{"id":39360,"date":"2020-09-18T14:33:10","date_gmt":"2020-09-18T05:03:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=39360"},"modified":"2022-11-04T13:35:04","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T03:05:04","slug":"mount-moffatt-queensland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/mount-moffatt-queensland\/","title":{"rendered":"Adventuring Around Mount Moffatt, Queensland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just because\u202f<\/span><\/span>Mount Moffatt<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u202f<\/span><\/span>bestows a sandstone wilderness within<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Carnarvon Gorge National Park<\/span><\/span>,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>don’t<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>think for a moment that<\/span><\/span>\u00a0it’s\u00a0<\/span><\/span>crowded<\/span><\/span>\u00a0with backpackers and tourists. On the contrary, this area of the park is rugged,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>r<\/span><\/span>emote and is only accessible by 4WD, making it the perfect place to explore and get your adventure fix.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The drive towards Mount Moffatt is impressive from the air.<\/em><\/p>\n

The road in<\/h2>\n

Mount Moffatt is 220km northwest of Roma with travel for the last 100km being along unsealed roads. Most all-terrain caravans would be capable of traversing the track but a word of caution – it can be rough for those not accustomed to outback travel! We dropped our tyre pressure<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and at a low speed, we had no issues towing into the park, slowing down even more for some rough washouts and wildlife.\u00a0<\/span>D<\/span>eeper into the park and closer towards the mountain, the road turns from lightly corrugated to a dusty track with sandy patches.<\/span>\u00a0But, still allows plenty of room to navigate any oncoming traffic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We love any opportunity to show the kids a bit of history and just in case\u00a0<\/span>you’re<\/span>\u00a0the same,\u00a0<\/span>it’s<\/span>\u00a0worth noting that\u00a0<\/span>there’s<\/span>\u00a0an old cattle farm shack at the park boundary which gave us a good excuse to jump out and explore. The hut offers a little taste of how the early settlers lived<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and with so much character<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0it is well worth a look inside.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

It’s best to have a completely self-sufficient setup for a trip to Mount Moffatt.<\/em><\/p>\n

Amenities<\/h2>\n

The campgrounds in this section of Carnarvon National Park do offer drop toilets<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and 3 of the 4 have rainwater tanks for drinking and cooking<\/span>; however, you should boil\u00a0<\/span>the water first. You will need to bring extra water for showers or in case the tanks are empty<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>no\u00a0<\/span>public\u00a0<\/span>rubbish bins are\u00a0<\/span>available\u00a0<\/span>so bag all your waste and take it out. We run a dirt\u00a0<\/span>gear bag<\/span><\/a>\u00a0on the spare wheel and\u00a0<\/span>it’s<\/span>\u00a0the perfect solution to stop smells getting into the car or camper. For more details on each campsite, check the Queensland\u00a0<\/span>Government’s<\/span>\u00a0Parks website\u202f<\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With Injune being about 160km south, yet still, the closest town for supplies, save yourself a long slow drive back and pack everything you need including firewood, food and water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Even the most seasoned of adventurers learn something new with every trip.<\/em><\/p>\n

Live and learn<\/h2>\n

Being seasoned overland veterans, we decided to calculate our fuel requirements 50km after town, only to discover we underestimated the distances\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and would not have enough fuel to make it back to town if we kept pushing into the park. Having to turn around was still a better result than running out of diesel and being at the mercy of strangers. Live and learn!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

It was great to break up the drive and explore The Chimneys and Cathedral Rock.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Chimneys and Cathedral Rock<\/h2>\n

Not long after entering the north-eastern section of the park, we came across The Chimneys and Cathedral Rock day-use area.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Showcasing\u00a0<\/span><\/span>many overhangs and little caves<\/span><\/span>, this<\/span><\/span>\u00a0spectacular\u00a0<\/span><\/span>rocky\u00a0<\/span><\/span>outcrop is only a\u00a0<\/span><\/span>short<\/span><\/span>\u00a0walk from the 4WD track<\/span><\/span>. I<\/span><\/span>t made the perfect spot to stretch our legs after the long drive<\/span><\/span>, e<\/span><\/span>specially\u00a0<\/span><\/span>for\u00a0<\/span><\/span>the kids who, after being cooped up in the car for a couple of hours,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>needed<\/span><\/span>\u00a0a morale booster and a release of energy before finding camp and settling in for our first night.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Still<\/p>\n

