Carnarvon Gorge and Bunya Mountains Walk
7-Day Carnarvon Gorge and Bunya Mountains Walk – A Pack Free Guided Walking Tour by Life’s An Adventure
Life’s An Adventure presents a 7-day Pack Free guided walking tour that explores the best National Parks of Southern Queensland. This unique journey combines the natural beauty of Bunya Mountains National Park with the stunning landscapes of Carnarvon Gorge, offering an unforgettable experience through some of Australia’s most diverse and captivating environments. Tailor-made for the adventurer, this tour allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Queensland’s wilderness while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a Pack Free experience.
The adventure begins in the Bunya Mountains, home to the world’s largest stand of ancient bunya pines. Walk through rainforest-clad peaks, discovering the lush greenery, towering bunya trees, and unique range-top grasslands. The park’s cool mountain climate and panoramic views provide a perfect introduction to the diverse landscapes of Southern Queensland. Encounter colourful birdlife, explore winding trails, and enjoy the serenity of this tranquil natural haven.
The journey continues to Carnarvon Gorge, a renowned natural wonder famous for its deep water-carved gorges, dramatic sandstone escarpments, and vibrant rainforests. Hike along trails that take you through a variety of terrains, from dry and rugged sandstone cliffs to lush rainforest environments. Discover ancient rock art galleries, which hold immense ceremonial and spiritual significance, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the First Nations peoples who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Each day, you will encounter diverse ecosystems, cool mountain streams, and cascading waterfalls that showcase the park’s natural beauty.
The tour is designed to provide a balance of adventure and relaxation. With each day tailored to showcase the best walking experiences, you will explore a range of landscapes, including the world’s largest ferns, secluded valleys, and captivating viewpoints. The itinerary is crafted to ensure that you enjoy the diversity of the region while being fully supported with logistics taken care of.
Accommodation is handpicked to offer the best lodging available in each location, providing comfort and a touch of luxury amidst the wilderness. Every evening, relax in beautiful settings and enjoy fully catered gourmet meals that feature delicious and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. With all meals included, you can savour the flavours of fresh local produce while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
The Pack Free approach ensures a stress-free experience, allowing you to walk with only a small day pack while all your needs are taken care of. This makes the tour accessible for different fitness levels, giving you the freedom to focus on the stunning landscapes and fascinating stories of Southern Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage.
The 7-day Carnarvon Gorge and Bunya Mountains Walk by Life’s An Adventure is more than just a hiking tour—it’s a journey through some of Queensland’s most iconic and pristine natural areas. From the ancient bunya pines and rainforests of the Bunya Mountains to the deep gorges and cultural treasures of Carnarvon Gorge, this tour offers an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Southern Queensland. Join us for a Pack Free adventure that takes you into the heart of the outback and beyond, exploring breathtaking landscapes and uncovering the stories of this remarkable region.
Pack-Free Walking Experience
Carry only your water and lunch
No need to carry heavy overnight packs with your clothes and gear, this walk has been designed for those looking for an affordable multi-day walking experience with all the creature comforts. Your overnight bags will be transported each day so all you need is a small day pack for your lunch and water.
The Bunyas
Trees and forest right on your doorstep
We enjoy warm hospitality at the Bunyas only 200 metres from the walking trails that wind through Bunya Mountains National Park. With the trees and forest right on your doorstep you will feel at one with nature and all the wildlife that calls this picturesque locale home. Each 2-bedroom unit comes fully equipped with kitchen, dining area, loungeroom, fireplace, and bathroom. With a queen bed in the main room and twin singles in the second room.
Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Nestled within Carnarvon National Park and right beside Carnarvon Gorge.
Stay in one of the best accommodation available in Carnarvon National Park. Enjoying the serenity and watching all the local wildlife that frequents the water’s edge. With air conditioning, and ensuite bathroom inside, you will have all you need and everything you want to make yourself at home for the coming days.
Best Western Bungil Creek Motel
in outback Roma
Spend 2 nights (non-consecutive) in the Best Western in Roma. This four star property is modern and sleek, featuring an outdoor pool & cocktail lounge
Local produce and Australian wines included
Mealtime is a special time on tour. Not only does it provide the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers in a relaxed environment, but it also allows you to sample regional specialities. In Roma we dine at the BC,s Restaurant. Whilst at Carnarvon Gorge enjoy hearty meals featuring fresh local flavours. All evening meals are served with Queensland wines.
Our CEO Guides
Chief Experience Officers
Our guides are truly exceptional at what they do. We call them our CEOs – Chief Experience Officers and it’s their job to ensure your tour exceeds your expectations. Our guide’s caring attitude and wonderful outgoing nature ensure your tour is relaxing, fun and informative. They will take into account the weather each day and plan the day’s adventure to suit you and the conditions.
Personalised Tours
Small and intimate groups
Our group sizes are small and intimate with a maximum of 12 people, we find this delivers more personalised service, a great social environment and has less impact on the environment.
Genuinely all-inclusive
No more to pay
Our tours are genuinely all-inclusive. From cruises to wine with dinner there are no hidden extras.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
What Life’s An Adventure is renowned for?
Tour Itinerary
This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden extras:
- Pack-Free Walk – allowing you to only carry your water, lunch, and camera
- 1 night at the Bunyas Units
- 3 nights in Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge
- 2 nights in Best Western Bungil Creek Motel, Roma
- 6 x breakfasts
- 7 lunches
- 6 x delicious dinners featuring beautiful local produce
- Local wines with evening meals
- Return transfers from Brisbane by road.
- Professionally guided – Our CEO’s – Chief Experience Officers are passionate, well trained and enthusiastic with the ability to bring to life a depth of information
Please note: the regions we visit in Outback Queensland are quite remote, as such driving distances between each location are lengthy. We do attempt to break the long drives up with stops enroute.
MEET TIME: Meet 7.45am
TRANSFERS: Morning 3 hour transfer from Brisbane to Bunya Mountains. Afternoon: walk is near our accommodation
TRAIL NOTES: Barker Creek Circuit 10km of walking, 3-4 hours. Medium grade.
SHORTER WALK: Shorter walk option of 4kms available if group prefers. 1 hour. Medium grade.
TERRAIN: A combination of formal paved path and natural trail that can be rocky underfoot. Short, steep ascent and descent at the waterfalls.
WALK ITINERARY: Your Life’s an Adventure Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will meet you in the foyer of the Mercure Brisbane King George Square in the morning, after which you will climb aboard your carriage and be transported in comfort to Bunya Mountains. Upon arrival, we will embark on the beautiful Barker Creek Circuit, winding through the stunning rainforests of the Bunya Mountains, surrounded by magnificent 45-meter-tall bunya pines. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the captivating sights of Paradise Falls, Little Falls, and Tim Shea Falls.
The afternoon is yours to relax at your accommodation at the Bunyas, maybe visit the local Whisky Bar, stroll the nearby forests, kick back looking out from your accommodation, or grab a tray of bird seed from the local store and try your hand at feeding the raucous and vibrant bird-life. The evening will see us sitting down to a delectable two-course meal in the Lyric bar and restaurant.
TRANSFERS: Morning walk is near our accommodation. Afternoon: 4 hour transfer from Bunya Mountains to Roma, with stop en route.
TRAIL NOTES: 12km of walking, 3-4 hours. Moderate level.
TERRAIN:A well-maintained trail with a steady incline.
WALKING ITINERARY: Following a hearty Queensland breakfast, we make our way to the beginning of the Cherry Plain to Burtons Well trail, commencing our hike. As we steadily ascend, we’ll traverse the mountain ridge, treating ourselves to stunning panoramic vistas of the valleys and plains from scenic lookouts like Bottle Tree Bluff, Ghinghion, and Cherry Plain. You can also extend this walk up to Mount Kiangarow, where the summit offers spectacular views, before circling back to our initial starting point.
Following our trek, we’ll journey to the outback town of Roma, where we’ll unwind in our lovely overnight accommodations and enjoy a well-deserved meal.
TRANSFERS: Morning: 3 hour transfer from Roma to Carnarvon Gorge.
TRAIL NOTES: 4km of walking, 1.5 hours.
TERRAIN: Flat walking. Excellent dirt track but some sections of uneven, rocky or unmodified terrain.
WALK ITINERARY: After a good outback brekkie, we drive through the rugged backcountry to Carnarvon Gorge. Our walking experience today takes us to the Nature Trail, a quiet and beautiful walk where you can notice the small things and let the sounds of nature trickle over you. We’ll keep an open mind and an open eye out too for any wildlife, especially any sleek platypus returning to their water’s-edge burrows after a night of feeding. After this, we’ll stroll to the Rock Pools, the only area where swimming is permissible in the gorge and we will take to the water, paddling around pondering turtles and darting fish.
Once we’ve finished our hike, we make our way to our accommodation for the next three nights. Here, we can unpack, unwind, and enjoy the facilities at Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge. Tonight, we enjoy a dinner paired with Australian wines.
TRAIL NOTES: Approximately 11km of walking.
TERRAIN: Overall this is a clear and well defined trail, with only a few sections of uneven, rocky or unmodified terrain. There is a steep climb but with well-formed stone steps and short ladders and its only about 300m long with about 200m in elevation gain from the gorge floor. Otherwise, the terrain is just lightly undulating.
WALKING ITINERARY: With a healthy and hearty breakfast finished and fuelling us for the day, we will set off up the gorge’s main trail, before veering right up the sandstone walls to Boolimba Bluff. A 200 metre climb will bring us to the top of the escarpment and from here we get amazing views out over the landscape. As the sun rises and the heat with it, we will descend back down into Carnarvon Gorge and continue on our trek to the amazingly cool and secluded Moss Garden. This green treasure, refreshed by waters that have taken thousands of years to percolate through the sandstone strata, is one of the most peaceful and serene grottos you are likely to see across all of outback Australia. Heading back to your creek-side accommodation, you will be able to relax in the late afternoon warmth before we regroup for dinner served with wine and a visual guided tour of the stars which shine ever so brightly in the Aussie Outback.
TRAIL NOTES: Approximately 20km of walking I 7 hours I Elevations gain 395m.
Flexible Shorter option available: 10kms to Ward’s Canyon and return I 4 hours I Elevation gain 286m
TERRAIN: Flat walking with some small inclines. Excellent dirt track, but some sections of uneven, rocky or unmodified terrain and many creek crossings using stepping stones and boulders.
WALK ITINERARY: Today, enjoy breakfast before setting out and getting a taste of what is known as the Carnarvon Great Walk, a 90-kilometre circuit of the rugged area completed by only the hardiest of hikers. While we are not doing the full loop, we will still be seeing the best that huge walk has to offer on our way to Big Bend, a large elbow carved out by millions of years of flowing water. Heading directly up the gorge, we are flanked on either side by its towering walls and will get many chances to rock hop, skip, jump, or wade over the many semi-permanent waterways that are home to and creator of the gorge. On our way up the gorge we will veer off on many gorgeous side trips, from refuges for ancient king fern gardens to daunting acoustic amphitheatres but, most importantly, a singular Aboriginal art gallery dating back almost 4000 years, a visual testament to the (at least) 20 000 years of human occupation in this area. Something not to be missed and treasured in memory. While it is a long walk, the main gorge has it all and is the highlight of any visit to Carnarvon Gorge. Something to reflect on this night, over a delicious dinner served with Australian wines.
TRANSFERS: Afternoon: 3 hour transfer to Roma
TRAIL NOTES: 5km of walking, 3 hours.
TERRAIN: Lightly undulating with sections of uneven, rocky, or unmodified terrain.
WALK ITINERARY: After the exertions of yesterday, this morning you’ve earned a little sleep-in. Once you are rested, our walking experience today will lead us to Mickeys Creek and Warrumbah Gorge, two amazing walks right near the main gorge mouth. Mickeys Creek is a cool, pristine pocket of serenity, providing refuge for ferns and mosses that evolved long before the scorching heat of the outback descended on Australia. Warrumbah Gorge, whilst likewise a refuge, is awe-inspiring to boot. It is a narrow cleft, dominated on either side by soaring walls, making it the quintessential slot canyon. Alacritous hikers can continue to explore up into the gorge, where the path ends and true off-trail clambering begins.
