Australian Nature Guides
Australian Nature Guides
Australian Nature Guides
5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Full view
About
Guided walking tours in, and around, Carnarvon Gorge in Central Queensland. Day tours visiting all major sites in the lower Gorge. Night Safari Tours searching for nocturnal wildlife, particularly marsupial gliders.
Carnarvon National Park, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Australian Nature Guides
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
185 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
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Tak
2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We absolutely loved our Lower Gorge tour with Simon and were impressed with his incredible knowledge, not only of the natural environment but also his knowledge of indigenous customs and history. Our experience of the Gorge was so much richer for the way he was able to share this knowledge. We had many things to think about and talk about afterwards. I feel that the experience will live with us for many years and hopefully inspire our children to visit Carnarvon with their children in the future. A favourite was lunch in Wards Canyon and looking up only to see a huddle of micro bats peering down at us! Armed with Simon’s instructions we were also lucky enough to see a platypus in the wild the next morning! I would highly recommend ANG and feel that it’s extremely good value for a 9 hour guided tour of this standard. Thanks Simon - we loved it!
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much, TakeakiN1, for posting our 100th recommendation on Tripadvisor! What a milestone!
And thank you for sharing such a comprehensive review of your day exploring the Lower Gorge with Simon. From all accounts, it was a memorable experience.
I'm so pleased to hear Simon's advice paid off when searching for platypus! We're very lucky to have such a healthy population in Carnarvon Creek, but a little bit of know-how sure helps in tracking them down and ensuring quality viewing. Well done!
Thanks again - Michelle.
Written 10 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lea S
Adelaide, Australia25 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
We are a couple and booked a private guided
Lower Gorge tour of Carnarvan Gorge with Simon on
June 30 this year. Simon was very friendly and knowledgeable about the Gorge. He told its story well with sensitivity to indigenous issues and the environment as a whole.We especially loved the Aboriginal Art and Simon had learnt much from local Elders which he used in explanation. He also paced the walk to our requirements.
We thoughly enjoyed the day and learnt alot.
Lower Gorge tour of Carnarvan Gorge with Simon on
June 30 this year. Simon was very friendly and knowledgeable about the Gorge. He told its story well with sensitivity to indigenous issues and the environment as a whole.We especially loved the Aboriginal Art and Simon had learnt much from local Elders which he used in explanation. He also paced the walk to our requirements.
We thoughly enjoyed the day and learnt alot.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to review your experience with others, 136leas. I'm glad I was able to add to your Carnarvon Gorge experience and share some local knowledge. The Art Gallery is such a special place, it's good to hear it has made an impression on you, too. Safe travels, Simon.
Written 24 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
run2free
Sydney, Australia23 contributions
June 2021
Last Monday (7th June) Simon led us on the Night Tour. His sharp eyes and ears found a yellow-bellied glider just as the tour started and for the next 1.5 hours we were in awe of his information and ability to spot more gliders, wallabies, owls and fish with a subdued red light. His respect and passion for the fauna was obvious. We highly recommend this experience, as Simon is sensitive to the wildlife and goes about the tour quietly imparting his knowledge.
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review your experience with us, run2free. I can only take a small part of the credit as the Gorge's amazing wildlife really do all the heavy lifting. It was my pleasure facilitating your time with them and I hope you get to meet some of their relatives elsewhere.
Safe travels
Simon.
Written 27 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristy P
Brisbane, Australia8 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Oh my goodness, we had the best day of our holiday with Michelle! When I called to book, I asked if she could focus the narration to our 9yr old as we homeschool and it was part of this education. She was absolutely brilliant! Michelle conveyed all the information in a way our child could grasp and certainly made the 14km journey enjoyable for him. She has a way to bring the different locations to life. Thanks so much Michelle!!!!!!
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gosh! What a fabulous review! Thank you so much, Memum2backpacks, for taking the time share your experience of our Lower Gorge Explorer Tour. I love having curious, young minds join me on tour as they have a knack for asking questions that many adults just don't think of, and challenge me to come up with new ways of communicating information. I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed your day, and my approach to educating your child. We certainly had a fantastic day exploring Carnarvon Gorge together, and I thank you for your company! Cheers, Michelle.
Written 21 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EmmaRod
Bendigo, Australia40 contributions
July 2021 • Couples
We managed to organise doing the Night Safari followed the next day by the Off The Beaten Track & we absolutely loved both! Simon & Michelle offer unique & professionally organised tours with a wealth of knowledge & experience.
The Night Safari was brilliantly organised with Michelle “scouting” for Gliders & Simon guiding the group & providing expert commentary. A fabulous experience.
