MUST-SEE SIGHTS

Carnarvon Gorge

Criss-crossed with over 20 kilometres of walking trails through which to explore the beauty and diversity of the landscape, Carnarvon Gorge is the most-visited section of the national park . Here, white sandstone cliffs change colour as the sun cuts across the sky and form a steep gorge 32 kilometres in length. Carnarvon Creek flows year-round at its base, creating its own cool, luxuriant ecosystem.

From above

While helicopters are not permitted to fly over Carnarvon Gorge itself due to noise restrictions, you can – and should – marvel at the magnitude of the landscape from above on a Heli-Central Gorge Scenic Flight, which soars the 11-kilometre-long Moolayember Gorge, adjacent to Carnarvon Gorge and so remote that it would take seven days to walk in and out.

Ferns and mosses

A retreat from the heat with a carpet of mosses, tree ferns and liverworts, the magical Moss Garden is like something out of a fairy tale, accessible off the Main Gorge Track. Then divert further along the track to seek out the cool sanctuary of Ward’s Canyon, home to the rare king fern – the world’s largest and one that has links to ancient Gondwana. Find this true dinosaur of a plant towering above you while water trickles over algae-coated rocks and the remnant rainforest flourishes.

Amphitheatre

This awe-inspiring work of natural architecture can also be found off the Main Gorge Track; scale a ladder and squeeze through a narrow crevice to reach it. Here, the gorge face opens up into a 60-metre chamber hidden deep within and carved by thousands of years of running water. Resounding acoustics and echoes add to the ethereal atmosphere you’ ll find here at the Amphitheatre as you look up to the sk y above you framed by towering walls. A place of peace and reflection.