Takarakka – Canarvon Gorge
Well, our time at Carnarvon Gorge has come to an end! 
We were both looking forward to visiting the gorge, it certainly was everything we’d hoped for and more! I don’t usually write “travel blog” type posts, because let’s be honest, there’s a million of those already! However, I think in this case I’ll make an exception. This is one of those places where pictures don’t really do it justice. I found it very humbling walking the tracks here, the sheer size of it is something special. We didn’t do all the walks, but here’s what we did see.
The first walk we did was about 12km and included the Art Gallery, a site with 3000 year old indigenous artwork. Sitting there with Jaiden and thinking about how these people would have lived all those years ago made us both realise how lucky we have it today. Next was the Amphitheatre which is a 60m deep chamber that over many many years was created as the water eroded the rock, both Jaiden and I sat there for some time just taking it in. From there we walked to the moss garden which was a favourite of mine. Seeing thousand year old water seeping out from the rock feeding the beautiful moss ‘garden’ that was thriving in an area otherwise gripped by drought was awesome. There’s also a beautiful waterfall there and Jaiden instantly declared it “the perfect spot to meditate”, so we did just that.
We also took on the grade 4 Boolimba Bluff walk. It’s certainly not the hardest grade 4 walk we’ve ever done, but the 300m section of rock stairs and ladders had us both working up a sweat. The views when we got to the top were totally worth it, as was the refreshing breeze! The views were spectacular and it gives you an understanding of the enormity of the ranges in the area. I’d usually not suggest doing grade 4 walks with kids, but this one can certainly be tackled with kids, with lots of breaks along the way!
A favourite for both of us was the Mickey creek walk which included the Mickey creek Gorge and the Warrumbah Bluff. This was a casual 1.5km walk to where the track ends, and things get fun! After plenty of rock hopping we turned a corner and were greeted by an enormous crack in the earth, which was Warrumbah. Whilst initially hesitant at first due to the darkness off in the distance, Jaiden and I ventured on and explored as much as we could. We then continued on and did Mickey creek which was somewhat hampered due to sitting water after recent rain, but still well worth the effort! Jaiden and I enjoy getting “off the beaten track” when we bushwalk, so this was perfect for us!
All in all, we loved our time here. We both learned a lot and before we’d even left Jaiden was suggesting perhaps we come back and visit again, which doesn’t happen too often! Whether you’re travelling or looking for a weekend getaway from the city, Carnarvon Gorge is certainly worth putting onto your list! With enough short walks for beginners and kids, and longer walks for those who like a serious adventure, it has it all!
If you’re after somewhere to stay certainly check out Takarakka Bush Resort & Caravan Park – Carnarvon Gorge Queensland, I am not usually a fan of caravan parks but this place is awesome! Nestled amongst the trees, pristine amenities, super friendly staff, a freshwater creek to swim in and wildlife everywhere means it’s worthy of a visit even if you don’t want to go bushwalking!
Geez, I already wanna go back!