Michelle guided us the next day through Canarvan Gorge, after walking up to the Art Gallery, she took us off track to explore a couple of gorges. It was a long walk &a fair bit of rock hopping, which was tiring, but well worth it. She shared her knowledge & experience generously & we never felt rushed. It was a great compliment to the following days when we explored all the usual sites & tracks.
We would thoroughly recommend Simon & Michelle to explore Canarvan Gorge & the local wildlife.
The Night Safari was brilliantly organised with Michelle “scouting” for Gliders & Simon guiding the group & providing expert commentary. A fabulous experience.
Michelle guided us the next day through Canarvan Gorge, after walking up to the Art Gallery, she took us off track to explore a couple of gorges. It was a long walk &a fair bit of rock hopping, which was tiring, but well worth it. She shared her knowledge & experience generously & we never felt rushed. It was a great compliment to the following days when we explored all the usual sites & tracks.
We would thoroughly recommend Simon & Michelle to explore Canarvan Gorge & the local wildlife.
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, EmmaRod, for this glowing recommendation! We are so thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Night Safari and Off The Beaten Track tours so much.
As they say, two heads are better than one, so when it comes to locating nocturnal wildlife, two sets of trained eyes and ears makes the world of difference. We're glad you liked our approach!
It's a real treat getting to explore un-tracked sites at Carnarvon Gorge, and requires a certain level of fitness and balance, but as you both discovered, the solitude and beauty this experience offers is definitely worth the effort.
We're so glad you were able to spend your first full day exploring the Gorge with us. It sounds like it armed you with tools to maximise the rest of your stay.
Thanks again for walking with us!
Michelle and Simon.
Written 24 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SJLARDNER
Brisbane, Australia7 contributions
July 2021 • Family
Michelle, Thank you so much for teaching us so much about the environment. Your passion and unlimited respect for our natural habitats and indigenous culture has truly made us all have pause to think about their importance and sacredness. We cannot recommend Australian Nature Guides enough - you have given us the most magical experience. All the best to you and Simon xx
Written 11 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gosh, SJLARDNER! Thank you for sharing such beautiful words. We sure had an action-packed couple of days exploring Carnarvon Gorge together.
I'm so pleased to know that my interpretation of the key sites we visited, and our chance encounters along the way, added so much value to your experience. And good on you for braving the cold and joining me after dark with such enthusiasm! I'm sure you'll agree that discovering some of the Gorge's nocturnal inhabitants made it all worth it!
Thank you for your company. I had a fabulous time getting to know you all!
Cheers, Michelle.
Written 13 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
4U2C2
Newcastle, Australia2 contributions
Aug 2021
Carnarvon Gorge is certainly a bucket list place. We could have walked the tracks ourselves as they are well formed and signposted, but had we had done that we would have missed so much along the way. The Night Safari Tour with Michelle and Simon was excellent and allowed us to experience gliders in flight as well as wildlife not normally seen during the day. The Lower Gorge Tour with Simon a few days later was just outstanding. The full day tour was at a steady pace and provided plenty of opportunity to rest while Simon pointed out and explained how living things and the environment interacted with each other to create the delicate ecosystem. The cultural significance of the art work was well explained by Simon, the hot brew at lunch was a nice touch too. Simon has a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the environment. Both tours are highly recommended and Michelle and Simon are truly amazing people.
Written 22 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, 4U2C2, for taking the time to share your experience with others. I really enjoyed getting to know a bit about you as we wandered the tracks in this amazing place, and I'm glad you enjoyed your time here. Michelle and I hope to see you back out here again, someday. In the meantime, stay safe.
Cheers, Simon.
Written 23 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonzaspots
5 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
In an ever changing nightscape of nocturnal movement, Michelle and Simon delivered an enlightening and fascinating view into the life of sugar gliders, platypus, possums, frogs, nocturnal wallabies and other creatures living in the gorge. Fabulous to see 2 yellow belly and a great glider actually glide through the dark sky. Certainly recommend this activity.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Bonzaspots, for sharing this glowing review of our Night Safari Tour. We're so glad to hear you enjoyed an evening of wildlife spotting with us. It's always a treat seeing gliders glide from tree to tree, but seeing that Greater Glider launch was particularly special. How lucky we were! Thank you, once again, for joining us!
Michelle & Simon.
