350 km west of Rockhampton. High up on the Buckland Tableland of the Great Dividing Range, this national park is one of the most popular in Queensland – despite its remoteness. To reach the park entrance, turn south off the Capricorn Highway at Emerald and follow the Dawson Highway to Rolleston. From here follow the Carnarvon Development Road south. For the last 40 km this road is unsealed, and should not be attempted after rain.

This brings you eventually to the Information Centre. From here you can set off on the walk through the Carnarvon Gorge, the park’s main attraction. The full gorge walk is 19 km, and you’ll need to take your own provisions. The gorge rises sheer in many places, and when the top is lost in cloud the spectacular landscape takes on a mysterious beauty, like something out of an ancient legend. Many of the side gorges are even more amazing. You can see Aborigine art at Cathedral Cave and the Gallery. These are some of the finest and most extensive examples of ancient Aborigine art in all Australia. Aborigines have been decorating these rock faces for more than 3,000 years.