cobbold gorge boat tour

• Telephone 07 4062 5470
• Email [email protected]

TO COBBOLD GORGE

COBBOLD VILLAGE

GREAT PACKAGES

Welcome to a special place

Outback Queensland is home to a breathtaking natural wonder. A hidden oasis tucked away within the rugged sandstone formations of North Queensland.

Welcome to Cobbold Gorge, in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region. A pioneering place. An ancient landscape which invites you to breathe in the bush and breathe out your worries.

Immerse yourself in the experience of a truly unique Outback Queensland holiday destination when you visit Cobbold Gorge – offering guided tours and accommodation.

Cruise the gorge then walk atop its walls and across Australia’s first fully glass bridge, exploring the incredible geological landforms and our amazing savannah wonderland on your guided tour. Discover the wildlife, go bushwalking, bird watching, kayaking and even mountain biking. Or top off your Cobbold adventure with a fantastic helicopter flight.

Embracing the spirit of the outback no longer means giving up creature comforts at Cobbold Village, with modern ensuited rooms and cabins, plus ensuited, drive-through and powered van sites, camping and self-contained sites, laundry facilities, camp kitchens, BBQ’s, licensed Bistro & Bar and infinity pool with swim up pool bar.

Relax, stay a while and settle in to enjoy.

Bucket List – Cobbold Gorge. Tick!

Stay Cobbold Village

Enjoy creature comforts & modern facilities at Cobbold Village, choosing from RV friendly camping and caravanning sites, through to ensuited cabins & rooms.

Explore Cobbold Gorge

The best way to grasp the uniqueness of this narrow gorge with its majestic 30-metre sheer walls is to get close up and personal with it, on one of our fabulous guided tours.

Save Packages

Experience the ultimate Cobbold Gorge adventure with this great value package including accommodation, meals, gorge tour & helicopter flight. Simply check in and enjoy!

A jewel in the Gulf Savannah crown

Multi award-winning outback queensland experience.

Get Updates

© Cobbold Gorge 2024

Website created by RJ New Designs

Cobbold Gorge Tours

Cobbold gorge village, forsayth, qld.

Deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge. Only a six-hour drive from Cairns and Townsville, you can immerse yourself in the natural wonder of a truly unique North Queensland outback holiday destination. Cobbold Gorge offers the ultimate holiday adventure with modern accommodation and recreational vehicles and caravan friendly camping facilities.

The guided tours have been tailored to bring the best of stunning scenery, diverse flora and fauna and rich cultural history. To protect this unique environment, access to Cobbold Gorge is by guided tour only.

Gorge Tour – three-hour tour includes a walk to the escarpment and over the new glass bridge followed by a boat cruise through the gorge, or try stand up paddle-boarding through Cobbold Gorge.

Scenic Helicopter Flights – 15 minute or 30-minute flights over Cobbold Gorge and Newcastle Ranges.

Due to COVID-19, please contact the business for the most up to date information regarding opening times and services.

Product Types:

Adventure and Outdoors Cruises Cruises, Sailing and Water Cultural and Theme Evening Extended Food and Wine Full Day General Tour Half Day Nature and wildlife Nightlife Sailing and Water Shopping Sightseeing Sports Tailored Walking and Biking

Facilities found here:

Birdwatching Camping Canoeing/Kayaking Swimming Walks Family Nature & Wildlife Experience is charged

Accessibility Information

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Contact Information:

Visit Website

074062 5470 [email protected] Cobbold Gorge Village, Forsayth, QLD View Map Location

Three-hour Cobbold Gorge Tour

Simply Gorge-ous!nnThere's no better way to grasp the uniqueness of the narrow gorge with its majestic, 30-metre sheer walls than to get up-close-and-personal with it. A three-hour tour including boat cruise plus tour of the gorge will be an unforgettable highlight of your trip to outback Queensland, Cape York or the Savannah Way.nnAn informative insight into the geology of the rugged sandstone formations is provided during your guided bushwalk to the top of the escarpment learning about the fauna, flora and bush tucker along the way, then crossing over Australia's first fully glass bridge. It's a relatively easy walk with the reward of a magnificent uninterrupted view below from the fabulous Cobbold Gorge glass bridge.nnThen cruise on custom-made, electric-powered boats as they glide through the spectacularly sculpted gorge walls in almost eerie silence ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife. There's every chance of seeing one of the large population of resident freshwater crocodiles.nnAccess to Cobbold Gorge is by guided tour only.

