Delve into an in-depth review of Cobbold Gorge Village, where breathtaking landscapes and first class amenities create an unforgettable outback retreat.
The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Ewamian People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Cobbold Gorge is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
A stay at Cobbold Gorge Village has always been on my bucket list, and finally, a few years back, I got to visit!
Located in North Queensland’s outback, this natural wonder is stunning. The star of the show is Cobbold Gorge itself, a rugged sandstone formation with amazing wildlife, spectacular scenery, and activities like bushwalking, birdwatching, and kayaking.
If you’ve been dreaming of staying in Cobbold Gorge, you’ll love this guide. It covers information about the Cobbold Gorge Village, how to get there, details on Cobbold Gorge accommodation (plus a few alternatives), and all the available tours and activities.
So let’s dive in and plan your epic Cobbold Gorge trip!
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.
HOW TO GET TO COBBOLD GORGE VILLAGE
The Cobbold Gorge is an outback wonder that makes you work hard to see its beauty. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but it’s definitely worth it!
Driving from Cairns to Cobbold Gorge takes about 6 hours heading south-west, or 6 hours from Townsville heading north-west. Most highways and roads are sealed, but some rough, unsealed sections exist.
It wasn’t too bad when we went through, and any vehicle (and caravan) could handle it. However, road conditions can vary with traffic and the time of year, so it’s a good idea to check with Etheridge Shire Council for up-to-date conditions before you head out.
Due to access issues, Cobbold Gorge is closed during the wet season from November to March.
If you’re worried about driving on unsealed roads, you can stay in Forsayth and book a tour bus. The tour section below has more on that option.
COBBOLD GORGE ACCOMMODATION
Cobbold Gorge Village and Forsayth offer a range of accommodation options to suit any budget. Here’s a quick rundown of the different choices available.
Cobbold Gorge Village Cabins and Rooms
The Cobbold Gorge Village offers a variety of accommodation options, including cabins, suites, and rooms.
The’ Station Suites’ are a solid choice for those seeking more space and some self-catering facilities. These suites have a small bar fridge, microwave, toaster, and sink. Plus, they have shady timber verandahs that are perfect for al fresco meals and air-con to beat the heat. Station Suites sleep up to 2 adults or there is a family option catering to 2 adults and 3 kids.
Consider the ‘Rouseabout’ motel-style rooms if you’re after something more budget-friendly and travelling with up to three people. These rooms have a small bar fridge and tea/coffee making facilities, and they’re conveniently close to BBQ facilities for easy meal prep.
Ringers Rest is similar to the Rouseabout rooms although offer accessible accommodation. These rooms are suitable for wheelchairs, mobility impaired and disability friendly. These rooms feature an outdoor sitting area on a ramped verandah.
For those that would like a little more privacy, check out the Boundry Huts (pictured above) – similar to the Rouseabout rooms, but these a stand alone huts. This is where we stayed while at Cobbold Gorge and can highly recommend.
Cobbold Gorge Camping
Cobbold Gorge Village has camping options for those with vans, tents, or swags. Here’s the rundown:
- Powered Sites: come in three types – standard powered, terraced drive-thru, and ensuite (see below). The standard and drive-thru sites are all close to the camp facilities like the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and BBQs.
- Powered Sites with Ensuite: offer more space and are a bit further from the main camp facilities. The ensuite has a shower, toilet and vanity, with hand towel and bathmat provided (BYO towels). Also, your campsite has power, water and a firepit.
- Unpowered Sites (as pictured above): have lots of trees for shade, communal fire pits, and are a short walk to the village amenities. There are also ‘self-contained camp sites’ for those with their own power and water, situated further from the main amenities block.
Alternative Accommodation Options
If you’d prefer to stay in Forsayth, especially if you’re not keen on driving the unsealed road to Cobbold Gorge, a few accommodation options are available.
Goldfields Hotel and Finnigan’s Rest
The Goldfields Hotel, a historic landmark, was named the ‘Best Outback Pub’ in the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards. It offers hearty country meals, fuel, and supplies.
Next to the Goldfields Hotel is Finnigan’s Rest. Rooms are available as twin or double, so you might need to book a couple if you’re in a group. The rooms are comfortable and include tea/coffee making facilities and a bar fridge.
Forsayth Tourist Park
Just down the road from Finnigan’s is the Forsayth Tourist Park. In addition to camping and caravan sites, the park offers cabins for two with an ensuite and a small kitchenette featuring a microwave, toaster, kettle, and bar fridge.
COBBOLD GORGE TOURS
Of course you’ve come all this way to see the gorgeous Cobbold Goroge and with this natural wonder being on private property, the only way to see it is by a guided tour.