We loved discovering the creek behind our campsite.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dargonelly Rock Hole<\/h2>\n

Surrounded by woodland,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>t<\/span><\/span>he spacious\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Dargonelly<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Rock Hole campground<\/span><\/span>\u00a0boasts plenty of grass for roos to graze and kids to play<\/span><\/span>. Behind our camp, we discovered a picturesque creek with enough water to attract plenty of birds. The park is also home to numerous kangaroo and wallaby species, emus, koalas, quolls, echidnas, sugar gliders and over 150 species of birds. We\u00a0<\/span><\/span>didn’t<\/span><\/span>\u00a0spot any of the less welcome locals like\u202f<\/span><\/span>snakes <\/span><\/span><\/a>and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>spiders<\/span><\/span>, but no doubt they too are in abundance<\/span><\/span>. For any remote travel, it<\/span><\/span>‘s<\/span><\/span>\u00a0a good idea to pay attention to the kids and be up to date\u00a0<\/span><\/span>with<\/span><\/span>\u00a0your emergency\u00a0<\/span><\/span>knowledge.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0M<\/span><\/span>ake sure you\u2019ve got<\/span><\/span>\u00a0a\u00a0<\/span><\/span>good first-aid kit<\/a><\/span><\/span>\u202fshould the worst happen.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Looking<\/p>\n

W<\/span><\/span>ind and rain erosion<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>have<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>formed the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>natural sandstone arch<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Marlong Arch<\/h2>\n

The next day we stumbled across <\/span><\/span>Marlong<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Arch<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>. This impressive sandstone arch would have to be the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>most enormous natural arch<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I’ve<\/span><\/span>\u00a0seen, and being able to get up close was fantastic! This c<\/span><\/span>ountry<\/span><\/span>\u00a0was home to the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Bidjara<\/span><\/span>\u00a0and Nuri people<\/span><\/span>. Although<\/span><\/span>\u00a0it was wonderful to discover some of their art along the back sandstone wall, sadly much of the work had been degraded or irreparably damaged by the early European settlers.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The Shelter Shed lookout offers a stunning backdrop with views over the surrounding countryside.<\/em><\/p>\n

Rotary Shelter Shed<\/h2>\n

With a night pre-booked at the Rotary Shelter Shed, we continued from the\u00a0<\/span>Arch<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>with our\u00a0<\/span>fingers crossed that our vehicle and camper would summit Mount\u00a0<\/span>Moffat<\/span>\u00a0without trouble.\u202fThe track, though steep and probably very slippery in the wet, was relatively easy. Sticking with low range, first and second gear was required, with momentum and\u00a0<\/span>adequate<\/span>\u00a0ground clearance. I\u00a0<\/span>wouldn’t<\/span>\u00a0advise tackling the summit track with a caravan or soft-roader as\u00a0<\/span>it’s<\/span>\u00a0really no place for such vehicles and\u00a0<\/span>you’d<\/span>\u00a0likely get into a bind.\u00a0<\/span>T<\/span>hose with a little off-road experience<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0however, and a bit of\u202f<\/span>recovery gear<\/span><\/a>\u202fon board just in case,\u00a0<\/span>will find\u00a0<\/span>the track thrilling.\u00a0<\/span>It’s<\/span>\u00a0not rutted out or too technical, just a little steep in places.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While the view from Rotary Shelter is impressive, the ice-cold wind that blasts relentlessly at the mountain top makes a winter stay very uncomfortable. Ascending further, we had lunch at the Shelter Shed Lookout<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0which was the perfect spot to enjoy the warmth of the sun penetrating through the eucalyptus. Aside from sweeping<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, the lookout also offers an undercover picnic table, fire pit and drop toilet.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

There’s enough space at West Branch camping area to pitch away from other campers.<\/em><\/p>\n

