Boolimba Bluff

Carnarvon National Park

Discover what lies above the cliff line and gaze out to distant ranges at Boolimba Bluff, which towers 200m above Carnarvon Creek. This is the only formed lookout track from the gorge. No other track passes through such a diversity of habitats. Early morning is the best time for this walk. The track involves steps, steep sections and one very steep section with 300m of steps and short ladders.

Lookouts
Picnic Facilities
Toilets
Scrambling or Climbing
No Dogs Permitted
No Camping Permitted
Rainforest
Eucalypt Forest
664m
Maximum Elevation
223m
Total Climb

Getting there:

Drive into Carnarvon Gorge off the Carnarvon Highway via Carnarvon Access Road and follow to the end of the road, where there are the car parks and Information Centre.

Maps:

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Route/Trail notes:

Start from the Information Centre and head out on the Main Gorge Track, rock hop Carnarvon Creek and then after 1km, the Boolimba Bluff is signposted to your right. Following the track for a further 1km, as it rises slowly skirting around the base of the cliff. From here, the next 300m section climbs about 100m to the plateau, with the help of the steps and ladders. There is then an easy walk of 1.1km through low scrub to the lookouts.

Return by the same route.

Permits/Costs:

None.

Other References/Comments:

The Gorge is a long way out, so there are a number of places just outside of the National Park to camp: Takarakka Bush Camp, Wilderness Lodge and Sandstone Park and in the holiday season, Carnarvon Gorge Camping Area.

Comments

Great view over most of the Park and to the east.

Agent86 on 23 Aug, 2023

Got up early and did the Bluff for a cuppa watching the sunrise, would highly recommend, it was stunning!!

Sonja Wentzel on 19 Jul, 2023

Very straight forward walk. From the main track take the signed path to the Boolimba Bluff. The track is excellent and easy to follow. There is a short section which is quite steep but for the most part it is a pretty gradual ascent. The view is great, definitely a worthwhile side trip!

Vonsnrub on 14 Sep, 2021

Stunning views at Queensland’s ‘Blue Mountains’. Loved this walk. Yes there are steps but they are not contiguous, don’t be put off the view is well worth it.

Olwyn on 10 Sep, 2021

Amazing lookout! So...many...steps...and a couple of ladders. Such a beautiful view though.

Suz on 27 Aug, 2021

Don’t let the ‘hard’ rating scare you off doing this walk! The majority of the walk is very straightforward. The steps are challenging but only because they’re all in one section - anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can achieve it. There’s plenty of areas to stop and get your breath back if needed. The view is brilliant. I just wish I hadn’t put this walk off for so long!

S K on 23 Jun, 2021

Last walk of the trip and boy was that 300m climb from the base of the cliff to the top a challenge. By the time you have walked across the top to the lookouts, it is time for a drink, snack, a chat to fellow climbers and enjoy the views south and out across the gorge, before heading back down.

F.A.B. on 14 May, 2021

Sunrise

Chris Wilson on 3 Apr, 2021

Around 200m elevation from the gorge. Plenty of seats to rest as the climb is quite steep. National Parks have done an excellent job maintaining the track. The views are well worth the trip.

Nathan Boyce on 2 Oct, 2019

Bloody hot out here (Early November 2018 severe heatwave) but the views from the bluff were worth every drop of sweat.
Carry enough water and take it easy up the steep climb - if you aren’t as fit as you could be make use of the regular benches. We saw a couple of elderly people who managed the climb with a mix of perserverence and rests
Take care coming back down.

GMess on 3 Nov, 2018

Fantastic...

Mackamcb on 18 Sep, 2018

Did this bad boy for sunrise. Wow it was spectacular!! Left the car park around 4.15am and it took 45min to get up the the lookout. It was beginning to get light at 4.30am. Full sunrise was at 5.45am so I had plenty of time to rest and enjoy the view. I really needed the rest because that ascent was soooooo intense!!!
There are 2 lookouts and a rock you can use as a lookout (but I don't think you are supposed so). It was great doing it for sunrise because the beauty of the gorge was a gift on the descent.

You will need water, good shoes and a head torch.

candycroc on 10 Dec, 2017

Great views from the top. There is sign marking a 300 meter climb up stairs which is steep however if taking it steady there are 2 seats on the way to enjoy the gorge itself. Once at the top it levels out to the viewing platforms.

Cheryl on 31 Aug, 2017

This IS steep and some fitness level required yet well worth the views !

J on 12 Jun, 2017

If you like steps and a great view then this is for you. Hiked it once or twice a day when we visited - so yes I liked it. Great exercise and easy hike if you can climb lots of steps. Nice views at the top in a few directions. You can see the campground from up there - it's fun to try and wave to your fellow campers from the top.

Take a Hike on Jun, 2017

sooooo many steps. you will need to be reasonably fit. sunrise of the cliffs is awesome

wendy on 28 Dec, 2016

This is a great view of the canyon

HelenR on 15 Mar, 2016

Did this couple of hours hike before the sunset. A steep hike with wonderful views at the top. Terrain is well marked, with man made steps towards the top.

agms on Apr, 2015

Where

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