Tours are led by a professional Savannah Guide who will share the history and evolution of the gorge and its surroundings. Here are a few ways to tour the Gorge:
Gorge Tour from Cobbold Village
Don’t miss the Glass Bridge, Australia’s first fully glass bridge, spanning a 13-metre gap with a 19-metre drop. Leave your fear of heights behind for this one!
This 3-hour tour also includes a circular escarpment walk (about 1.5 hours) led by your Savannah Guide and a 45-minute boat cruise on custom-made, electric-powered boats.
Glide through the narrow gorge, which is just 2 metres wide in some spots, and keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles!
For those guests staying at Forsayth, you can also book this tour with transfers.
SUP Tour
For a truly serene stand-up paddleboarding experience, try it at Cobbold Gorge. With no waves or wind, the conditions are perfect for beginners.
The tour includes transfers to and from Cobbold Village, all equipment, tuition, and a 1-hour tour of the gorge.
Scenic Helicopter Flights
For a real bird’s eye view of Cobbold Gorge, hop on a helicopter! This thrilling experience lets you see the gorge in all its glory.
Choose from a range of helicopter flights, including 15 to 30-minute tours, sunset flights, or even heli-fishing.
For a special treat, consider the sunset picnic tour, where you fly to a secluded spot to watch the sunset over sandstone cliffs while enjoying wine and cheese. This is what we did during our stay and it was spectacular!
You can also customise your flight—go gem fossicking at Agate Creek or explore hidden gorges. The team at Cobbold Gorge will help you plan and price your adventure.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
Despite its remote location, Cobbold Gorge caters to travellers with modern facilities. Modern amenities in an outback setting—pure serenity!
Infinity Swimming Pool
The award-winning infinity swimming pool is a highlight at Cobbold Gorge. Enjoy sweeping views over the freshwater billabong and golden savannah grasslands while sipping your favourite drink from the swim-up Boomerang Bar.
There’s also a shallow wading pool and a spa for a bit of extra relaxation.
MacDonald’s Deck Bar and Bistro
For all your meals and snacks, head to Macdonald’s Deck Bar and Bistro. Overlooking the Infinity Pool, it offers stunning views of the Eucalyptus trees lining the freshwater billabong.
Here, you can enjoy hearty outback meals in a relaxed and friendly setting. Prices are standard pub rates, and portions are generous.
For a great deal, consider the Cobbold Gorge ‘Meal Deal.’ It includes a 3-course dinner, a continental cooked breakfast, and a barista coffee for $94 per adult.
The bistro is open for breakfast from 7 am to 8:30 am, lunch from 12 pm to 2 pm, and dinner from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Light snacks and drinks are available from 9 am.
Activities on the Billabong
The freshwater Billabong at Cobbold Gorge is not only stunning but also a fantastic water playground.
Enjoy aqua golf and kayaking on the billabong. Try to hit the floating target, and once you’re done, paddle out on a kayak to retrieve the balls. Collect all the balls to get your $5 deposit per ball returned.
Safety is ensured with small life jackets available for those who need them.
Bushwalking and Bike Tracks
Cobbold Gorge offers four bushwalking tracks, three of which are also suitable for mountain biking.
Dell’s Lookout, a 2km return track, is for bushwalking only and offers a pleasant walk through Savannah bushland with birdwatching opportunities. Diggers Track is a 2.5km return route suitable for both bushwalking and biking.
The Loop, a 5km return track, is easy to traverse and suitable for both bushwalking and biking. You’ll encounter plenty of wildlife and birds along the way, providing ample distractions.
Russell’s Lookout, a 4.5km return track, is the most challenging with a steep incline leading to the summit. The effort is rewarded with stunning views over Cobbold Village and the surrounding sandstone outcrops and escarpments.
Note that Cobbold Gorge does not provide mountain bikes or helmets.
Corbett’s Store
Corbett’s Store has got your back for all the essentials. It’s conveniently located at reception and offers basic groceries, gifts, and souvenirs. Need to do laundry? They’ve got laundry powder too, so you’re covered.
Camp Cooking Facilities
Cooking at Cobbold Gorge is easy. There are two free gas BBQ areas, and campfire pits are scattered around the campground.
For more elaborate meals, head to the small camp kitchen in the amenities block. It’s got a microwave, toaster, kettle, oven, and a small fridge. Just remember, it’s cosy, so you might not want to plan on cooking every meal there.
Guest Laundry
There are two laundries in the village. One is behind the reception near the cabins, and the other is in the bathroom block between the unpowered and powered campsites. The one shown in the picture is in the bathroom block.
If you need washing powder, you can buy it from Corbett’s Store at reception.
ENJOY COBBOLD GORGE QLD!
Hopefully, after reading this guide, you’re all set to visit Cobbold Gorge Village.
If you’re planning a trip to Cobbold Gorge Village, I highly recommend you also check out our Outback Queensland guide which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.
If you’re heading to Cobbold Gorge Village, you might also be interested in the following nearby destinations: