Carnarvon National Park Mount Moffatt

Mount Moffatt, the remote northern section of Carnarvon National Park, is a rugged wilderness of sandstone escarpments, ancient lava flows, and rich Indigenous heritage. Far less visited than the popular Carnarvon Gorge, this area rewards intrepid travellers with solitude, dramatic landscapes, and a palpable sense of deep time. The drive in is an adventure in itself—unsealed roads lead through cattle country to a landscape that feels like a secret world.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Moffatt Summit – A challenging but rewarding 8 km return hike to the park’s highest point (1,100 m) offering panoramic views over the surrounding ranges and the distant Maranoa River.
• Boomerang Gorge – A short walk into a narrow sandstone gorge with impressive overhangs and Aboriginal rock art sites, including stencils and engravings.
• Top Shelter Shed & The Tombs – Historic stockman’s shelters and an eerie limestone cave system, once used as a refuge by bushrangers.
• Indigenous Rock Art – Scattered throughout the park, particularly along the Maranoa River and in the gorge systems, with paintings and hand stencils up to 5,000 years old.
• Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and if you’re lucky, the elusive brush-tailed rock-wallaby. Birdlife is abundant, including wedge-tailed eagles and rainbow bee-eaters.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to properly experience Mount Moffatt. Day one can cover the summit hike and Boomerang Gorge, while day two allows for exploration of the Tombs, rock art sites, and a leisurely drive through the park’s varied landscapes. Camping at the Mount Moffatt campground (basic facilities, no power) is the best way to soak up the remote atmosphere. If you’re short on time, a single day is possible but you’ll only scratch the surface—prioritise the summit and Boomerang Gorge.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Carnarvon Gorge – The main section of the national park, 120 km south, with world-class sandstone cliffs, moss gardens, and the famous Art Gallery rock shelter.
• Injune – A small rural town 90 km southeast, serving as the main gateway to Carnarvon National Park, with fuel, supplies, and accommodation.
• Mitchell – A historic town on the Warrego Highway, 160 km southeast, known for the Great Artesian Spa and the Maranoa River.
• Roma – The largest regional centre (200 km southeast), offering the Big Rig oil and gas museum, wineries, and excellent dining options.
• Consuelo Tableland – An adjacent wilderness area with similar geology and remote bush camping opportunities, accessible via four-wheel-drive tracks.

Please check official sources for current details.