West Branch<\/h2>\n

A couple of nights at West Branch camping area was just what we needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Plenty\u00a0<\/span><\/span>of shade,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>but\u00a0<\/span><\/span>large and open enough to find\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a<\/span><\/span>\u00a0quiet corner,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>plus\u00a0<\/span><\/span>nice grass and clean drop-hole toilets. West Branch is the midpoint for the Great Walk Circuit from\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Carnarvon Gorge<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and is an 87km multiday class 5 walk that is well worth doing for experienced hikers.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Looking<\/p>\n

The ‘ancient robot from Outerspace’.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lot’s Wife<\/h2>\n

Not far down the dusty track from camp is\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Lot’s<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Wife. This towering sandstone monolith is a\u00a0<\/span><\/span>short<\/span><\/span>\u00a0walk from the track, making it perfect for little legs. The\u00a0<\/span><\/span>kid’s<\/span><\/span>\u00a0imagination kicked into overdrive once they saw it and suddenly,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>‘<\/span><\/span>an ancient robot from space<\/span><\/span>‘<\/span><\/span>\u00a0was ready to chase them back to the car and follow them to our next stop.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Aboriginal<\/p>\n

Rock art by the Bidjara and Nuri Aboriginal groups who lived in this area.<\/em><\/p>\n

Kookaburra Cave<\/h2>\n

We were keen to see more Aboriginal art<\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0so a short drive to Kookaburra Cave was next on our list. The artwork here is fenced off with a timber walkway to prevent any more unnecessary damage. Teaching our kids to look with their eyes and not their hands and talking with them about the importance of protecting our history is at the forefront when we find places like this, especially if there are no physical barriers.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

We keep our setup simple so moving to a new camp each night is hassle-free.<\/em><\/p>\n

Camp setup<\/h2>\n

With our trailer, we can carry enough gear and supplies to be completely off-grid and comfortable for 7 to 10 days with a full setup time of about 10 minutes. We\u00a0<\/span><\/span>take<\/span><\/span>\u00a0everything for the 4 of us including 160L of water,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>gas hot water system<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and 320 watts of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>solar<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0to power the freezer, lights, water pumps or charge camera batteries.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Keeping our setup simple means we can explore a new camp each day.<\/em><\/p>\n

Keeping it simple<\/h2>\n

Having a setup that suits your lifestyle is the only way to enjoy your adventures. Everyone has individual preferences when camping, some would rather sit in one place for multiple days and others, like us, enjoy packing up and finding new camps every day. The point is to find a camper that enhances, not hinders, your experience and ability to enjoy the outdoors.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kids<\/p>\n

Sharing these experiences with our kids turns the adventure into something more.<\/em><\/p>\n

Family travel<\/h2>\n

Travelling with kids always has its challenges, whether\u00a0<\/span>it’s<\/span>\u00a0the long kilometres while transiting to remote areas, getting to camp at a reasonable time – ideally when\u00a0<\/span>it’s<\/span>\u00a0still daylight, or carrying enough to entertain them. Cricket, soccer, or an old camera will keep them busy around camp, and activity books, travel games or\u202f<\/span>guessing games <\/span><\/a>distract them during long drives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sharing these experiences with our kids turns the\u00a0<\/span>expedition\u00a0<\/span>into something more. We teach and learn simultaneously, and reminisce over\u202fthe unique places our\u00a0<\/span>trips<\/span>\u00a0have taken us, long after we are home.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Exploring somewhere new always opens up fresh experiences.<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s the journey, not the destination<\/h2>\n

Exploring somewhere new always opens a\u00a0<\/span><\/span>unique<\/span><\/span>\u00a0perspective and invites\u00a0<\/span><\/span>exciting<\/span><\/span>\u00a0experiences. Adventures lie in the journey, not just the destination and Mount\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Moffat<\/span><\/span>\u00a0turned out to be a fantastic example of this. Being able to travel through the park, discover new wonders and see our kids appreciate the great outdoors just as much as we do, is priceless<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So, who’s tempted to book some time off work and head off on an adventure?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n