Get your camera ready as you travel this full-day, 271km loop from Injune, taking in the Lonesome section of Carnarvon National Park, the agricultural beauty of the Arcadia Valley and the pièce de résistance –Nuga Nuga National Park.
38km north of Injune on the Carnarvon Highway is the turn-off onto the Arcadia Valley Road. Wind through forests of stunning white gums to the Lonesome Lookout, perched high on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the valley below.
Take it easy on the steep and narrow incline from the lookout to the Dawson River below and, if you’re ready to pull up for the day, head to camp ground on the right in the national park.
Continuing on Arcadia Valley Road you will see evidence of the gas industry, which extends over much of this area, and drive past rich grazing lands and fat cattle. You may even see these fat cattle up close as you turn onto the bumpy road into Lake Nuga Nuga (watch carefully for the small sign!).
You can camp on the lake’s edge with the luting call of the black swans, paddle across satin waters and, if you’re lucky, the water lillies may be in magnificent bloom.
Retracing your steps south on the Arcadia Valley Road, turn right onto Mulchay’s Road, which will bring you back to the Great Inland Way. Turn left here to return to Injune (89km) or continue north to Carnarvon Gorge and Springsure.
This loop is a combination of sealed and dirt roads so be sure to call into the Injune Visitor Information Centre before you leave to get up to date road conditions.