Carnarvon Great Walk a challenge with spectacular rewards

The walk, located about 700 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, 300 kilometres south of Emerald and 400 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton, starts along the main walking track within the gorge, before exiting out and atop the Great Dividing Range.

The six- to seven-day walk tests your strength and stamina as you venture down deep, mysterious gorges before wandering along a breathtaking plateau.

A shorter, easier route is available or you can take an Australian Nature Guides tour, which allows you to experience the feeling of splendid isolation while being led by an expert.

For those up for a multi-day challenge, the walk is divided into six sections, which should be tackled in a "clockwise" direction from the Carnarvon Gorge visitors area.

The sections are outlined via class tracks that indicate experience levels, challenges and distances that should be considered before setting out.

When you are finally ready to hang up your boots, a great option is to relax at the magnificent Takarraka Bush Resort, which offers everything from self-contained accommodation through to glamping, caravanning or camping. Keep an eye open for platypus playing in beautiful Carnarvon Creek, which carves a twisted route around the resort.

Alternatively, bring your fully self-contained caravan along sealed roads to Sandstone Park. Just a five-minute drive from Carnarvon Gorge National Park, the spacious, drive-through site has stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding ranges.

The Carnarvon Great Walk is closed from the start of November to the end of February. However, the gorge and Mount Moffat sections of Carnarvon National Park (and the short walks within them) are open to visitors all year round.

It is essential you have a copy of either the Carnarvon Gorge or the Mount Moffatt visitor guides when you tread in these protected and maze-like parks.

From July 21, the walk will be highlighted as part of the National Trust Q10 Challenge - a 10-day promotional record-breaking expedition aimed at walkers of all levels. For more information, go to nationaltrust.org.au