Carnarvon Gorge Camping 2021 (Carnarvon National Park)

Our second trip to Central Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park in one year shows how much this place attracts and captivates thousands of visitors each year.

The fact that the visits were about 11 months apart is purely a distance thing with it being around a ten hour drive from Brisbane. We chose both times to tow our caravan up there and spent a few days exploring along the way including a stop at Lonesome National Park just down the road.

Or if coming from the west try Salvator Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park. Unfortunately it was closed on our visit but is definitely something to go back to.

Carnarvon Gorge Accomodation 

From a caravan perspective you can stay at Takarakka or Sandstone Park. Both these parks offer tent or van camping with Takarakka also having cabins. Takarakka is located along side the creek and has full facilities while Sandstone Park is up on a ridge with only toilets but spectacular sunset views.

We stayed in both and can say that they are hard to split for each of their respective strengths.

Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge is located a little closer to the park entrance and while we haven’t stayed there, we have dropped into the cafe and it is absolutely worth a visit (closed Mondays at time of writing)

The walks,

You can do anything from a 300 meter walk to the Rockpool up to a multi-day hike at Carnarvon Gorge.

Some of our favourites are the standalone Mickey’s Creek and the main gorge to the Amphitheater, Moss Garden, Ward’s Canyon, Cathedral.

Take plenty of water in the form of a camelbak as there is no water on the trail and the gorge sections could take six or seven hours if you do the full gorge to Big Bend with stops at each of the above.

Sun protection and a good camera is a must for this trip but whatever you take you are carrying it a long way. Hiking sticks help with the creek crossings and remember to bring your rubbish out with you.

Best time of year would be April to June and August to September. 

Reviews - Places. Andrew Drynan Park

Andrew Drynan Park.

Nestled in a quiet valley with a great outlook and clear running stream is this great family reserve.

Crystal clear "Running Creek" flows down from the Border Ranges national park and provides a centre point for campers, particularly in the warmer months as a great place to cool off.

In the cooler months sitting around a warm open fire and your troubles drift away.

There is plenty of exploring up and down the creek banks for the energetic and plenty of open space for kids to kick a ball around.

The odd train rattles through the hills but this just adds to the ambiance.

Day trips from here can be up to the National Park to see the loop track or further south to take in the beautiful county towns and grab a counter meal at one of the locals.

Some sites will be a challenge to get level but there are plenty of sites around.

The caretaker lives across the road and visits each morning.

All up highly recommended camp ground.

Quote from Scenic Rim Regional Council website http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/national-parks-and-camping

Andrew Drynan Park Andrew Drynan Park is 47km from Beaudesert and 19km from Rathdowney on the Lions Road, south of Beaudesert, and Running Creek. It has an impressive backdrop formed by Mt Chinghee. The drive from Brisbane will take a couple of hours. The park is divided by Lions Road. Running Creek is a lovely flowing creek which is very inviting in summer and the park offers a great bush camp among the tall trees. Toilets, BBQs, picnic tables and swimming. BYO drinking water. Pets to be restrained. No showers -- a dip in the creek will keep you clean. Please don't use soap or detergent. Directions: At Rathdowney, turn left into Running Creek Rd. Park located on Running Creek approximately 17km south east of Rathdowney.

$6 adults, $3 children (5 to15), $17 family, free for children under 5 years old Ph: (07) 5544 1281