Carnarvon Gorge; One of the most powerful places in Australia
According to indigenous legend, being significant to the Bidjara, Karingbal, and Kara Kara people of Central Queensland. Carnarvon Gorge’s rock art sites are thought to have been in use for at least 3,650 years
EXPLORING ADVICE: head to the furthest place you wanted to walk to, then do the much shorter sidewalks on your way back.
**SELECT AN IMAGE FOR THEIR DETAILS**
Hidden in the rugged ranges of Queensland’s central highlands, Carnarvon Gorge features towering sandstone cliffs, vibrantly coloured side gorges, diverse flora and fauna and Aboriginal rock art
The gorge is beautiful, with a variety of walks that are well laid out. The signage is excellent and the area has been well maintained. There are short flat walks, and more extensive longer walks that require some planning. For the fit and strong(need to carry all equipment including camera gear) overnight at Big Bend or 3-4 days recommended for staying off-site. The visitors centre is informative.
I did the full overnight hike as a 48 year old with average fitness but found the carry weight a challenge including an extra couple of Kg of camera equipment.
Take plenty of water(bring a filter straw for backup, especially if camping on the trail, and to lesson weight in your pack) and insect repellent for the mozzies.
CREATIVE INSPIRATION
Well, there is not much that isn't creatively inspirational. Nature is the building block of all creativity. Even if you are not a nature artist the shadow and light and angles in the canyons and rocks are an abstract joy ---- . The park is also home to many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making it an ideal spot for wildlife artists to study and capture the beauty of these creatures in their natural habitat. I saw a lot of echidnas on the trail, as well as wallabies, and bird species in abundance. ---- The cliffs are adorned with intricate patterns and textures that are sure to inspire any artist. The changing light throughout the day creates an ever-shifting palette of colors and shadows that can be captured in paint, pastels, or other media.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Besides the obvious capturing the natural beauty or focus on the wildlife, you can utilize the cultural history. Look for opportunities to capture images that highlight the park's cultural significance, such as rock art or other cultural landmarks ---- You can also Play with light: The changing light throughout the day can create dramatic effects on the canyon walls, rock surfaces and waterways. Experiment with different lighting conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon, and consider using filters or adjusting your camera settings to capture the best possible shot. Try to get into the canyons around 12-1.30pm so the light is filtering directly above to make great snaking shaddows on the ground
PUBLIC ART
The Carnarvon Gorge Art Gallery walk is a 10.8km 4hr+ walk but is a relatively easy grade 3. Ancient connections are captured in the ochre stencils, engravings and freehand paintings that adorn the sandstone walls. The gallery isn't far from the main track however it is quite a steep walk with stairs.
GALLERY
The Art Gallery walk is a 62m-long sandstone wall featuring 2000 engravings, ochre stencils and free-hand paintings adorning the sandstone walls. This is one of Australia’s finest examples of stencil art. See if you can find boomerangs, hands, feet, stone axes, shields, nets and an assortment of animal tracks. (Click on icon to got to website for details)
WALKS
My favourite full-day walk list would be to go to Boowinda Gorge 20km return(7hr) and then visit Wards Canyon - and the Amphitheatre on the way back. (A great walk planner can be found by clicking the Icon)
*FREE
The GREAT SWAG SPOT(Quarry) 2min Sth of Mulcahys rd or rest stop just before are the closest Free camp that is not a gravel pit. Great View. Carnarvon Highway, Rewan, Dry weather only. DOG . SMALL CARAVANS . TENTS . FIRE . FULLY SELF-CONTAINED ONLY
***BUDGET
SANDSTONE PARK - Hill top 360° views of Carnarvon National Park. Kangaroos everywhere. Drive through flat sites.campsites, guesthouse, helicopter flights, guided tours 3858, Carnarvon Gorge Rd, Carnarvon Park QLD 4722 TENT . DOG . CARAVAN . BIG RIG . FIRE PIT . TOILETS . DUMP POINT . WATER (Tap icon to visit website)
****UNIQUE
BIG 4 - Surrounded by creek and swimming holes. Lots of Wallabies and other wildlife including platypus. 5min from Gorge walks. Obriens Rd, Carnarvon Gorge POWER . CARAVAN . TENT . SHOWERS . TOILETS . PHONE . WALKS . KANGAROOS . (Tap icon to visit website)
****OMG
WILDERNESS LODGE. Spread out in a beautiful parkland setting, the Lodge offers 28 large safari style cabins accommodation units. Each with ensuite bathrooms, tea preparation, fridge, air conditioning/heating and spacious balconies. Obriens Rd, Carnarvon Park (Tap icon to visit website)
Hiking with Camera Gear
Can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some tips to ensure a more enjoyable experience:
- Choose the Right Gear: Opt for lightweight and compact camera equipment. Mirrorless cameras and smaller lenses are often more suitable for hiking as they reduce the weight you’ll carry. The next best option is to just take your most versatile lens, and not your whole kit. Prioritize multi-purpose gear and versatile lenses that can cover a range of shots.
- Protective Gear: Invest in a good-quality camera backpack that offers padded compartments to protect your gear from bumps and weather. Consider using weather-resistant covers for your camera and lenses to guard against rain or dust. The next best option is to have a small protective camera case that fits into whatever backpack you have. Generally, the camera will spend most of its time around your neck on a hike and not in your backpack anyway.
- Plan and Pack Strategically: Plan your shooting locations and pack accordingly. Only take the gear you will need for your specific photography goals to reduce weight.
- Use a Comfortable Backpack: Ensure your backpack is comfortable, properly fitted, and distributes weight evenly to reduce strain. Consider backpacks that provide good back support and have adjustable straps.
- Keep Gear Accessible: Organize your backpack in a way that your gear is easily accessible. You don’t want to miss a perfect shot fumbling through your bag. Some backpacks have side access or quick-access compartments for cameras.
- Battery and Memory Card Management: Carry extra batteries and memory cards. Hiking might take longer than anticipated, and you wouldn’t want to miss capturing a great shot due to a dead battery or full memory card.
- Safety Measures: Consider investing in a durable and portable tripod that is suitable for hiking. It can be handy for stabilizing shots or for long-exposure photography. Also, consider attaching a lanyard or wrist strap to your camera to prevent accidental drops.
- Be Mindful of the Environment: Respect nature and the surroundings. Be careful not to disturb wildlife or damage delicate ecosystems while finding your perfect shot.
- Weather Awareness: Check weather forecasts before heading out. Be prepared for changes in weather and carry the necessary protection for your gear against rain, snow, or excessive sunlight.
- Share Your Itinerary: If you’re hiking alone, inform someone of your route and estimated return time for safety reasons.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your hiking experience with camera gear while safeguarding your equipment and capturing beautiful moments along the trail.