Rock Pool

GPS Tracks

359 Rock Pool (GPX)

The Rock Pool has been carved from the bed of Carnarvon Creek by the turbulent water of past floods. Rest in the shade of fig and casuarina trees and watch for platypus and turtles. Stop at the first pool if you must but there is a much bigger and deeper second pool just downstream. The picnic area includes toilets but no longer has a gas barbecue. This is the only place in Carnarvon Gorge designated for swimming.

Swimming

Picnic Facilities

Toilets

No Dogs Permitted

No Camping Permitted

Rainforest

Eucalypt Forest

438m

Maximum Elevation

23m

Total Climb

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Getting there:

Drive into Carnarvon Gorge off the Carnarvon Highway via Carnarvon Access Road and follow to just beyond the entry to the park (1km) and on the right hand side is a small car park to the signposted entrance of the walk.

Maps:

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Route/Trail notes:

From the car part, walk down and rock hop across the creek and around to the pool on your right. Skirting this pool will lead to a second pool.

Return by the same route.

Permits/Costs:

None.

Other References/Comments:

A longer walk (4.9km return) to the Rock Pool can be done by starting at the Information Centre or camping area and walking down and along Carnarvon Creek.

At dawn or dusk you are likely to spot a Platypus and in the heat of the day share the cooling waters with an Eastern Grey Kangaroo or Pretty Faces Wallaby.

If swimming, please do not jump or dive into the pool, as there are submerged objects.

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.

Gorge conditions change year on year due to storm and flood, so how far along the creek you can progress may change.

GPS Tracks

359 Rock Pool (GPX)

Comments

I guess this is a great spot to cool off in the summer, but in May, is was not an option, although there were a couple sitting in the middle of the creek with beers in hand!
F.A.B. on 13 May, 2021

Saw a platypus at dusk! Got away with sleeping in my car at this carpark too.
Angus Small on 28 Jul, 2020

A wonderful spot for a swim in Carnarvon Creek to cool off on a 40° day. Even shared the first pool with an old male grey kangaroo.
For a better swim go a little further downstream from the first pool then cross over near a belt of river oaks to a much bigger and deeper pool.
The picnic tables close to the creek are well-shaded and a coooler place for lunch that many of the camp sites.
GMess on 4 Nov, 2018