Big Bend to Gadd's

Starting from the Big Bend walkers’ camp, Carnarvon Park, this walk takes you to the Gadd’s campsite via the second section of the 87 km Carnarvon Great Walk, visiting the Battleship Spur along the way. The humongous meandering gorge looks absolutely captivating from the 1000-metre-high Battleship Spur, as it was carved out by some mighty being. As you ascend from Big Bend campsite along Boowinda Gorge, the relatively narrow Boowinda Gorge will show you its picturesque sandstone walls. The rays of sunlight hitting the walls at different angles make them look even better. The Gadd’s campsite is located near an old stockyard and only features a shelter. Keep in mind that you’ll need a permit to access Carnarvon Park and the campsites. This walk is closed from the 1st of November to the last day of February. Bring some insect repellent to protect yourself from the mozzies(Australian slang for mosquitoes) and wear shoes that support your ankles. Let us begin by acknowledging the Bidjara & Karingbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Photo by admin, 2021.

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Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

Safer Bushwalks

Tips on staying safe on track

Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Transport options and directions

Segment	This is part of longer journey and can not be completed on it is own.
Full Journey	Carnarvon Great Walk
Start	(-25.0336264,148.1708198)
Finish	(-25.0252568,148.0700799)
Mode (end)

Track Notes

Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Big Bend walkers’ camp (in Carnarvon Gorge), head downstream along Carnarvon Creek via the Big Bend Walk track. After about 430 metres, turn right and head into the Boowinda Gorge to continue along Big Bend walkers’ camp to Gadd's walkers’ camp Track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Big Bend Walk. There is a toilet (about 75 m back from the start). Big Bend walkers' camp (about 20 m back from the start). W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite. After 85 m cross the ford. After another 290 m cross the ford.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Boowinda Gorge & Carnarvon Great Walk) turn right, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk (a highway\|).
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Boowinda Gorge & Carnarvon Great Walk) continue straight, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk. After another 2.2 km head up the metal steps (about 7 m long)
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Battleship Spur where you can view the Carnarvon Gorge in all its glory. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 670 m veer left, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk.
	After another 9.5 km come to "Gadd's walkers' camp". W:parks.des.qld.gov.au About 45 m past the end is a toilet. The end.

This little side trip takes you to the Battleship Spur where you can view the Carnarvon Gorge in all its glory.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 255 m pass the "Battleship Spur" (10 m on your left).
	After another 40 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 295 m to the main route.

Terrain

Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Big Bend to Gadd's

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	14 km
Time	5 h 30 min to 7 h

Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient	Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There are 2 on route, on average they are 4.7 km apart with the largest gap of 14 km.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 4.7 km apart with the largest gap of 14 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-76 m	[toilet]
Camp site	-20 m	Big Bend walkers' camp
Toilet	14 km	[toilet]
Camp site	14 km	Gadd's walkers' camp

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