Hike Secret Carnarvons – in detail

Day 1

Monday, 30 September 2024

Arrive in Roma and check into your motel accommodation.

3pm: We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in our Boobook Explore bus and welcome you to a relaxed meet and greet, plus short walk in the Roma Bush Gardens.

6pm: Meet for dinner and get to know your fellow hikers.

Day 2

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Enjoy an early continental breakfast in your room.

6.30am: If you’ve brought your vehicle, meet at the Boobook Explore office and park your vehicle there. Or we can pick you up from the motel.

7.00am: We depart in Boobook Explore’s 4WD air-conditioned coaster and travel to the Lonesome section of Expedition National Park at the junction of the Carnarvon and Expedition Ranges.

9.00am: Morning tea
Our first walk is cross country through spectacular sandstone scenery and diverse vegetation to enjoy spectacular views of sandstone rock formations that others don’t get to see. You’ll learn about the incredible endemic plants and hidden micro fauna around us.

We enjoy lunch along the way, admiring the Candlestick silhouettes – incredible sandstone formations jutting from the valley floor (8-9 km circuit).

Mid-afternoon: We depart the Lonesome section, travelling on to Wallaroo Outback Retreat to check in at our deluxe glamping accommodation.
Once the sun goes down, take a short walk with our ecological guide to discover the nocturnal wildlife around the retreat.

6.30pm: Dinner. Relax around the fire pit or try spotlighting with your ecologist guide.

Day 3

Wednesday, 2 October 2024

6.00am: Breakfast. Choose and pack your own hearty lunch from the options available and select snacks to keep you nourished through the day.

7.00am: Depart for Carnarvon Gorge National Park (75-minute drive)

8.15am: Today we explore the iconic gorge, walking along formed tracks and visiting attractions such as the Moss Gardens, Amphitheatre, Wards Canyon and Art Gallery.

Midday: We’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch in one of the fascinating side gorges.
If weather and time permits, take an invigorating dip in the natural Rock Pool at the end of the day.

3.30pm: Depart Carnarvon Gorge National Park, arriving back at Wallaroo Outback Retreat late afternoon.

4.45pm: Refresh and relax.

6.30pm: Dinner then socialise around the fire pit or retreat to your tent.

Day 4

Thursday, 3 October 2024

6.30am: Breakfast

7.30am: Depart for Wallaroo Station

Learn about the biodiversity of this 72,000 acre (291 square kilometres) privately-owned property as we hike deep in the Carnarvon Ranges. Discover how the working outback cattle station exists in harmony with the natural landscape. Marvel at the sandstone cliffs and gorges, and unique rock formations. Be inspired by Aboriginal rock art in locations that are known to only a few people.

We walk approximately 8-14 kms cross-country into bushland to explore natural areas off the beaten track. There are stops in scenic locations along the way to enjoy morning tea and lunch.

The day ends with the vast and breathtaking views overlooking The Sphinx. Enjoy light refreshments as the sun sets in the distance.

7.30pm: Dinner, and then time for a final evening under the stars around the fire pit.

Day 5

Friday, 4 October 2024

From 6.00am: Take an optional short walk around Skull Mountain (beside your accommodation)

7.00am: Enjoy a hearty breakfast and say goodbye to Wallaroo Outback Retreat.

8.30am: Depart for Roma.

11.00am: Arrive back in Roma

• Backpack
• Reusable water bottles/bag for day hikes
  
• Tea/coffee cup
• Lunch box
• Comfortable walking clothes, including long pants and long-sleeved shirts
• Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes and socks
• Casual evening camp wear, lightweight fleece or jacket for cooler evenings

• Head torch
• Hiking poles (we have some that can be borrowed if required)
• Raincoat
• Swim-wear and towel
• Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Camera
• Personal toiletries.