This was the last bushwalk I did at Carnarvon National Park on my relatively short visit, and I didn’t have overly high expectations of Mickey Creek Gorge after the highly-rated and scenic Carnarvon Gorge bushwalk. I was wrong… it turned out to be well worth doing, with the narrow slot canyons along Mickey Creek and Warrumbah Creek being quite spectacular. I’d suggest these two gorges are more impressive (and more easily reached) than Boowinda Gorge.
The signposted Mickey Creek trail initially passes through tall forest as it heads towards the creek.
The trail soon reaches the shaded creek, which is flowing – but doesn’t have much water.
After 1.1km the junction with the Warrumbah Creek is reached; the track to Mickey Creek Gorge continues for another few hundred metres.
Mickey Creek Gorge
From the end of the formed track, the route continues up the fairly dry creek.
There are some large overhangs as the gully narrows, with two branches that you can explore.
Warrumbah Creek Gorge
I re-trace my steps and take the side-track that crosses Mickey Creek, continuing for about 200m before reaching a “Formed track ends here” sign.
The obvious route follows the creek upstream, soon reaching a narrow slot.
The slot is narrow and spectacular, and with the creek pretty much dried up (in September) it’s easy to continue up the gorge.
The slot continues for perhaps 200m, before reaching a large boulder wedged between the two high walls. It would be possible to scramble up the slippery obstruction, but the canyon doesn’t continue much further.
I retrace my steps, emerging again near the beautiful pool at the entrance to the gorge.
You can do the Mickey Creek bushwalk in about an hour, but allow for a couple of hours to explore both Mickey Creek and Warrumbah Creek. It’s suitable for children despite part of the walk being “off track”; just be careful of slippery rocks. Although it would be even more spectacular when the creek has more water after the Wet Season, the advantage of a September visit is that you can explore full length of the gorges without getting wet feet!
Getting to Mickey Creek Gorge
The Mickey Creek Gorge trail starts just about 4km from the entry to Carnarvon National Park on the left hand side of the road. Carnarvon National Park is about 240km (3 hours) from Emerald, which is the nearest airport, via Injune and Rolleston. All roads are sealed and suitable for all vehicles.
More information
Exploring Carnarvon National Park has a summary of all the bushwalks in the park, including the Carnarvon Gorge and Mount Moffatt sections.
- Parks Queensland – Carnarvon Gorge Map [PDF]
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