Written 21 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David Buxton
4 contributions
May 2021
Last Thursday (6 May) we had an awesome experience walking in
the Carnarvon Gorge made so much better with our Nature Guide, Michelle. Without her knowledge, we would not have the same experience. She pointed out many interesting things about the flora and fauna that we would have just walked past. Michelle also told us so much about the history of the gorge and the interpretations of the early Aboriginal artwork seen at the "Art Gallery" rock face. Guides like Michelle are worth every cent spent to hire. We totally recommend hiring a Nature Guide to get the most from your visit.
the Carnarvon Gorge made so much better with our Nature Guide, Michelle. Without her knowledge, we would not have the same experience. She pointed out many interesting things about the flora and fauna that we would have just walked past. Michelle also told us so much about the history of the gorge and the interpretations of the early Aboriginal artwork seen at the "Art Gallery" rock face. Guides like Michelle are worth every cent spent to hire. We totally recommend hiring a Nature Guide to get the most from your visit.
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gosh! Thank you for this glowing review of our Lower Gorge Explorer, David! We certainly had a wonderful day exploring the Gorge together.
I'm so glad to hear that I was able to leave a lasting impression, and help bring this special landscape to life.
I look forward to visiting you both in NZ one day!
Thanks again - Michelle.
Written 14 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TaurusTraveller52
Toowoomba, Australia7 contributions
June 2021
Our party of 4 older adults spent last Saturday(12th June, 2021) with the amazing Michelle from Australia Nature Guides. An early start to watch the platypus and then the rest of the day walking in the Gorge. Her knowledge and bright personality made the walk so much more enjoyable than if we had been on our own. She was able to explain the history of the Gorge as well as point out interesting flora and fauna.
We highly recommend that you use Australia Nature Guides when visiting Carnarvon Gorge.
We highly recommend that you use Australia Nature Guides when visiting Carnarvon Gorge.
Written 14 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share this glowing review, TaurusTraveller52! It certainly was a cold and early start, but I'm sure you'll agree that our tally of 4 platypus made it all worth it!
I just love sharing this special place with our guests, and I'm so pleased to know you enjoyed exploring Carnarvon Gorge with me. Thank you for your company. I had a fabulous day, too!
Cheers, Michelle.
Written 15 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi just checking on the fitness levels required for your day trips. Is there 1 that involves less climbing that you would recommend. Or perhaps if necessary we skip a climbing canyon and wait for you guys to return. Very keen to tour w oith you as you come highly recommeneded by Vicki of Red Dirt Winton Cheers Maree
Written 19 July 2019
GorgeGuide
Injune, Australia
Hi Maree,
Thank you for your question.
The Lower Gorge Explorer is our classic full day walk covering 14 km over the course of 8-9 hours. We allow plenty of time to stop and chat about the natural and cultural history of Carnarvon Gorge, so, we're certainly not in any great rush. The walking track is one way in, one way out. We walk to the furthest destination first, so that we can knock off the single biggest chunk of walking whilst we are fresh, and then visit the remaining sites on the way back. The first (and last) 3 km takes us over a series of three small ridges, meaning there are stairs and hills in both directions. The track then evens out as it follows Carnarvon Creek. There are 16 creek crossings via stepping stones throughout the day, so good balance is essential. If you're concerned, consider purchasing a set of hiking poles prior to your visit. The four major sites, Art Gallery, Ward's Canyon, Amphitheatre, & Moss Garden are all accessed via staircases that deviate from the main walking track. Considering each of these major sites require a one way in, one way out detour from the main track, you may choose to sit one or two out. The choice is entirely up to you.
We also offer a half-day walk to the Moss Garden, but only by request, so be sure to get in early with a request if this is your preference. This walk is 7km and takes in just one of the major sites. It still requires a few creek crossings and a number of stairs.
I hope I have sufficiently answered your question. Please let me know if I can offer any further information.
Kind regards,
Michelle
Written 20 July 2019
We are visiting mid-August for three nights. We are very interested in your guided trips and want whether we can book them when we arrive or do we need to book beforehand (and if so how early?)
Written 1 July 2019
GorgeGuide
Injune, Australia
Thank you for your question, sarah-on-her-hols.
Due to the effects of last year’s bush fires, we no longer have a shopfront from which we can sell our guided tours. As such, it is best to book online. However, access to mobile reception and wifi can be patchy here at Carnarvon Gorge, so it would be better to book at least a few days before your arrival whilst you still have reliable signal.
It would also be worth checking our tour calendar on our website to check if and when your desired tour is scheduled to run during your visit, as we don’t offer every tour every day.
I hope you find this helpful.
Michelle
Written 2 July 2019
GorgeGuide
Injune, Australia
Yes, due to our remote location, we cannot provide lunch. We do, however, provide morning and afternoon snacks, and boil the billy at lunchtime.
If you choose to make a booking with us, everything you need to know about meeting locations, what to bring and what we provide will be listed under “Additional Information” on page two of your order confirmation email.
Written 3 May 2019
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