facilities.

Guiding Services.

Australian Nature Guides are the only dedicated guiding service available in the Gorge. They pioneered the day tour that other operators now emulate and are the only guiding company currently permitted to run spotlighting tours into the Gorge to search for nocturnal wildlife. Both the accommodation centres have, in the last two years, begun offering day tours of their own but their product will always be about a decade behind Australian Nature Guides' knowledgebase.

Information Centres.

National Park Information Centre.
Has good basic information on the natural and human history of the Gorge on information panels, dioramas, maps, etc. The Rangers are good sources of information and can provide plant and animal lists on request, as well as information sheets on other National Parks in the region.

Carnarvon Gorge EcoStop.
Australian Nature Guides established a new information centre on Bandana Airstrip in July, 2008. From its humble beginnings as a van in a cow paddock, Simon and Angela are developing the site to showcase the area's native plants and animals, and its agricultural history through landscaped gardens and displays of local farming artefacts of historical interest. Stop in for a friendly chat and a cuppa with the Gorge's most experienced nature guide. Our services include...

  1. Tour Bookings.
  2. Free local travel and walking advice.
  3. Video Hire: Rent Simon's documentary on the Gorge to enrich your knowledge of the area's natural and cultural history.
  4. Souvenirs: Browse the only locally produced range of Souvenirs on Carnarvon Gorge.

Accommodation.

National Park.
There is a range of accommodation available at the Gorge. The National Park has two campgrounds - one in the mouth of the Gorge near the start of the Main Track, and another at Big Bend at the end of the Main Track. Without a doubt, the most scenic of these is the main campground in the mouth of the Gorge which looks straight up at the imposing face of Boolimba Bluff.

Unfortunately, the main campground only opens in the Easter, June/July and August/September school holidays. Outside these times, the only other campsite available in the National Park is at Big Bend, 10km up the Main Track; meaning it's packs on backs, chaps.

For all the official Parks information, click the previous link and their site will open in another window. If you wish to book a campsite in the National Park, use this link or phone 13 13 04.

Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge also has an enviable location, snuggled below Clematis Ridge just outside the mouth of the Gorge and only a short distance from the Rockpool. The Lodge offers ensuited safari tents, a la carte dining and a bar.

Prices to stay at the Lodge are at the upper end of the Carnarvon Gorge scale. In their favour, the cabins are heated and have an ensuite, and even when full, the Lodge seldom seems crowded due to its modest capacity. It's up to you to decide if that's worth the price difference. Their contact details are as follows.

Ph: (07) 4984 4503
Web: www.carnarvon-gorge.com

Takarakka Bush Resort offers campsites, powered sites and canvas cabins, all with shared amenities and access to well-appointed camp kitchens. Follow the link below for current pricing.

New management has been in place since 2009 and feedback has been consistently positive for the new team. Takarakka can get pretty busy at times, so make sure you book your site in advance to avoid disappointment. Their contact details are as follows.

Ph: (07) 4984 4535
Web: www.takarakka.com.au

Budget Accommodation.
Unfortunately, the National Park Campground is the only low-cost camping facility and it is only open three times a year. Outside these times, if you are looking for a cheap alternative to Takarakka you'll need to be self sufficient and freecamp somewhere alongside the road on the way in - just remember that open fires are not appreciated by landowners due to the risk of bushfire, and camping next to the creek or at the war memorial is frowned upon for reasons that should be obvious. The toilet and shower facilities at the National Park are open all year.

Facilities.

Mobile phones do not receive coverage in the Gorge or the accommodation centres. The nearest reception is on the approach to Rolleston on the 3G network. Each of the accommodation centres has a payphone. The National Park has a telstra payphone, which is the cheapest option in the area. Even cheaper when you use a phone card.

Fuel is not available in the Gorge. The nearest fuel stops are Rolleston and Injune - make sure you fill up there, as unless you are camping at the National Park, you'll be driving to the start of the walking tracks.

Food is best purchased on the way in, but you will find basic supplies at Takarakka and alcohol at both Takarakka and the Lodge.

Despite the National Park Campground being closed most of the time, its facilities remain open. There are coin operated hot showers in the middle amenities block, and gas BBQs scattered around the day use area.