General Facilities:

Scenic Helicopter Flights

Experience the dramatic sandstone escarpment and vastness of the outback on your Scenic helicopter flight for a spectacular birds-eye view over Cobbold Gorge, Newcastle Ranges and Robin Hood Station. With a wide range of flights to choose from, itu2019s the perfect way to top off your Cobbold adventure u2013 literally!nnYour scenic helicopter flight is a thrilling and memorable experience. It really is the ultimate way to appreciate the incredible beauty of the Gulf Savannah region and discover features of Cobbold Gorge that arenu2019t accessible to the public in any other way.nnStandard flight options include: 15-minute Sandstone Discovery tour over Cobbold Gorge; 30-minute Heli Property Tour over the cattle station and sandstone area; 60-minute Heli Sunset Picnic (the perfect place to enjoy a cheese platter with your wine of choice); or a fantastic four-hour Heli Fishing adventure to an exclusive and almost untouched fishing hole at the base of the Newcastle Ranges (lunch & beer included).nnWhichever adventure you choose u2013 youu2019re sure to have an awesome time.nnPlease contact our friendly Reception Team at Cobbold Gorge, as bookings for scenic helicopter tours are essential and subject to availability.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Experience the breathtaking adventure of Paddle Boarding, while gliding silently through the narrows of Cobbold Gorge. Our 1-hour Stand Up Paddle Boarding guided tour allows you to take in the geological masterpiece of this ancient landscape, up close and personal. nnBeneath your board, native fish dart through the waters. Beside you, the sandstone walls soar 19-metres high, with a selection of delicate ferns and grasses thriving along the waterline. (Itu2019s 30-metres from the bottom of the gorge, under the water, to the top of the escarpment.) nnThis is a unique way to get into the heart of Cobbold Gorge, as a part of a small group. nnOur Stand Up Paddle Boarding Cobbold Gorge tours can be enjoyed by people of all abilities and fitness levels, however participants must be 12 years +. Provided life jackets and helmets are mandatory for the SUP Tour. Bookings are essential and minimum numbers apply.

News and Resources

Travel information, our corporate supporters.

© 2023 OQTA. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy . Site by Zoik

Cobbold Gorge: the most gorgeous of the gorges?

David Levell

Travel Journalist

06 December 2023

Deep in the Queensland outback, David Levell discovers the stunning beauty of Cobbold Gorge, a chasm carved into the landscape that managed to remain undiscovered for millennia.

Gliding effortlessly through Cobbold Gorge in Queensland’s Gulf Savannah country, the question soon becomes, which way to look? Down into the still crystalline waters? Ahead to the narrow rocky rift we’re drifting towards? Sideways at the crazy curl of ochre-banded cliff? Or above, where the rock walls either side of us rise 30 metres to frame the sky? Well, no worries; you can do it all. The silence is timeless, and there’s time enough to take in the natural beauty in every direction, inexhaustible as it is.

Reasons to head inland in Queensland

Queensland is justly celebrated for its coastal treasures – beaches, coral reefs, rainforests – but its enormous inland has much to offer. The wide open spaces of northern Queensland’s Gulf Savannah is outback par excellence: red earth, roos galore, wedge-tailed eagles, red-tailed black cockatoos and towering termite mounds dotting the bush everywhere. Among its lesser known jewels are its amazing and unique gorges.

The wide expanse of the Queensland outback (photo: Brook James).

Exploring Cobbold Gorge

Sprawling 1284 square kilometres, remote Robin Hood Station isn’t the only Gulf cattle property bigger than some small nations (it’s four times the size of Malta). But it’s the only one with Cobbold Gorge, the very latest thing in gorges, unknown to everyone but its Indigenous inhabitants until the 1990s and only 10,000 years old – by far Queensland’s youngest.

“For those on the left, we call that Duck Rock,” our guide, Graham, sings out from the back of the small flat-bottomed boat. Drifting quietly along the half-kilometre gorge, our boat tour is approaching the narrowest point – just two metres across – and half our boatload ducks to avoid a looming rocky overhang.

Some of the locals hit the road (photo: Brook James).

In the heat of the day, sunlight bouncing off the water dances on the cliff walls in wavy shimmers. Silvery spiderwebs – the spider species is yet to be determined, Graham tells us – garland almost every crevice. Butterflies and dragonflies flit over the water; an azure kingfisher is poised on a branch. At the terminus, where the gorge narrows to nothing, a large snake lies half-concealed in matching waterside shrubbery.

“I’ll just cut the engine so you can see how quiet it is,” Graham says. The engine was almost silent anyway, but our chatter evaporates and the still, trancelike magic of this hidden wild place envelopes us all.

The quiet beauty of Cobbold Gorge (photo: Brook James).

History of Cobbold Gorge

Pronounced ‘co-bold’ (not ‘cobbled’), the spring-fed (thus never dry) gorge is named after its tributary, Cobbold Creek, which commemorates pioneering Gulf pastoralist Frank Cobbold (1853-1935), who held several large cattle stations in the region. Exactly how it came to be is still a mystery, but there are two theories. One is that a split in the sandstone gradually weathered its way to meet and divert Cobbold Creek. The other says seismic uplift made the creek’s previous watercourse uphill, forcing the flow into a nearby crack to begin the process of gorge formation by water-borne erosion.

