Carnarvon Gorge and National Park

Knowing that there was no petrol or diesel available inside the Carnarvon National Park we filled the tank at an Injune service station that evoked images of the wild west of old in the USA. We had 110 kilometres to go to reach the turn off for the Carnarvon Gorge, followed by another forty kilometres into the Park, twenty of which would be along a metal road.

Dawson River

There were very few cars on the road which, not being flat for as far as the eye could see, was especially enjoyable. As we rounded a bend I was quick enough to spot a lay by so pulled up for a coffee and snack break beside the Dawson River near Mulcahy Road and, as we soon found out, just before the turn off. While we enjoyed our sandwiches we watched a falcon soaring in circles, too far and too high for my camera.

Road into Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Once I learned to watch out for the cattle grids across the road every few kilometres, the first twenty kilometres were an easy drive . A couple of impatient 4WD vehicles didn't miss a beat as they tore along and over these metal bars whereas, even taking them cautiously, our van shuddered and shook horribly.  Fence free cattle roamed in search of the tastiest grass taking no notice of the fast moving metal monsters racing by.

Cattle on the road to Carnarvon.

The metal road slowed us down a bit, especially the more corrugated parts but as there were only a few other vehicles on the road, the dust factor wasn't great.

Metal Road into Carnarvon National Park

As the sandstone cliffs of the gorge showed themselves our excitement and anticipation increased!

Approaching the Carnarvon Gorge

I had been informed that there were three river crossings along the road but that only one of them was likely to have water over the road. In fact, all three were flowing, one of them quite swiftly. I found that my fears that this would be a problem for our van were unfounded as we steadily and easily forded through!

Ford across metal road into Carnarvon

A somewhat bumpy twenty kilometres later we arrived at Takarakka Bush Resort which was to be our "home" for four nights.

Takarakka Bush Resort, Carnarvon National Park

There are three places where visitors can stay within the park. The National Park campsites are open only during school holidays and are very basic - meaning that there are no showers or electricity. The Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge is the most luxurious accommodation in the Park however Takarakka suited us because it had all the comfort we needed - hot showers, electricity, shade and natural beauty.

Safari tent, Carnarvon National Park

For those who don't like the idea of camping in a real tent, Takarakka has an alternative. Safari Tents! There are also ensuite cabins, at least one cottage as well as powered and unpowered campsites. It's a large area, divided into cul de sacs with amenities blocks near each area. We were in the main area near a large, well equipped camp kitchen and fire circle. 

There's no shortage of tents of various sizes and styles in our house yet, after our last trip a few months ago, we went and bought another one!  This one came with the assurance that it could be erected in a minute. Yes! We achieved that goal and it was soon set up with the dining table and storage cupboard that make our camp comfortable for multiple night stays.

With our camp now set up, we went off to explore the campground, climbing the hill to the look out.

From Takarakka Bush Resort Lookout.

That night, after a delicious dinner of pork curry and rice we sat with our brandy under the sharp, starry sky around the fire circle  and chatted with campers from around Australia as well as some adventurous visitors from countries such as Belarous, Switzerland, Germany, Holland and Korea! What tales they had to tell!

The campground was far from full however, one afternoon, screams of enjoyment, splashing and excited voices came from the river behind our campsite. I went to investigate and found about fifty students having a great time in the river. Year 7 students from Caloundra, they were on their final primary school camp and had arrived that afternoon. They had set up their tents in a circle in a different area and were having a great time! In the days to come, we met them as they explored the park and gathered memories that I am sure will last a lifetime.

River Walk, Carnarvon National Park

There are several walks you can follow to explore the uniqueness of this sandstone National Park where five rivers begin their lives - the Maranoa, Warrego, Dawson, Nogoa and Comet. For our first day we chose to visit the ranger station and information office four kilometres down the road from Takarakka. Here, we were able to pick up a map of the area and then chose to take a leisurely stroll along the easiest trail, the Nature Trail. This simply followed the Carnarvon Creek for 1.8 km and required very little effort. This short distance took us well over an hour as we stopped twice for quite a while watching catfish looking fish, trout and schools of small fish cruising and weaving in the mirrored water. Although we sat still and long, we weren't lucky enough to see even one platypus or turtle.

Carnarvon Creek

The real rain season was over so the creek was not high and the feeder streams were dry.

Carnarvon

Just before the entrance to the car parks there is a track leading to a lovely swimming hole, Rock Pool. This is the only spot where swimming is permitted - platypuses and turtles only elsewhere!

Following our pleasant walk, we consumed our lunch under the bored gaze of the local kangaroos. Map on the table, we looked at the longer signposted walks to choose one for the next day. With enticing names such as Cathedral Cave, Aljion Falls Moss Garden Baloon Cave, Art Gallery with its famous aboriginal drawings, Boolimba Bluff with its sandstone caves and ladders up the cliff face it was  difficult to choose!