Gadd’s to West Branch

Starting from Gadd’s walkers’ camp, Carnarvon Park, this walk takes you to the West Branch campsite via the third section of the 87 km Carnarvon Great Walk, crossing multiple creeks (usually dry) along the way. Don’t forget to look back at the stunning gorge as you traverse the sandy & arid lands of Carnarvon Park. Although the area is usually hot & dry, you may find yourself amidst a surprisingly green environment after decent rainfall. Look behind the hills to see Mount Moffatt, standing out with its basalt top. Both the Gadd’s campsite and the West Branch campsite have toilets and water (needs to be treated). Keep in mind that you’ll need a permit to access Carnarvon Park and the said 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). 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	(-25.0252568,148.0700799)
Finish	(-24.9732063,148.0121629)
Mode (end)

Track Notes

Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Gadd’s walkers’ camp, head northwest along the singular dirt track, keeping the creek to your left. About 200 metres later, make a perpendicular right turn to continue along Gadd’s to West Branch Track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is a toilet (about 45 m back from the start). Find the Gadd's walkers' camp at the start. W:parks.des.qld.gov.au
	After another 185 m turn right. After another 2.1 km cross the ford.
	After another 5.1 km turn left.
	After another 8 km continue straight.
	After another 1 km continue straight. After another 20 m cross the ford. After another 65 m come to the "West Branch walkers' camp" (6 m on your left). W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite.
	After another 60 m veer left. After another 140 m come to a toilet. About 55 m past the end is "West Branch camping area". W:parks.des.qld.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite.
	The end.

Terrain

Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Gadd’s to West Branch

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	16.7 km
Time	5 h to 6 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4.2 km apart with the largest gap of 16.5 km.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 5.6 km apart with the largest gap of 16.7 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-46 m	[toilet]
Camp site	5 m	Gadd's walkers' camp
Camp site	16.5 km	West Branch walkers' camp
Toilet	16.7 km	[toilet]
Camp site	16.7 km	West Branch camping area

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