Canyons and Gorges
As there are too many gullies, canyons, gorges and caves across Australia that are worth visiting and exploring to list here, we have selected just one from every state that has become a popular destination for visitors. Below each is a link to the pick of the canyons and gorges in that state.
NSW: The Blue Mountains
For over a century, The Blue Mountains has been a favourite holiday place for the people of Sydney. The terrain, however, is so broken by deep gorges that considerable areas are still rarely visited, except by skilled bush walkers or mountain climbers. Some 24 towns and villages are scattered through the region. Well maintained walking tracks from these towns provide easy access along cliff tops and deep into valleys to view the stunning escarpments, waterfalls and rainforests of the canyon floor at close range.
NT: Litchfield National Park
A must-see for anyone visiting Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a day-trip destination from the Territory's capital. Its attractions include tropical waterfalls that cascade from a sandstone plateau called the Tabletop Range, swimming holes, monsoon rainforests, intriguing magnetic termite mounds and historical sites.
Qld: Carnarvon Gorge
Carnarvon Gorge is an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Queensland. Here, towering white sandstone cliffs form a spectacular steep-sided gorge with narrow, vibrantly coloured and lush side gorges. Boulder-strewn Carnarvon Creek winds through the gorge. Remnant rainforest flourishes in the sheltered side gorges while endemic Livistona nitida cabbage tree palms, ancient cycads, ferns, flowering shrubs and gums trees line the meandering main gorge. Grassy open forest grows on the cliff-tops.
SA: Alligator Gorge
Alligator Gorge is just one of the many attractions in the Flinders Ranges, which are probably the most accessible outback region of Australia. This accessibility however, does not alter the beauty or majesty of this wonderful mountain range area. The Flinders Ranges National Park conserves the central section of these incredible ranges.��Walking tracks criss cross the park, including the challenging climb to St Mary's Peak, one of the highest points along the rim of Wilpena Pound.��
Tas: Leven Canyon
Leven Canyon is a 250 metre deep ravine that is part of a wildlife corridor from the coast to Cradle Mountain. The Leven River runs through 300-metre limestone cliffs carved through the Loongana Range, down to Bass Strait. The canyon is a little-known tourist destination in Tasmania. However, the viewing platform offers spectacular views of Black Bluff, the canyon itself and the surrounding areas. The viewing platform is only a short walk from the car park and only regular shoes are required.
Vic: The Grampians
The Grampians is a mountainous area of waterfalls, valleys, mountains and woodlands set amid three stark and spectacular ridges of upthrust sandstone, some 90 kilometres in length and rising in peaks to a height of 1070 metres. Rich in native flora and fauna - herds of acclimatised deer roam the hills and duck-billed platypuses still inhabit the streams - the form and mood of these mountains is different from any other in Australia.
WA: Karijini National Park
One of Australia's most spectacular national parks, Karijini is haunting in its rugged, red beauty. The park is famous for its sheer gorges, waterfalls and cool swimming holes. Located in the heart of the Hamersley Range which dominates the Pilbara Region of WA, Karijini has a system of excellent walk trails of varying levels, for the beginner to the adventurous, which will lead you deep into the subterranean gorges and through waterfalls where you can dive into sparkling rock pools.
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