Afterwards, we head south, making our way back to the town of Roma for another beautiful night’s accommodation and a fitting meal.
TRANSFERS: 5.5 hour drive from Roma to Brisbane with sightseeing stops along the way.
ITINERARY: This morning enjoy breakfast in Roma before transferring back to Brisbane, heading down the long and historic Warrego Highway. Sit back in comfort as the outback blows by, slowly becoming greener and more verdure as we again begin nearing the coast. A stop in Toowoomba at Cobb and Co. will give you a chance to stretch your legs and see some of the past as well as enjoying nourishing food at the café. We will arrive back in Brisbane around 4:00 pm, greeted again by the azure sea and the massing crowds, but wearing dusty boots and sweat-stained shirts – lingering reminders of our time in Outback Queensland.
OPTIONAL: You have the option to fly out of Roma (own expense) if you prefer to reduce traveling times on this day.
Tour Availability
& On Sale Prices
- 2027 DEPARTURES – Super Earlybird Savings
Book now and Super Earlybirds SAVE $500 per person for guests who have travelled with us before and SAVE $400 per person for new guests. See pricing below.
NOTE: Prices displayed in the table are for first-time travellers, guests who have travelled with us before receive an additional $100 discount per person which will be applied once your email is entered in the booking.
Prices in Australian Dollars (AUD).
PRIVATE GROUPS:
Departure date of your choice is subjective to availability. A minimum group size of 10 required. Prices are equal to Past Travellers’ discounted rates. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
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SOLO TRAVELLERS & EXTRAS:
SOLO TRAVELLERS WILLING TO SHARE
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room, we will attempt to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we can’t find you a match of the same gender by around 8 weeks prior to the tour, you will be charged the single supplement cost. Subject to availability at time of booking.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
WANTING THEIR OWN ROOM
For those wanting to guarantee their own room, a single supplement cost will be charged at the time of booking. Subject to availability.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $900
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BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
SALE TICKET CONDITIONS:
* Super Earlybird, Earlybird and Spot Special Sale Tickets: Must be paid in full at time of booking. Refunds or cancellations are not permitted for Sale Tickets however, transfers to another date are permitted 8 weeks or more prior to departure however incurs a $200 change fee. We advise taking out travel insurance in case unexpected circumstances prior to the trip, prevent you from joining this tour. Early bird or Spot Special discounts cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. We have partnered with Cover-More to provide travel insurance to our guests. To get a quote or purchase travel insurance directly with them Click here. To receive these special discounts, full payment must be made at the time of initial booking. Flexiwalk Add-On option not available on these tickets.
* Those who have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously, receive a past passenger discount of $100. This discount will automatically be deducted from future bookings when you book online using the same email address used for past bookings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
* Prices are per person in Australian dollars and include GST.
* A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your booking. (unless taking advantage of Earlybird or Spot Specials in which full payment is required at time of booking).
* Note: If you are booking within 90 days of your departure date – we will require full payment at the time of booking
* Prices are based on twin share of rooms. If you are travelling solo you may be required to share with someone of the same gender. If this is not suitable you can request to pay a single supplement, however, limited single rooms are available per trip so are on a request basis.
* Credit Card fees apply or contact us for bank transfer payment options. The following fees apply. Australian Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 1% +$0.20 per transaction, International Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 3.4% + $0.30 per transaction (payments in AUD). For international guests we also offer bank transfers in your own currency to avoid transaction fees.
* Payments must be made online via our NAB (National Australia Bank) secure payment page via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or over the phone.
* We advise taking our Travel Insurance to cover items such as cancellation of tour due to minimum numbers not met, or adverse weather conditions, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. Click here
* Credit for cancelled activities. If a tour activity has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances a credit for this missed activity can be applied to any future tour with us. Click here.
