Comments

We spent a few days in Carnarvon. Got up early the first day to climb Boolimba Bluff for the sunrise, after some brekky and a rest we got our packs and hiked to Big Bend for two nights. Did Battleship Spur from Big Bend. It was definitely a hard slog, a bit of rock scrambling, ladders and just steep. Need some fitness for this one, we loved it, the views are worth it at the top. Glad we broke the hike up, made it a nice little adventure! Also take water for Battleship, no water between big bend and the top.

Sonja Wentzel on 20 Jul, 2023

We departed from Big Bend at around 1130AM, had a bite to eat at the top then made our way back down and arrived back at Big Bend at around 5PM. I unfortunately didn't pack a headlamp and became quite concerned we wouldn't make it back before the sunset at around 530PM so we hustled!
The Boowinda Gorge was PITCH BLACK on the edges as we made it out. Definitely give yourself plenty of time, bring plenty of water as there is nothing available in Boowinda Gorge or anywhere along the way. Great views and well worth the effort! We only passed one other couple on the way there too (they were camping at big bend also so I let them know we had no torch and our eta back to camp just in case)
Recommended:
PLB/EPURB
Snake bite kit (told by other campers at Big Bend of a near miss by a death adder)
Plenty of water
Snacks
Headlamp

Mitchell Biggs on 9 Jun, 2023

We left the carpark at 7:30am and got back at 4:30pm. The track is well marked the entire way, there was no point where I was concerned I had lost the track. In saying that I did accidentally walk to Big Bend instead of turning off to Boowinda Gorge, but it was a nice short diversion so it was fairly inconsequential. Boowinda Gorge is amazing and probably my favorite part of the walk. Eventually you reach a boulder with a small rock cairns and an arrow pointing to a well disguised steep track leading out of the gorge. After exiting the gorge you will intercept a walking track that will take you all the way to the top. It can be quite physically demanding in parts with quite a few steep sections but nothing overly difficult. If I had to compare it to another walk I would say it's quite similar to Mt Greville. The view from the top is unreal, totally worth the 30km walk. Met a lot of people who had camped at Big Bend before attempting this walk, however I felt doing the whole walk in a day was very achievable.

Vonsnrub on 15 Sep, 2021

The walk starts in Boowinda Gorge and ascends a steep gully to the open grassland above. The gully has plenty of roots to use as hand holds, so while steep it’s not too bad. After crossing the grassland the trail ascends over a number of ridges and up a ladder. After the ladder the trail is often cut along the edge of the ridge and quite narrow. The view at the top looks back along the main gorge and is stunning.

Olwyn on 12 Sep, 2021

Just wow!!! If leaving from the visitor centre this is a massive day hike. Approx 30km round trip that took me 9 hours. I was lucky enough to see a platypus in the first creek crossing at the beginning of the day.
The start of the hike to Battelship Spur is from within Boowinda Gorge. Just keep walking into the gorge until you come across a big rock pointing to a steep rocky scramble on the right hand side. That's where the fun begins. After that, expect a lot of steps, a couple of ladders, & know that every time you think you're almost at the top, it just keeps going. There were a couple of sections where the path was quite narrow beside a steep drop, but for the most part it was fine. In the end you are rewarded with a stunning view!

Suz on 29 Aug, 2021

Steps and more steps

Chris Wilson on 2 Apr, 2021

I left from Big Bend at 3 and got lost in the dusk moonlight, I almost died coming back. Highly recommend leaving more than enough time for this one.

Angus Small on 29 Jul, 2020

Walked to Big Bend and set up camp for the night then set off up the gorge to the spur. Took around 3hrs to get there from Big Bend, not being super fit, nor unfit. A hard steep hike but interesting variation and great views.

Caro on 25 Sep, 2018

Tough climb...

Mackamcb on 16 Sep, 2018

Amazing! So worth it!

Kyntana on 23 Sep, 2015

LOOOVED it. I think the walk is about 30km all up. Terrain changes from beautiful tropical bush walking to large cave like walls with aboriginal paintings, and gorge rock hoping. Then more bush walking to the top. Flat to steep ground, the hike has everything. Care to be taken when in the gorge to spot the white arrow marker to the top of the gorge. Part of the wall is man carved with steps to aid us (thank you park rangers!).

agms on Apr, 2015