Ready to step up your paddleboard game? Escape to one of Outback Queensland’s hidden gems, Cobbold Gorge, for a chance to paddleboard between breathtaking sandstone formations, while keeping your eyes out for crocs.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Ewamian people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

Located almost six hours from Cairns in Queensland’s Gulf Savannah region, Cobbold Gorge is the state’s youngest gorge and the perfect addition to an Outback Queensland road trip.

About Cobbold Gorge

Surrounded by red dirt, Cobbold Gorge feels like an exclusive, secluded destination. Guests can visit for the day with a guided tour or stay in the village, which offers various accommodation options and a restaurant.

Visitors can admire the incredible narrow sandstone formations from multiple perspectives – by air, walking over their tops, or from the water. Guided tours that showcase the history and sights of Cobbold Gorge are available, but the most thrilling experience is paddleboarding through the gorge alongside local wildlife.

 

History of Cobbold Gorge

Cobbold Gorge is on the Robin Hood Station, purchased by the Terry family from the Clark family in 1964. In 1994, the Terry family began running tours from nearby Georgetown, and later developed Cobbold village, providing accommodation options. In 2009, in agreement with the Queensland Government, the family established Cobbold Gorge as a nature refuge, committing to the preservation of the land and its cultural heritage.

The gorge was formed by movements within the Earth’s crust and shaped over thousands of years by rain and flowing water carving fractures in the sandstone. Guided tours reveal how geological changes over the past 10,000 years led to the formation of Cobbold Gorge, with its narrow width indicating that it’s the youngest of Queensland’s gorges.

 

 

The Traditional Owners of the land where Cobbold Gorge resides are the Ewamian People. They hold native title over more than 2.9 million hectares of this region and have a deep cultural history of defending their land and negotiating agreements to protect its heritage.

How to Get to Cobbold Gorge

The best way to reach Cobbold Gorge is by car. Located approximately halfway between Cairns and Karumba, it makes for a perfect stop on a road trip along Queensland’s stretch of the iconic Savannah Way.

Read more: The Savannah Way – A 5-Day Road Trip Across the Top of Queensland

 

 

If travelling from Cairns, take the Kennedy Highway to the Atherton Tablelands, then follow the Savannah Way for about 300km to Georgetown. This is the place to buy any last minute or emergency supplies. Up to this point, at least the middle of the road is sealed, though at times, one side of the car may need to travel on an unsealed surface.

From Georgetown, drive 40km to the rural town of Forsayth, then continue another 45km to Cobbold Gorge. This section of the journey is on unsealed road, accessible by 2WD, but make sure to secure everything and be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Where to Stay in Cobbold Gorge

Cobbold Gorge Village offers a variety of accommodation options. Visitors can choose from several room types, including various cabins and motel-style accommodation. Each room has an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning (well needed on an outback road trip!), a television, and a fridge. Room rates start from $165.

For those traveling by caravan or trailer, or for those who prefer to sleep under the stars, the village’s campsites provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by Eucalyptus trees and Australian wildlife.

Campsite facilities include a laundry, kitchen, and BBQs. Powered sites start from $48, and unpowered sites start from $19.

Guests can also make use of the infinity pool for a little bit of luxury.

Read more: Cheap Camping Gear: What To Splurge on and Where You Can Save

If you’re looking to get back to the Savannah Way sooner, consider Cumberland Lagoon View and Chimney Campsite. Located about 20km from Georgetown, this historic site offers a great stay for a donation. The campsite is equipped with long-drop toilets and rubbish bins, and visitors can also see the historic chimney, a landmark of a former mining crushing plant.

Where to Eat in Cobbold Gorge

You can choose to use the self-catering facilities in the village, or if you’re looking for a night off from cooking, the MacDonald’s Deck Licensed Bar and Bistro is a great option. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offers outdoor dining with views of the bush and a billabong.

For breakfast, guests can choose between light options or a cooked meal. Lunch features a range of choices, including sandwiches and burgers. Dinner serves classic Australian pub food, such as steak, schnitzels, and pizzas.

Things to Do at Cobbold Gorge

Paddleboarding

Visitors are invited to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings on a SUP tour, gliding through the gorge as its walls tower above them. The daily 8am tours offer a serene 1.5 hour experience before the crowds arrive, with only one other group – the local freshwater crocodiles – for company. It’s a fantastic way to get up close to the incredible rock formations and feel truly small as you drift through the water.

 

 

The tranquility is unmatched, with nothing but the gentle sound of your board slicing through the water and the occasional splash of local wildlife. Keep an eye out for the ‘freshies’ sunbathing on the rocks or taking a morning dip. But don’t worry, they barely bat an eye as you paddle past.