Either way, the narrowness of the gorge signposts its extreme youth – 10,000 years makes it a toddler, geologically speaking. The water, slowly carving an ever wider channel through the rock, has barely begun its work. Eventually – in the far distant future, so don’t worry – the cliff sides, undercut at the high water mark, will collapse and push the process further along. At the waterhole where the gorge begins, graffiti on its sandstone cliff-wall backdrop – ‘J. E. CLARK 1900’ – shows that Robin Hood’s first owners, the Clark family, came here around the time they took up the property.

Giant slabs of stone threaded with greenery puncture the surrounding landscape (photo: Brook James).

But the gorge hidden beyond the curl of surrounding cliffs kept its secrets for close to another century. Cattlemen have little time for mucking about with boats and this spot, in the far south-west corner of the vast station, was never much visited (although it was surely known to the local Indigenous Ewamian people). The Clarks occasionally returned to water cattle, but rarely this far up the creek. Cob Terry did much the same after he bought Robin Hood in 1964.

Eventually, in 1992, Cob’s son Simon decided to find out where the far end of the obscure waterhole led to. Hauling a tinny through the bush, he and a couple of mates became the first people – as far as anyone knows – to go boating into the unsuspected gorge.

Simon was enthralled by their discovery. By 1994 he was taking small groups to see the geological marvel in his very big backyard. The tourism venture bloomed rapidly, from 200 visitors in the first year to 10,000 annually now, staying at Cobbold Village, which the Terry family built to cater for their visitors, three kilometres from the gorge across the Robertson River. In 2009, 47.2 square kilometres around the gorge was declared Cobbold Gorge Nature Refuge, protecting a unique landscape along with its fauna and flora, including the rare Gilbert River ghost gum.

Paddle-boarding is the most recent innovation. But most visitors still experience the gorge much like Simon did that first time, on a small watercraft. Many will see freshwater crocodiles – about 18 ‘freshies’ currently call the gorge home, and are often seen resting on its rocky banks.

The best way to get a sense of the scale of the region is to take a flight over it all (photo: Brook James).

How to see the  Cobbold Gorge

Tours also include a bushwalk to the top of the escarpment overlooking the gorge. En route Graham tells us stories of this land, occasionally pointing out plants such as the ‘soap tree’ acacia (its green seeds lather up nicely) and the poisonous red-berried gidgee gidgee. At the top, an extensive rocky plateau baking in the sun, we peer down into the twisting chasm below.

For an even fuller picture, a helicopter ride presents rugged Robin Hood in all its primal outback glory. Taking off from Cobbold Village, we swoop over rolling hills lightly forested with trees of dark bark and brilliant green foliage. Countless termite mounds cast long shadows in the afternoon sun. But this is just the spectacular curtain-raiser.

The bone-dry Robertson River channel appears as a broad sandy strip, endlessly bisecting scrub. Flying along and then across it suddenly puts us above what they call Sandstone Country – 80 square kilometres of rocky highland encompassing the gorge. From the air, this landscape reveals itself as a broken table-top. Massive, roughly flat sandstone slabs look like grey fingers, separated by thin chasms bursting with bright green treetops.

And finally, Cobbold Gorge itself – a thin black cleft snaking through the sandstone. From this perspective you can see the fissure that swallowed us itself swallowed, now just one seam in the Sandstone Country fabric. Hovering just above where we hiked only this morning, this already feels like a reunion – or perhaps the discovery of a new and fascinating angle to a valued friend.

Getting there

Cobbold Gorge Village is 43 kilometres from Forsayth, and 420 kilometres from Cairns via the Savannah Way drive to Georgetown.

Staying there

Cobbold Gorge Village is the only on-site accommodation (en suite cabins and campsites). the Goldfields Hotel in Forsayth, also a Terry family property, is another option and gorge tours pick up there.

Eating there

Hearty outback tucker can be had at the Village or Goldfields Hotel.

Playing there

Cobbold Village/Gorge is open 1 April to 31 October. Overlooking the dam, the infinity pool has a swim-up bar, rarely seen this far outback. The gorge is only accessible via guided tour from Cobbold Village. Half-days include flat-bottom boat and bushwalking; full days go further afield and add agate fossicking. Paddleboarding and scenic helicopter flights can also be booked separately.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

One Comment

Rarely look on newsagents shelves. Must buy a copy tmrw tas we love travelling in Australia. Thanks Australian. Traveller.

You might also like

Why you need to go to the world’s most remote music festival

Getting to the three-day music festival widely acknowledged to be the most remote in the world takes a bit of work, but is it worth it? Dilvin Yasa ta...

Indigenous dance: Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival

The striking animal forms, chants and motions of the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival are as relevant now as they have been for tens of thousands of ye...

Driving through the channel country – from Boulia to Winton

The drive between Boulia and Winton in Queensland's West covers some of the most spectacular land in our country, but few are lucky enough to see it, ...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

Cobbold Gorge Tours

• See all photos

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.

Cobbold Gorge Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Cobbold Gorge Tours

• See all photos

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.

