Roma to Carnarvon Gorge: Distance, drive time & tours

The Roma to Carnarvon Gorge drive covers a 246km distance. That’s a driving time of around 2h52m. But you might be better off taking a tour to the nearby Carnarvon Range instead.

The drive from Roma to Carnarvon Gorge takes you from one of Queensland’s most engaging inland towns to one of the state’s national park highlights. Go to Carnarvon National Park, and you can expect high sandstone cliffs, big boulders and Aboriginal rock art on cave-like overhangs.

It’s possible to do the Roma to Carnarvon Gorge drive as part of a road trip from Roma to Emerald. For the best Roma accommodation deals, head here.

To book a Carnarvon Range tour from Roma, head this way…

Roma to Carnarvon Gorge distance and driving time

The distance from Roma to Carnarvon Gorge is 246km, and the drive takes around two hours and 52 minutes. This distance is to the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, which has wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. It’s also where the main walking trails begin. The big day walk – the 19.4km Gorge Walk – is rated as Grade 4 and challenging. The 1.5km nature trail circuit is easier going, and should take around an hour.

The six day, 87km Carnarvon Great Walk also starts from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.

Roma to Carnarvon Gorge drive: Stay in Injune?

If driving yourself, the main place to stop is Injune, which many people use as a base for exploring Carnarvon National Park. Injune accommodation possibilities include the Injune Motor Inn and Injune Motel.

You can also see the Wild Dog Fence – aka the Dingo Fence, the longest fence in the world – about 8km to the north of town.

Carnarvon Range tours from Roma, Queensland

However, if you’re not heading north towards Emerald, Carnarvon Gorge is a significant detour. There’s a strong argument for visiting the neighbouring Carnarvon Range on a day tour from Roma. Boobook Tours runs day trips from Roma, visiting Aboriginal rock art sites, venturing towards secret caves and looking for native wildlife with head torches. The ecologist-guided tours cover rock formations that are equally impressive as the gorge itself.

These Carnarvon Range tours cost $295 and can be booked online.

Where to stay in Roma, Queensland

Accommodation in Roma, Queensland, costs from $80 a night.
The Best Western Bungil Creek is the best bet for business travellers. The Mandalay Motel has the best central location.
For best overall quality, the winner is arguably the Roma Explorers Inn. And the Roma Motel hits the sweet spot of convenient location, good value for money and a pool.