Australia So Much to See

2011

A. We took our off road caravan in to the camp ground with no problems; we took it slowly. It was very dry when we were there in 2008 and you are following and crossing the Finke River bed which is mainly sandy.  Conditions can vary following rain as the river can dump sand in differing places. 

However you cannot take a trailer on the track into Palm Valley itself - but you wouldn't want to anyway as it is beyond the camp ground. 

Palm Valley has a lovely serviced camp ground. After enjoying the walks, we stayed an for a third night just to enjoy the surroundings.

2011

A. The white sandstone cliffs and tall Carnarvon Fan Palms, interesting side features including creeks, Aboriginal rock paintings and caves make Carnarvon Gorge a worthwhile destination for a few days sightseeing and walking. 

We stayed for two nights only, as we did not have a caravan park booking and the nice big site we were so lucky to get was only available for two nights, so rather than move we moved on out.  A third night would have allowed us to see the short walks we missed.    See our review of Takarakka Bush Resort

For those not able to take long walk, there are three short walks from the track prior to the main car park and park headquarters.  Baloon Cave to view Aboriginal rock painting.  Mickey Creek Gorge through a narrow gorge cut by the creek.  Nature Trail and Rocky Pool on the Carnarvon Creek.  There was not time to take these due to our short stay. 

After the first creek crossing into the main gorge, a walk trail to the top at Boolimba Bluff takes you up 1,000 steps, and incorporates a ladder in one section.  The lookouts at the top show views eastwards where the valley widens. A nice walk to start the leg muscles working.  This is not a difficult walk despite the climb. 

Most people walk the gorge as far as Big Bend (ten kilometres) and visit side features.  This can be done in one full on day, or some people stay for a week and go a little further, each day.  For those who have done a big walk and all the side features in one day, talk in the showers is about aching legs and an early night. 

Walking along the creek line is fairly flat and easy for all age groups and fitness levels, but for the numerous creek crossings on stepping stones.  A hiking stick is ideal for balance when crossing on these stepping stones, and you will find a pile of sticks left just after you cross the first bridge.  We did not see these on the way out, took sticks from the bush to use, leaving these too for others.  You will cross the creek around 23 times on the walk as far as Big Bend. 

We stopped just a little short of Big Bend, and chose to miss seeing the Moss Garden, as talking to others on the walk this seemed the least interesting feature.  Some travellers say it is their favourite, so perhaps we should have found the time and energy to include it.

We chose to walk as far as we intended, stopping only at close and easy access features on the outward journey, allowing adequate time to return and do most of the side walks on the return to ensure we didn’t run out of time and daylight. 

Some of the side features involve a climb, but all are short.  There are two Aboriginal rock painting galleries with easy access.  The amphitheatre has ladder access, and takes you into a cave with sheer walls.  Wards Canyon was my favourite.  The Boowinda Creek side walk is heavy going on a stony floor, and this was our turn around point, with then end of the trail at Big Bend being not much further along the creek, and having a sheer wall similar to those we had already passed.