COBBOLD GORGE TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Cobbold Gorge Tours

• See all photos

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.

Cobbold Gorge Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Telephone 07 4062 5374
• Email [email protected]

Full Day Tour

Cobbold gorge, departs from forsayth gorge & glass bridge.

Cobbold Gorge is one of nature’s wonders, tucked away in the savannah outback. To get there from Forsayth, it’s a 43km drive on formed gravel road. Day tours can be booked to and from Forsayth, which includes transport to Cobbold Village, Cobbold Gorge and back again. This tour includes the award-winning, 3-hour Cobbold Gorge tour. Highlights include an escarpment walk and wander on Australia’s first fully glass bridge which spans the 13m gap of the gorge. A 45-minute boat cruise through the gorge and interesting historical, botanical and cultural commentary, as well as 4WD transport from Cobbold Village to Cobbold Gorge. The day tour from Forsayth also includes lunch at Cobbold Village, please advise dietary requirements at time of booking. NB: You may also choose to visit and stay at Cobbold Village. For more information on staying and exploring at Cobbold Gorge visit their site www.cobboldgorge.com.au

Forsayth Day Tour Cobbold Gorge & Village

The Cobbold Gorge Day Tour with transfers to and from Forsayth plus lunch at Cobbold Village operates every Tuesday and Thursday between April and September. It departs from the Goldfields Hotel at 9.30am April-September and returns at around 5.30pm. October departures are Thursdays at 6.30am and return 5.30pm. Times may vary and this tour is strictly subject to availability, so contact us in advance to make enquiries.

*Children aged 5-15 years. Under 5 is free. Family Rate is 2 Adults + up to 4 children (0-15yrs).

The Facts What You Need To Know And Bring

• The Cobbold Gorge Tour is a 3-hour tour. This time includes an escarpment walk, a boat cruise through the gorge and time taken for travel/loading and unloading of guests in vehicles.
• Guests are transported to Cobbold Gorge from Cobbold Village, in an air-conditioned 4WD bus and provided with commentary.
• Toilet facilities are located in the Interpretive Centre at Cobbold Gorge, where guests will be before participating in the walk.
• The walk component of the tour runs for approximately 1-hour 15-minutes to 1-hour 30-minutes. Timing depends on the fitness and speed of the group and how many questions are asked, whilst stopping to interpret the geology, flora and fauna along the way. The walk is relatively easy with the reward of a magnificent view of the gorge below. However, guests may choose to sit it out (wait by the boats) or opt for a seat halfway.
• The boat cruise runs for 45-minutes. This is mostly silent, with commentary when necessary. It does not matter which end of the boat guests sit at, as the boat faces the opposite way on the return journey (motor at each end).
• Please wear closed in walking shoes, a sun smart hat, sunscreen and bring a water bottle, which can be refilled during the tour.
• Remember to bring your camera with plenty of memory available, you’ll need it.

Home to Outback Queensland’s Best Pub

The historic goldfields hotel.

Get Updates

Visitors from around the region, state, country and world are all welcome to Visit Forsayth. Whether it is the attraction of searching for gold and precious agates that draws, or the chance to enjoy the history and natural geological beauty found in the area and across the Etheridge Shire, you are all welcome.

Our Location

© Visit Forsayth 2024

Website created by RJ New Designs

• Sunshine Coast
• New Zealand
• Best Of Brisbane
• Things To Do
• Food & Drink
• Health + Wellness
• Local Escapes
• Gift Guides
• Live the WA Dream
• Tales of Italy
• Japan After Dark
• Perfect GC Family Itinerary

Everything You Need To Know About Queensland’s Cobbold Gorge

By Ranyhyn Laine

7th Jun 2021

Cobbold Gorge. Heard of it? If you’re like everyone else we’ve asked, probably not—but this incredible gorge hidden away in the vast outback is right here in our own state of Queensland, and it’s not even hard to get to. So why does no one know about it? Well, it might have something to do with the lengthy road trip you need to take to get there, but trust us when we say that taking a stand-up paddling boarding trip through this insanely beautiful gorge is so worth the drive—in fact, we would have driven twice as far. 

About six hours drive west of Cairns, Cobbold Gorge was found on a cattle grazing property in the early 90s. It was formed just 10,000 years ago, making it the youngest gorge in Queensland—but it’s still the most spectacular. A deep creek cuts through a narrow sandstone gorge that is as serene as it is jaw-dropping, with cliffs towering 10 metres above. Sold on a trip? Read on for everything you need to know about planning a visit.

How To Get To Cobbold Gorge

You’ll find Cobbold Gorge along the Savannah Way in Far North Queensland. We flew into Cairns and hired a car to drive the six hours west, but you can also fly into Townsville, from where it is a seven hour drive. Once you get past Ravenshoe, there’s not a lot of towns, so we’d recommend packing plenty of snacks and water. Be warned, the last 80 odd kilometres of the drive is also mostly gravel, including a small creek crossing or two, so a 4WD might be a good idea, although it is doable in a small car (speaking from experience). And make sure you take the route that heads south from Georgetown, as while there is another route, it involves a lot more rough gravel roads. 

