This here’s a proper red dirt outback getaway within quick-tripping range of the Queensland capital.

Not only is this spot an appealing opportunity for sunny state residents to dip their toes into the outback, without the massive long haul commitment, but the country out here has to be seen to be believed.

While the gorge itself is the big-ticket item, the entire Carnarvon National Park is a bona fide red dirt oasis that looks a bit like a theme park constructed for landscape photographers.

The rocky outback wilderness straddles the central Queensland Great Dividing Range and is a mecca for hardcore hikers.

The scenery is downright magnificent and a lot of it is surprisingly accessible even if hoofing it ain’t really on your agenda.

You’ll absolutely want to get out and explore the gorge on foot, but it’s worth making time to check out the Mount Moffat section of the park, as well as other highlights including Ka Ka Mundi and Salvatore Rosa.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING: 15km of unsealed track must be traversed in order to access the park, which tends to weed out non-4WDers. All roads within the park are unsealed too, although the driving is gentle in dry conditions apart from some sandy sections and corrugations.

THE CARNARVON GREAT WALK is a pearler of a track that links the gorge with the Mount Moffat section of the park. The 87km (!) walking route is closed through the hottest part of the year from November through February.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: 700km northwest of Brisbane and access is via the Dawson Highway or the Warego Highway.

CAMPING is available within the park’s visitor area during holiday periods and at the walk-in Big Bend campground year round. Bookings need to be made online prior to arrival.

FUEL is available at Rolleston and Injune.

MORE INFO is available at www.npsr.qld.gov.au