Hiking And Bush Camping Within Carnarvon Gorge
Details Of An Overnight Hike To Big Bend Campsite At Carnarvon Gorge
Dec 19, 2008
Carnarvon Gorge is a spectacular gorge in the sandstone cliffs in central Queensland. A walking track winds through the gorge, with side tracks off to spectacular rock formations and fern lined gullies.
For information about facilities at Carnarvon Gorge, refer to Carnarvon Gorge, Australia, Visitor Information.
Camping at Big Bend campsite requires a bush camping permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Permits must be obtained prior to visiting the park either by phone or online at the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au, as permits cannot be obtained at the park.
Hikers with a bush camping permit for Big Bend campsite must also register at the Carnarvon Gorge visitor information centre before heading out on the track. They must also sign out at the end of their hike.
How to Get To Big Bend Campsite
Big Bend campsite is about 10 kilometres from the park information centre; making it an easy day’s walk to hike out to the campsite, stopping at the various side tracks on the way.
The EPA recommends about seven to eight hours to walk to Big Bend campsite and back.
It is possible to hike to Big Bend campsite and back in on one day, but detours to the side track would make this a long day. A unique way to experience Carnarvon Gorge is to camp overnight at Big Bend campsite, after stopping at all the main side tracks and soaking in the atmosphere of the gorge.
For information on the various side tracks, refer to Day Walks At Carnarvon Gorge.
Difficulty Of The Track To Big Bend Campsite
The Gorge Track crosses Carnarvon Creek, the creek that runs the length of the gorge, 22 times between the start of the track at the information centre and Big Bend campsite. Park Rangers maintain these creek crossings. Some are dry and others have stepping stones across the water.
The track is classified Class 3 under the “Australian Standard For Walking Tracks”.
Big Bend GPS Coordinates
The GPS coordinates (WGS84) of Big Bend campsite are:
S: 25.03349
E: 148.17072
Facilities at Big Bend Campsite
Big Bend campsite is so named because it nestles in a bend in Carnarvon Creek. A huge sandstone cliff rises out of the creek and hangs like an imposing edifice over the campsite.
A camp table and composting toilets are located at Big Bend campsite. A rainwater tank is set up on the roof of the toilet block. There is also water available from Carnarvon Creek, which, according to the EPA “always flows – even when it hasn’t rained for months.” Apparently this is due to the sandstone that forms the gorge, soaking up rainfall like a giant sponge and this water being gradually released.
However, as with all bush camping, the water (either form the rainwater tank, or the creek) should be treated before drinking, either by boiling or chemical treatment.
Small, cleared areas are available at Big Bend campsite. These are generally level and suitable for lightweight hiking tents.
There is a large waterhole under the massive sandstone cliff, but the EPA discourages swimming as it is home for the elusive platypus. The best time to spot platypus are at dawn and dusk. Catfish and turtles also inhabit this waterhole.
As in all National Parks, open fires are prohibited at Big Bend campsite. So hikers must take a fuel stove. All rubbish must be carried out.
An overnight hike into Big Bend campsite is a great way to experience Carnarvon Gorge. It is a unique walk with many fascinating side track off the main track to enjoy.
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