Where To Stay At Cobbold Gorge

Your best option is to stay at the gorge village itself—the nearest other accommodation is an hour away along that dirt road. Cobbold Gorge has plenty of options for you, from fully equipped cabins (at a reasonable $160 a night) to caravan and camping sites if you prefer to do it rough. There’s barbecues and a camp kitchen if you’ve remembered to pack enough food, but if not, the bistro and bar on the grounds is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and dishes up homestyle meals (and a damn good coffee). There’s even an infinity pool with a swim up bar—talk about luxe. 

How To See Cobbold Gorge 

The only way to see the gorge itself is by guided tour, with both SUP and boat tours on offer (but you really should do both). The SUP tour was our favourite part of the trip—nothing compares to paddling slowly through the gorge, taking it all in—the tours are limited to just six people, so at times you’ll have sections of the gorge all to yourself (take a camera). And before you ask, yes, there are freshwater crocodiles, but they’re more scared of you than you are of them and swim off at the slightest disturbance, so you’ve got nothing to fear. 

The boat tours will get you the same view from a narrow, flat-bottomed boat, and you’ll get to hear all about how the gorge was formed, when it was found and how deep that water really is. The real reason you need to do the boat tour as well though, is that it includes a walk up to the new glass-bottomed bridge over the gorge, which offers prime views of the curving sandstone passageway from above. Take some water—it may be the cooler season, but it still gets mighty hot out here. 

Seeing The Gorge From Above

This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place—so don’t skimp out and not take a helicopter ride to see it from above. While you can do short 15 and 30 minute scenic flights with Cobbold Gorge’s helicopter pilot, we highly recommend the Sunset Heli-Picnic. You’ll jump in the helicopter (after drawing straws to see who gets the prime front seat) and zoom over the gorge for a quick look before setting down on a nearby bluff to watch the sunset in a camp chair, drink in hand. They’ll even supply a cheese platter to nibble while you take in the view—trust us, you’ve never done a sunset like this before. Once the last rays have slipped below the horizon, it’s time to see the landscape from above again on your way back to the village, only now, by the soft light of golden hour. Marvel at the perfect rows of sandstone formations so perfectly uniform that they look almost man-made, and of course, peek down into the gorge from above. 

Things You Need To Know

Firstly, Cobbold Gorge is only open from April to October, during the dry season, as it is inaccessible during the wet season, so plan your trip accordingly. Secondly, don’t expect to find good phone reception, well, anywhere. We left 4G behind once we hit the Savannah Way, and didn’t pick it up again until we got back to Ravenshoe. Cobbold Village does have free wifi, but only around the reception building and bistro, so save the Instagramming until you get home and warn your family they won’t be able to reach you. Also, though Cobbold Gorge is a popular tourist spot, you are heading into the outback people—pack plenty of water and snacks, plan your trip so you’re not driving after dusk or before dawn (when you’re more at risk of hitting wildlife or cattle on the roads) and let someone know your itinerary just in case. And lastly, you absolutely must stop for chips at the Georgetown Roadhouse, because they are the best chips you will ever eat. Not kidding. 

If you’re flying into Cairns, here are the best hotels to spend the night in .

Image credit: Ranyhyn Laine

We're dedicated to keeping our recommendations and content free. BECOME A SUPPORTER

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

More On …

Honest tourism information about Australia

Cobbold Gorge, QLD: Cruise, glass bridge tour & camping prices

• David Whitley

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.

More Queensland travel

Have a cold beer and a massive steak at the Nindigully Pub in outback Queensland.

Pitch a tent at Lake Moogerah Camping in the Scenic Rim region.

How long is the Gold Coast to Noosa drive ?

Go swimming in the rainforest at Crystal Creek near Townsville .

Pick your own strawberries at Tinaberries in Bundaberg .

Cobbold Gorge: Gorgeous Outback Oasis

Cairns Outback , Cairns Outback , Camping

After several hours of driving through the parched landscape of the Gulf Savannah country, the last thing you expect to see is a turquoise infinity pool with a swim up bar, but that’s exactly what you find on arrival at Cobbold Gorge.

Cobbold Gorge is located on Robin Hood Cattle Station, which stretches for nearly 1300 squares kilometres across the northern Gulf and is accessed by a gravel road from Forsayth, south of Georgetown.

cobbold gorge village

While Robin Hood is a working cattle station the owners have developed Cobbold Gorge Village to cater for the influx of visitors coming to their property to visit the gorge.

The village encompasses a reception building with small shop, a bar and restaurant, the campground and various other cabin style accommodation.

Not surprisingly, the infinity pool and bar take pride of place and this tends to be the focal point where guests congregate.

The pool overlooks a dam where there are a couple of free kayaks available for guests to use.

There is also a floating golf target to practice your golf driving skills.