Tours are open to guests aged 12 and over, with tickets priced at $34 for children and $68 for adults.

Read more: How To Stay Safe in Croc Country

 

Day Tours

If you want to experience Cobbold Gorge from more than one angle, the three-hour day tour is a fantastic option. With transport available from both Cobbold Village and Forsayth, visitors can enjoy this experience whether they are on-site or not.

During the 4WD bus journey to the gorge, you’ll learn about this incredible natural landmark, its history, and the family who owns it. As you walk around the top of the gorge, you’ll not only marvel at its stunning formations but also gain knowledge about its surrounding nature.

One of the best moments of the tour is crossing the glass bridge, offering breathtaking views below. After the walk, you’ll board a small boat for an hour-long cruise through the gorge, another great opportunity to spot crocodiles and other wildlife lurking in the water.

Tours for on-site visitors start from $72 and $106 for Forsyth tours.

Village Delights

Don’t miss the chance to take a dip in the village’s infinity pool, which overlooks Queensland’s outback, or go kayaking around the billabong which you can see from this pool.

 

Essential Gear for Cobbold Gorge

  • Walking shoes
  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • First aid kit
  • Camping gear if you are staying in the campsite

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

What It’s Like to Visit Cobbold Gorge

Cobbold Village Experience

Arriving at Cobbold Gorge Village is unlike any other campsite experience I’ve had. After a rough few hours on a bumpy road, exchanging the occasional wave with fellow explorers, you might start wondering if the journey is worth it. But as you emerge from the outback into a lush, thriving campsite filled with tents and caravans, the contrast is almost surreal. It’s a shock to the system and almost feels out of place.

 

 

Cobbold Gorge Village feels like a place you’ve earned, and once you arrive, you’ll likely want to stay a little longer. Beyond the great tours, it offers a refreshing break from the long dusty roads of the outback, and what’s even better is that it isn’t crowded.

The infinity pool, overlooking the vast landscape, feels like something out of an exclusive resort, a perfect way to escape the relentless heat.

Cobbold Gorge is a fantastic addition to any outback road trip. If you’re planning your route, I highly recommend stopping at Undara Volcanic National Park before heading here. Just a three-hour drive away, it offers some great hikes worth adding to your list, and truly shows the vastness of the incredible region. After Cobbold Gorge, consider driving to Karumba to catch one of Australia’s best sunsets while enjoying some amazing fish and chips.

Paddle Boarding Experience

Waking up early for this paddleboarding experience might make you a little nervous, knowing there are creatures in the water. But don’t worry, this really shouldn’t put you off. The boards are extra wide, making them perfect for beginners, and the tour guide paddles alongside in a kayak, which adds a reassuring presence.

That said, every splash might make you jump a little as you eagerly wait to spot your first croc.

For me, the real highlight of this tour, and one of the best parts of paddle boarding in general, is the tranquility, gliding through the gorge before any other tours arrive. It’s so peaceful that you almost feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

 

Tips for Visiting Cobbold Gorge

  • Cobbold Gorge is closed from November and reopens in April
  • Remember to bring a jumper for paddleboarding, as mornings can get a little chilly
  • Sites are limited, so book early to secure your spot
  • All campsites are either pebble or dirt
  • A guided tour is required to access the gorge

 

FAQs Cobbold Gorge

Do you need a 4WD to get to Cobbold Gorge?

Yep! Most 2WDs can make the journey into Cobbold Gorge, but be aware that the stretch from Forsayth to Cobbold Gorge is a 45km formed gravel road. Check road conditions in the area beforehand on Etheridge Shire Council.

Why is Cobbold Gorge closed?

From November to April each year, Cobbold Gorge is closed for the wet season! The region experiences flooding so it can be tricky (and dangerous) to reach, and allows for maintenance works to commence without interrupting your time.

What is the closest town to Cobbold Gorge?

Forsayth is the closest town with amenities, about an hour’s drive from Cobbold Gorge. At the Goldfields Hotel you can find food, drinks, fuel, a convenience store, and a post office. The nearby FInnigan’s Rest provides lodging and campsites.

Can you visit Cobbold Gorge without a tour?

You cannot access Cobbold Gorge without a tour as it’s part of the Nature Refuge. Make sure to pre-book any tours.

Are there crocodiles in Cobbold Gorge?

Cobbold Gorge is home to Johnstone River Crocodiles and are generally considered harmless to humans! Doesn’t mean you should go up and bug them, they deserve space and respect. Always make sure you stay safe in croc country.

See More of Queensland’s Rugged Side

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.