Australian Multi-day Tour

Carnarvon Gorge Pack-Free Hiking - Autumn Departure

Discover the very best of Carnarvon Gorge on this fully guided five-day walking adventure. Stay in the heart of the national park, unpack just once and explore spectacular trails each day with only a daypack.

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Destination Queensland, Australia

Duration 5 Days

Price From $2,699

Departs 20 May 2027

Group Size 10 Max

Overview

Explore the Carnarvon Gorge with AW

Explore the very best of Carnarvon Gorge on this fully guided five-day walking adventure with Adventurous Women. From the gorge's iconic highlights to its quieter, lesser-known corners, you'll discover towering sandstone cliffs, ancient Aboriginal rock art, hidden rainforest pockets and abundant native wildlife as you explore one of Australia's most spectacular landscapes.

Travelling with a small group of like-minded women, everything is taken care of from the moment you leave Brisbane. Stay four nights at Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, where you can unpack once and set off each day with just a daypack. Our experienced Adventurous Women Tour Leaders are with you throughout the journey, with specialist local guides joining selected walks to share their deep knowledge of the gorge. After each day's adventure, return to a hot shower, comfortable accommodation and delicious meals in the heart of the wilderness.

Fitness/Walk Grade

The walks are graded intermediate to difficult (Grades 3 & 4), and while creek crossings and some uneven terrain are involved, the pace is relaxed and supportive.

Advanced training is recommended. Focus on being able to comfortably walk for a full day, and then for multiple days in a row, to build your stamina, along with steps. Practice while wearing your day pack, hiking boots or shoes, and using your hiking poles to closely replicate trail conditions. Incorporate walking on uneven or varied surfaces- such as rocks or gravel- to simulate creek crossings and improve balance and preparedness.

Pack-free hiking - your luggage moves with you
Wineglass Bay sunrise lookout walk
Freycinet National Park kayak with playful seals
Local Tasmanian produce at every meal
Comfortable lodge accommodation, not camping
Small group of like-minded women, max 14

Fun adventure with spectacular views-1 — Explore Carnarvon Gorge - one of Queensland's most stunning natural wonders

Day 1 Thu 20 May Brisbane to Carnarvon Gorge

We meet at 7.00 am in South Brisbane (exact pick up point will be provided closer to the tour date).

Today is spent travelling from Brisbane to Carnarvon Gorge, which takes around 8.5 hours of driving. We will stop along the way for lunch and a chance to stretch our legs.

We arrive at our destination in the late afternoon and have time to settle in before our first dinner together.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Day 2 Fri 21 May Explore Lower Gorge (14 km)

Today we take on Carnarvon Gorge's signature walk, a 14km trail showcasing four of its most remarkable natural and cultural sites. We’ll be joined by a specialist guide who brings this extraordinary landscape to life with stories, history and local knowledge.

We begin on the gorge floor, following the creek through ancient sandstone cliffs while keeping an eye out for wildlife and unique plant species. Our first stop is the Art Gallery, where more than 2,000 stencilled, engraved and freehand motifs cover a towering sandstone wall, offering a fascinating glimpse into thousands of years of First Nations culture.

Next, we visit Wards Canyon, home to Australia's only known inland colony of King Ferns, before stepping into the Amphitheatre, where towering sandstone walls create an unforgettable natural chamber. Our final stop is the Moss Garden, a lush oasis nourished by one of the park's most productive spring systems and widely considered the gorge's most photographed location.

We return to the lodge in the mid to late afternoon.

Distances: appx 14 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Day 3 Sat 22 May Mouth of Carnarvon Gorge, Boolimba Bluff + Night Safari (13 km)

If you wish to wake up early, we can start the day with a drive up to a viewpoint to watch the sunrise over Carnarvon Gorge and the surrounding landscapes.

We return to breakfast at the lodge, then pay a visit to Mickey Creek, offering some of the narrowest gorge experiences at Carnarvon Gorge. It's cool, even on the warmest days. The further you venture in, the more rock-hopping will be required.

Afterwards, we stop by the Visitor Centre before heading along the Nature Trail to connect with the Rock Pool. The Nature Trail offers plenty of chances to spot wildlife, including the elusive platypus. The Rock Pool is the perfect spot for a swim and lunch.