Clubs are available for a gold coin donation, which you get back if you return the golf balls, so there’s an incentive to go hunting for your lost balls!

While the local indigenous people have probably known about Cobbold Gorge for centuries, the Terry family only discovered this hidden treasure on their property about 20 years ago when they hauled a small tinny over to the waterhole to see how far it went.

They were soon taking visitors out to see it and eventually it turned into a tourism business. In their first year they welcomed 200 visitors and it now attracts over 10,000 people a year

The gorge is a narrow chasm that has been etched into large craggy sandstone formations.

Fed by several springs, the gorge is only 2 metres wide in some areas with the magnificent sculpted cliffs rising to 30 foot on each side.

Given the gorge is on private property in the middle of nowhere, the only way to see it is to join one of the guided tours from the village.

The half day tours (3 hours) leave the reception area twice a day, one in the morning and another one in the afternoon.

The tours start with a guided walk up the escarpment so you can view the gorge from the top.

Along the way our guide pointed out various forms of Aboriginal ‘bush tucker’. It was amazing to learn just how many different types of berries and foods are around to eat in such a dry and barren landscape.

The walk is obviously uphill but it’s fairly easy and well paced with lots of stops along the way to point out things of interest.

Returning to the bottom, we then hopped into a small flat-bottomed boat to weave about half a kilometre through the narrow gorge on water.

In some parts the gorge is so narrow that the boat bumps against the sides and the passengers on one side of the boat have to duck under ‘Duck Rock’ to get past.

other ways to see the gorge

Besides the guided boat/walking tour of the gorge, there is also a one-hour stand up paddle boarding tour which looks awesome although it would obviously make taking photos a bit more tricky. We’ll be giving that one a go next time.

Instead we opted for a helicopter trip around the property.

Apart from the fact that helicopter rides are such great fun, this is also the best way to get a sense of the scale of the property and where the gorge fits into the landscape.

accommodation

Cobbold Gorge has a nice big shaded camping area with unpowered, powered and even ensuite sites available.

Pets are allowed but you can’t take them on tours and since this is a nature refuge area with lots of wallabies and kangaroos around they need to be kept on a leash.

There is a modern amenities block plus kitchen, laundry and fire pits and you can get basic supplies at the store as well as bags of ice at the bar.

For non-campers, there is a variety of cabin-style accommodation available.

We stayed in a Boundary Hut, which was very clean and comfortable.

We had a comfy queen size bed, bathroom, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.

Cobbold Gorge Village has a bar and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as all day snacks.

Given the location and distance to shops and markets, the food is basic but okay for a couple of meals.

If you’re staying for more than one night you might want to consider taking your own food even if you’re not camping, especially if you’re vegetarian or like healthy food options.

other things to do

The main thing to do besides experiencing the gorge in various ways is to either enjoy lounging by the pool or go bushwalking.

There are about four self guided bushwalks that start from the village. Just follow the signs.

Make sure you take a hat, sunscreen and water and, for safety reasons, sign in the book at the bar so they know where you’re going.

travel nq fast facts:

• Cobbold Gorge is closed during the wet season from November-April
• It is about 6 hours drive from either Cairns or Townsville
• The road is mostly sealed except for small sections between Georgetown and Forsayth. The road from Forsayth to Cobbold Gorge is a gravel road (approx. 50 kms) but it is accessible for 2WD and caravans.
• There is wifi in the village (Telstra only) but you need to use your own data package (we managed to successfully FaceTime someone while we were there)
• If you don’t want to stay in Cobbold Gorge Village itself, you can join tours from Forsayth
• Tours cost about $100 (a little cheaper if you’re staying in the village).

Related posts:

• Camping at Mount Mulligan: One of Australia’s Best Kept Secrets
• Undara: Spectacular Volcanic Lava Tubes
• Emu Creek Qld: How to Escape the Crowds in FNQ
• Camping at Chillagoe Caves: Jewel of the Outback

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Destinations

• Port Douglas
• Mission Beach
• Whitsundays

Travel NQ's Latest & Greatest

• Recent Posts
• Recent Comments
• Most Commented
• Most Viewed
• Magnetic Island: Bays, Beaches and Boulders
• The Matilda Way: Cairns to Charleville...and on to Adelaide
• Beyond Mount Garnet: National Parks Camping:
• Ironbark Farm: Dimbulah Outback Getaway
• Travel NQ's Guide to Cairns Beaches
• Australian Culture
• cape tribulation
• Family-friendly
• House Rentals

Is Cobbold Gorge Worth Visiting in North Queensland?

You can visit plenty of Gorge’s around Australia and most of them come with unimaginable beauty and tranquillity. This particular one was only discovered by the land owners in the early 1990’s and visitation started soon after. But, Is Cobbold Gorge Worth Visiting and what can you do there?

Unlike other gorges, this is on private property, so you are unable to visit on your own. Therefore, both Matt and I spent a couple of days staying there to explore the different parts and the facilities they had available in the village.

