Carnarvon Gorge – Day 2

After a good night’s rest, we were off to explore.

Our first destination:

Boolimba Bluff

‘Feel on top of the world as you gaze upon awe-inspiring views of distant ranges on the only lookout track from the gorge.’

This was a 6.4 km return walk from the visitor area. (3.1 mi). From where we parked the car, my (Apple) watch measured 9.09 km (5.1 mi). Allow three hours the brochure said. It took us a little over four hours – but then we did stop for 30 minutes while we enjoyed our lunch overlooking Queensland’s rooftop.

This was a Grade 4 walking track.

Elevation approx. 550 metres (1,804ft 6in).

That’s more than the qualifying height of a mountain. 😱

–⋅ o ♥ o ⋅–

After a good night’s rest in our cabin – hang on, I can’t call it a cabin because it had canvas walls.

And yet, because our ‘cabin’ also had comfortable beds, a verandah, a weather-proof roof overhead, electricity, and an ensuite, Dean said I couldn’t call it a ‘glamping tent’ either. I’m not sure what he imagines glamping to be, but I’m pretty sure we were glamping three star ⭐️ style, and I have to say, after a long day of bushwalking, it felt just like the lap of luxury.

But I digress.

After a good night’s sleep and with a yummy breakfast in our bellies, packed lunches, and plenty of drinking water, we set off to tackle the climb up Boolimba Bluff.

I was worried I would not be able to make this climb; that I would be incapable of conquering such a tough challenge. But I was the one who suggested we do this first. My logic was that if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to – especially following two days of other bushwalking.

I will always question my level of fitness, and, most assuredly, when a sign tells me to.

(300 metres is 984.3 feet)

–⋅ o ♥ o ⋅–

I’d wanted to visit Carnarvon Gorge when Dean and I were on Our Trip of a Lifetime, however, as we drew near, our funds were dwindling and our journey’s end was definitely in sight – if not in our hearts – and so, we didn’t detour inland off the M1 and promised ourselves we’d make it back – one day.

I just didn’t realise at the time that that one day would take another seven years to arrive and, therefore, after all that time waiting, I was not going to let a little self-doubt get in the way.

I pulled up my big girl pants and started climbing and what an exhilarating experience it was.

There were beautiful things to see while making that climb.

We took our time and appreciated all that surrounded us.

I don’t think I struggled, but I do recall I took it nice and slow. I rested and caught my breath when I needed to and only moved on when I was ready to do so.

And finally, when we reached the top, the 750 metres (0.46 mi) or so to reach the lookout was a perfect recovery walk before taking in the most amazing view.

We were in awe of where we were and what we could see.

We enjoyed our lunch before tackling the climb down and the trek back to the car.

What a day, what a climb, what an amazing achievement!

Both Dean and Shelley were so proud of me for doing something so difficult but I would pay for it later with restless legs overnight – an uncontrollable urge to move my legs, while in bed, accompanied by tingling, aching, burning, and cramping.

It was a small price to pay and did not put me off the walking we had planned for day three.

–⋅ o ♥ o ⋅–

One final thought regarding this challenge.

We were aghast that someone did it barefoot.

We caught up to the owner and there were no shoes in sight anywhere.