Cobbold Gorge, QLD: Cruise, glass bridge tour & camping prices
Cobbold Gorge tours in the Queensland outback include an electric boat cruise through the 30 metre gorge walls, plus the chance to stand above the gorge on a glass bridge.
What is Cobbold Gorge?
Cobbold Gorge is a 30 metre-high gorge on Cobbold Creek next to the Robertson River, Queensland. The gorge is in the Gulf Savannah region.
It is billed as Queensland’s youngest gorge. Cobbold Gorge is estimated to be approximately 10,000 year old.
What is the nearest town to Cobbold Gorge?
The nearest town to Cobbold Gorge is Forsayth, a 43km or 55 minute drive to the north-east. The nearest town to Cobbold Gorge on National Highway 1 is Georgetown, an 85km or one hour 24 minute drive to the north.
This gorge is in the middle of the Queensland outback, about six hours’ drive from either Townsville or Cairns.
Can you go to Cobbold Gorge without a tour?
The only way you can visit Cobbold Gorge is on a guided tour. Tours depart from Cobbold Gorge Village or the settlement of Forsayth.
There are several parts to the Cobbold Gorge tours. They start with a bumpy 4WD ride, but also include a walk along the escarpment and a boat ride through the gorge.
During the walking section of the Cobbold Gorge tours, guides explain the ecology and geology of the area. The walk lasts around 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the tour group’s fitness levels.
Cobbold Gorge cruise
After the walk, it’s time to head down to the creek and cruise through the gorge.
The Cobbold Gorge cruise section of the tour is on an electric boat, and mostly silent. The idea is to soak in the surroundings. Red, rippled sandstone walls climb up to 30 metres high, and are at times just two metres apart.
Cobbold Gorge glass bridge
Then, of course, there’s the big gimmick. The glass bridge that got Cobbold Gorge so much press attention was flown in by helicopter. Those of a nervous disposition probably shouldn’t look down when on top of it, however. The Cobbold Gorge glass bridge juts out 13 metres above Cobbold Creek.
How much do Cobbold Gorge tours cost?
From Cobbold Gorge Village, the Cobbold Gorge tours cost $128. From Forsayth, they cost $95.
The tours from the village are instantly bookable online, but you’ll need to call the tour operator if booking from Forsayth.
The Cobbold Gorge tours run from April 1 to October 31 annually. They’re best included on a road trip from Cairns to Darwin. It’s also possible to hire stand-up paddleboards, exploring the gorge while paddling.
Cobbold Gorge accommodation
Accommodation is available at Cobbold Gorge. Unpowered camping and caravan sites cost from $36.
Rates for powered sites at Cobbold Gorge start at $46 per night.
There are also cabins available for from $155 per night.
Key questions answered
Can you swim at Cobbold Gorge? You can’t swim in the gorge itself, but you can at the infinity pool next to the restaurant.
Is the road to Cobbold Gorge sealed? The road to Cobbold Gorge is unsealed. From Georgetown to Forsayth, there is a single lane sealed highway. The remaining 43km road from Forsayth to Cobbold Gorge is an unsealed gravel track.
Do you need a 4WD to get to Cobbold Gorge? Most of the time, a conventional vehicle can make it down the unsealed road to Cobbold Gorge. a 4WD may be required after heavy rain. However, your car insurance may not cover you for this road – check before setting off.
How far is it from the Undara Lava Tubes to Cobbold Gorge? It is a 234km drive from the Undara Lava Tubes to Cobbold Gorge. Expect a driving time of around three hours and 10 minutes. From Talaroo Hot Springs, the drive to Cobbold Gorge is 146km long, and should take two hours and 11 minutes.
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