So, it is something you’ll be interested in? Read on the find out!

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my blog disclaimer, terms and conditions & privacy policy here for details.

Is Cobbold Gorge Worth Visiting

Key Takeaways: In a nutshell – Yes, I think Cobbold Gorge is worth visiting, as long as it’s taken for what it is. I found it one of the shortest and smallest gorges I have ever been too, but size didn’t devalue it’s beauty. However, because it’s private property, prices are little more expensive and you have no options to explore on your own terms!

Just so you know, we ended up staying two nights in the village, which means one full day to enjoy the gorge. It was definitely rushed but we managed to fit everything in, with some casual drinks in the evening. However, I’m sure staying a few nights would have been much better. But, any tour through the gorge is meditating, calming and peaceful, so I think you’re going to Love it!

The most important information you need to know that access to the gorge is seasonal and only open from April to October each year (Dates dependant on weather).

Things to do at Cobbold Gorge

Cobbold Gorge is located deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region in North Queensland and turning off the Savannah way tourist drive. It’s 3 hours away from the Undara Lava Tubes (Another Must-do spot) and 6 hours south-west from Cairns .

There are a few different options with tours and activities and I will go through some of these individually for you. But, please feel free to check out out our experience first hand by clicking this link HERE to watch on YouTube.

Note: The Gorge is about 10-15 minutes drive away from the Village or Reception. Provided buses will drive you into the tours.

1. Boat Tour

Depending on the day and how many people are booked, this tour can run in a different order. As this is the most popular and easiest way to see the gorge, and it can be quite busy. But essentially, it’s a 3 hour tour that includes :

• transport to and from the village ( 30 mins)
• Boat tour through the gorge (1 Hour)
• Land tour over the surrounding area ( 1 & 1/2 Hours including Glass bridge)
• Walking over the Glass Bridge .

As the gorge is very small, the size of the boat only just makes it through. It also has an electric motor at each end so there is no need to turn around. The boats fits roughly 14 people plus the Tour Leader, so not too over full.

This is a very beautiful way to see the gorge and snap your happy shots, while listening to the Tour leaders intermittent commentary. It’s a quiet tour as your meandering through the gorge, hearing only the sounds of local wildlife.

TIP – Take a good pair of walking shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen & a Hat. Also be on the lookout for Crocodiles, basking in the hot sun!

2. Circular Escarpment Walk

Included in the 3 hour above, the tour leader will direct your group from the waters edge on a walk through the surrounding bushland. They will explain about the different native plants and what they can be used for. This is a great way to learn about the native plants of Australia and what they are used for.

Eventually, you’ll gradually climb the 19 metres to the top of the gorge and come to the Glass Bridge. But, be advised there is a lacking of shade on this part, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. 

3. Glass bottom Bridge

Once again included in the 3 hours above – this was a new addition introduced to the tour in 2019. But, know there is only about 10 minutes to enjoy this section of the gorge!

This Glass bottom bridge not only allows you to see clearly straight out each side of the gorge, but also looking straight down at your feet through the bridge. You will need to take your shoes off for this one (only wearing socks), which helps to preserve the glass from scratches.

However, If your afraid of heights, you might need some guided help to cross. If there is no way you can get across then probably best to talk to your guide and skip the walking tour. 

4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Now I thought this was a really great addition and a very different way to enjoy the Gorge. The tours for this tends to run first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon (we did the morning tour). Both Matt and I have been on paddle boards a few times but these boards were a bit smaller and meant they were harder to stay steady.

I was very glad I did this tour, although my feet were a little numb after 45 minutes standing in the one spot. Any movement of your feet could mean falling over, so tried my hardest for that not to happen. Even better, there was only 6 people on our tour and not sure they take many more than this.

5. Helicopter Ride

There wasn’t a lot of options for timing on this one – pretty much got told when I was flying and that was it. I guess the flights are organised throughout the day around the normal schedule used for the cattle farm. 

The scenic Helicopter flight itself was a short 15 minutes and not sure I needed much more. The views were amazing, but if your doing this to see the gorge, then I might re-think. The gorge is very small to see from the air and the tour is mainly on the surrounding area. However, you can see the Glass Bridge.

Options are available for 30 minute tours and I think a sunset champagne run, which does sound rather nice. The best thing is, this is only a 3 seater Helicopter which means everyone gets a window seat – YAY.

This is a prerequisite for me when booking as I like a good view for photo’s and video. It would have also been great if you could get an option for doors off, as it limits glass reflection – but sadly, not an option.

Check out my Photo Gallery for sample tourism images needed for websites, blog posts, magazines articles, Marketing and/or Advertisement’s.

6. Restaurant and Bar

If your treating yourself on your visit, then you might want to check out their Meal Deals available. From what I could see the meals looked really nice and a nice selection for being such an isolated spot. However, it is advised to ensure you book in for meal times, since the busy season can be very full and accommodates all visitors from the Cabins and Camping sites.