This afternoon, we’ll hike up to Boolimba Bluff, a rewarding lookout walk with spectacular views over the gorge. The climb includes around 1,000 steps, but the views from the top make it well worth the effort.

In the evening, we’ll join a Night Safari Tour- a rare chance to spot the gorge’s nocturnal wildlife, rarely seen on daytime walks.

Distances: appx 13 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Day 4 Sun 23 May The Upper Gorge (20 km)

Along the trail today, there are three standout sites - so slow down and allow quality time at each one.

First is Cathedral Cave, a striking rock shelter that holds significant rock art and deep cultural meaning. Just around the corner is Boowinda Gorge, a narrow, winding passage believed to be where creation began - it’s also said to be part of the journey taken by Mundagarra, the Rainbow Serpent, as it moved through this sinuous side gorge.

Eventually, we’ll arrive at Big Bend, a peaceful spot at the end of the gorge walk. With its sandy beach, picnic table, and toilet tucked nearby, it’s a welcome place to rest and soak up the beauty of the area.

We then return to the lodge for a final dinner together.

Distances: appx 20 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Day 5 Mon 24 May Carnarvon Gorge to Brisbane

Enjoy a light breakfast before departing for home. We will take our time, stopping along the way for a cuppa, lunch (at your own expense) and a leg stretch at some of the iconic Queensland outback towns we passed on the way up.

We will drop you off at the same location as the pick up. Note, if you are booking flights departing tonight, then please book for 7:30 pm or later in order to allow a sufficient buffer.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues, or the health of fellow travelers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Adventurous Women Tour Leader
4 nights accommodation in Safari Cabins with ensuite bathrooms (Twin-share)
Transport to and from Brisbane by private, air-conditioned bus
Specialist guide for the Lower Gorge walk and Night Safari tour
Meals as listed in the itinerary

"An unforgettable adventure, some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen, in the company of wonderful women. Tara was a brilliant guide, nothing was too much hassle or too difficult"

Jo Carnarvon Gorge

"Our AW trip to Carnarvon Gorge was excellent, I can’t fault it. The communication was good, the pick up bus was on time, our two guides Tara and Yolanda were great and the scenery was spectacular. I will definitely be booking with AW again"

Donna Carnarvon Gorge

"A wonderful tour made even more memorable with a perfect itinerary ,a great group of adventurous ladies and led by two extremely competent guides"

Sarah Carnarvon Gorge

"Great trip to a beautiful place
Loved the guided walks with Michelle
Tara and Yo, who were great leaders"

Helen Carnarvon Gorge

Good to know

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)
75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit
74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments
No refund is available once a tour has commenced

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following is not included in the cost of the tour:

Flights to/from Brisbane
Lunch on Day 5
Drinks other than water
Expenses of a personal nature
Travel Insurance (recommended)

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way

We’ll pair you with a room buddy for the stay. Or, if you’d prefer your own room, this option is available for an additional supplement (subject to availability). You can select your rooming preference at the time of booking or reach out to us for more information.

Arrival & Departure Details

The tour starts on 20 May at 07.00 in Brisbane. We will drop off at the same location as the pickup on 24 May around 4-5pm. If you plan to fly out on 24 May, then please book for 7:30 pm or later in order to allow a sufficient buffer.

Who will be leading the trip?

Two experienced Adventurous Women Tour Leaders will accompany the trip, taking care of everything from leading the hikes to driving the bus to preparing breakfasts and lunches along the way. On two occasions during the trip, a specialist guide will join the group to share insights into the region’s history and its unique flora and fauna.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, we’ll do our best to accommodate them. Please provide as much detail as possible in advance so we can advise what level of catering is possible. In some cases, we may recommend bringing additional snacks, and for severe allergies, we’ll discuss any necessary medical precautions prior to the trip.

Accommodation

We’ll be staying at Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, a quiet retreat with comfortable safari-style cabin accommodation. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms with hot water showers and reverse cycle air conditioning units to heat and cool the rooms.

What should I bring?

A detailed packing list will be provided closer to the tour date. The most important item is a comfortable, well-broken-in pair of hiking shoes or boots.

How will we be travelling?

We will use a private bus for this trip. Depending on the group size, a luggage trailer may also be provided.