Cobbold Gorge Tours
Formed through sedimentation 135 million years ago nature has to offer a truly unique landscape. 80 square kilometres of Hampstead Sandstone was subjected to large scale faulting and continued weathering by the elements.
Torrential wet seasons spilled torrents of water through the narrow joints, carving out deep gorges leaving permanent water holes overlooked
by spectacular cliffs. A perfect blend of vegetation now grows amongst the oasis, forming a habitat for abundant bird and wild life.
Cobbold Gorge
An incredible silence seems to settle as the flat bottomed battery powered punt glides along Cobbold Gorge. Majestic sandstone cliffs tower on either side and the world becomes a fascinating shadowed place as you enter the deep recesses.
This magical experience is part of the Cobbold Gorge Tour which share a unique part of the Gulf Savannah with visitor to the area.
Cobbold Gorge is unique. It is very narrow (2 m wide in places) with 20 metre high cliffs. The flat bottom boats have barely enough room to
manouvre through the 500m watercourse. The overall length of the gorge is approximately six kilometres. It has a series of rockfalls and
vegetation.
Cobbold Gorge is fed by several springs which keep the gorge at a constant level all year. This allow boat trips to be performed and
is a popular place to cool off. The gorge is stocked with a variety of native fish and Johnstone River Crocodiles.
Tours And Activities
Two types of tours are available these being:
- Boat Cruise: (1 1/2 hour Duration) Boat cruise the length of Cobbold Gorge.
- Half Day Tour: (4 1/2 hour Duration) Boat Cruise, escarpment walk, grave on an early settler, lunch, swimming.
- Self Guided Walking Tracks (not to gorge area)
- Swimming, gold panning, and birdwatching
- Self drive adventures on property to "Quartz Blow" and Agate Creek Gemfields
Tours leave from Cobbold Camping Village situated 3 kilometres from Cobbold Gorge on a daily basis (April 1 to October 31).
Facilities
Facilities at Cobbold Camping Village include:
- Airconditioned ensuite cabins and camping sites
- BBQ's, Fireplaces, Drinking water, Toilets, Showers, Laundry
- Heritage Style reception
- Licenced bar and kiosk area
- Corbetts Store selling Phone Cards, Souveniers, Limited Grocery Lines, Fossickers Licences etc
Location And Access
Cobbold Gorge is approximately 45 kilometres south of Forsayth on a well maintained gravel road, suitable to conventional vehicles.
Forsayth is serviced once weekly by the Savannahlander Train which carries passengers from Cairns. Transfers are available to Cobbold Gorge, then to a connecting coach in Georgetown on a Friday morning for passengers on the Savannahlander Train wishing to do the Boat Cruise.
An all-weather airstrip is located 15 kilometres from Cobbold Camping Village at Howlong Homestead. Length is approximately 1000 metres and its position is 143 28E - 18 43S.
Cobbold Gorge is open year round and bookings are essential. Access to Cobbold Gorge is by means of guided tour only
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