If you have brought along your own meals, then the bar is a great place to have a couple of quiet drinks and meet some of the fellow visitors.

7. Infinity Pool Swimming

What more could you want after a long hot day exploring, than hanging out in the swimming pool. The Infinity pool overlooks a small Billabong, which was a bit dry on our visit. In August, the pool was a little cool too so didn’t spend too long in there. But, I can imagine it would be awesome and a lot busier in warmer weather. 

8. Campfire Nights

Every night around dusk the camp fire is lit right near the restaurant and pool. This is a great chance to grab a drink and sit beside the fire swapping travel story’s with your fellow visitors. The temperate does drop in the evening and also a great place to warm up. 

If you’re lucky enough to stay a few nights, then you could find the time for some of these things:

• Bush walking
• Mountain Biking(own bike)
• Bird Watching
• Sunsets and Sunrise
• Fresh water Billabong with Aqua Golf and Kayaking
• Shopping for Souvenirs or Groceries at Corbett’s Store

Where to stay?

Fixed accommodation.

On this occasion when stayed 2 nights in what they call a “Rouseabout” room. This was a basic cabin with 3 person set up (3 single beds or 2 singles joined together with another single).

This was just the bare essentials with beds, bathroom, fridge, desk and air conditioner. however, there was no cooking allowed, but provided tea and coffee with kettle. These rooms were very comfortable and the cheapest we saw online.

As we had been touring around Outback Queensland for this trip and taking most of our food to keep cost downs. We made sure we stocked up on a few salad items and drinks to cover us for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the 2 days.

Other options would be:

• Boundary Stand alone Huts – 2 person (Couple Accommodation with King Beds)
• Station Suites – Family Suited ( Self Contained with Microwave & Sink)
• Assessable Ringers Rest – 2 person (Wheel Chair and Mobility impaired accommodation)

If your bringing your own place to sleep then there are a few options available at a cheaper cost. Prices currently range from $18AUD to $65AUD per night for 2 Adults. Variations to this depend on extra adults and kids, but family discounts are available. 

Options are:

• Powered sites
• Powered Sites with En-suites
• Bush Camping (unpowered).

Facilities include:

• Washing Machines
• Amenity Blocks for campers
• Gas & wood fire BBQ’s
• Camp kitchen

NOTE : Know that the road coming into Cobbold gorge is corrugated and a little hectic for towing a caravan. It can be done, but might be slower and you might want to consider dust/rock protection to your vehicle/caravan beforehand.

Is there Wi-Fi or Data?

Wi-Fi and Data service is limited and only available near the reception office and sometimes around the restaurant and bar areas. This is intermittent and due to the isolated location, it can’t be relied on

Note: There is no Wi-Fi or Data Service in the fixed accommodations, camping areas or at the Gorge itself.

How long should you stay?

Due to the corrugated roads and the many activities, I do recommend staying for at least two nights. However, cheaper options for this would be staying at Forsayth (One hour away, along a corrugated road) and driving in for the day.

Are there Crocodiles?

Yes, there are Crocodiles around and you might be re-thinking the paddle board idea. However, these are fresh water Crocodiles and more likely to swim away from humans, than attack. Although if provoked, they can retaliate, so stay away from them and they will stay away from you. 

You will mostly see them in the middle of the day on the boat tours, trying to warm up in the sun. Be quick with the photo’s too, or they will jump straight into the water.

Can you take Dogs?

Dogs are allowed at the camping areas, but not in the fixed accommodations. There are also not allowed on tour to the Gorge itself. This means if you’re coming in for the day, you should find other arrangements for your pets.

Can you swim?

Swimming in the gorge is not allowed, but with fresh water crocodiles, I’m not sure you would want to. However, swimming is allowed back at the restaurant in the infinity pool.

About Savannah Way

Savannah Way is the name given to a road 3700 kilometres long stretching from one side of Australia in Cairns, to the other side in Broome. Its known and promoted as a self drive tourist route and so many different locations can be discovered along this way.

Cobbold Gorge is a short via off this tourist drive!

Wrap up – Is Cobbold Gorge Worth visiting

So, Is Cobbold Gorge worth visiting! I think it is and I hope you’ve found the information above helpful for you. However, if you’re still researching, please check out the other Outback Queensland areas I have been to for inspiration and planning.

Other Blogs you might be interested in:

Things to see on a Brisbane to Cairns Road trip

Is Porcupine Gorge National Park worth Visiting

100+ Bucket List Ideas in Australia

Best Outback Adventures of Queensland

“Hi, travel enthusiasts! I’m Chris Fry, The Aquarius Traveller Blogger. I’ve been exploring the world since 2007, documenting my journeys through the lens of my camera. Having visited over 37 countries (including my home Australia), I’ve gained first-hand experiences that help you plan your adventures.

So, whether you need insider tips, or want to live vicariously through my escapades – You’ll find something to love in my blog.”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview