No  Boundaries  

Carnarvon Gorge -  Takarakka Bush Resort, Queensland

Bookings a must between April and October

Domestic pets are not permitted

Location:
Located 44kms off The Carnarvon Developmental Road (part of the Great Inland Way) between Injune and Rolleston.  The last 20kms is dirt and would definitely be a bit tricky after rain.  No steep climbs or drops however.  It is an "all vehicles" road, but recommend checking condition report on the "Update" link on the Park web site.  The park is 4kms before the Rangers Information Centre, and start to main gorge walks.

On arrival:
Eco-friendly and modern reception, information and general store facilities - ramp for wheelies.  We found the staff very knowledgeable and friendly;  they welcome their visitors and will take the time to stop for a yarn.  Popular visitor time is April to November, and most nights during this time there is an information session about the Gorge - its' history' and what to look for and expect when doing your own exploring or take the guided walks on offer.  Park has obvious affiliation with the National Park authority and host outdoor in park slide shows on some evenings narrated by park rangers.

What it looks and feels like:
Larger drive-through sites for caravans, mobile homes and camping trailers.  Nearby bush camping sites for tents brings both together within grouped camping circles, each circle with its own facilities.  Sites are well defined and reasonably spacious.  Open grassed areas, dirt tracks, bush backdrop including nearby creek and hills.  A bird haven, platypus and turtles in the creek, a friendly kangaroo that minds his own business, but doesn't mind the visitors.  Short walk to look-out within the park.     

Facilities:
Ample and user-friendly shower recesses (no wet feet) and toilets, well maintained. (Some wheelchair friendly, suggest request this area).  Honesty system for hot showers - the management requests maximum five minutes - very adequate and refreshing after long muscle-weary and dusty walks.  Camp kitchens handy to most sites;  large under-cover with gas burners and BBQs, hot water urn, hot wash up facilities including detergent, cloths and tea-towels - cleaned and replaced daily.  Great meet and greet areas along with the Camp fire area adjacent, wood supplied daily.  User pays Email service.  Public Phones.  (Mobile service inaccessible.)

Shopping:
Ice, frozen meats and bread, ice-cream and non-perishables, gas refills and souvenirs.  Free book / magazine exchange. 

What to do and see:

The gorge - fascinating in its own right.  Main walks are well maintained and are not difficult, only difficulty is in how far you want to go.  Experienced and more adventurous walkers can take on greater challenges.  Walk to the top of the gorge at Boolimba Bluff requires as explained during Takarakka's information session, more tenacity and mental strength than physical, although we did lose count of the steps.  The view from on top is well worth it.  Other walks into side gorges reveal 'hidden gardens' rock formations and aboriginal artwork - all sights that for us seemed to penetrate the soul.  Abundance of birds, native animals and plant life that are well explained by the ranger's office and staff, and day or night guided tours are available.

Meet lots of like-minded people - this was certainly part of the fun for us.

If your keen for a swim, Carnarvon Creek has a couple of waterholes.  

A message from Kate and the "Taka Team"
Kate offers the following information for your holiday pleasure

*Takarraka has full disabled facilities for camping, powered site and canvas cabin.
*Due to the problems with weed control, in particular Parthenium Weed, there is no wash down facility at the park.  Wash down facilities are provided at Injune, Rolleston, Springsure and Moura.  These facilities are not a car/caravan wash.  They are provided by the communities to reduce and control the spread of noxious weeds.  The population bears the expense of higher rates so these facilities can operate free to the traveller.  If you use these facilities, maybe a donation or support to any of the local businesses could be considered to show your appreciation.  Further information is available at the park and at the rangers office at the Carnarvon Gorge National Park.
*Domestic pets are not permitted.
*Fuel is not available at Carnarvon.  Last fuel available is at Rolleston to the north and Injune to the south.
*It is also recommended that you book if you wish to camp between April and October.