Split Rock Walking Trail

At the Split Rock carpark there is an information booth and an honesty box for the access fee. Sections of the track are rough, so wear strong footwear and carry plenty of water. Basic signage along the way helps keep you on track.

The walk starts from the carpark at the base of a rocky escarpment. At the circuit junction, about 100 metres from the start, go left to Split Rock, the first rock art site, which is closely followed by the Flying Fox and Tall Spirits sites. The paintings are sheltered under wide rock overhangs and interpretive signage explains the artworks. The trail continues to climb toward the eastern end of the escarpment, getting steeper as it approaches the Catfish site where it passes between large sedimentary rocks, emerging on the southern side of the mesa.

From here the trail turns west. Look for an arrow above head height indicating the way over the rocks onto the plateau. The trail forks on the plateau to create a short diversionary circuit, go left to Turtle Rock and a fantastic view into a gorge, or continue on to Gugu-Yelangi. The tracks reconnect a little further on. At the end of the plateau the trail descends amongst large boulders to the Gugu Yelangi art sites. The extensive array of rock paintings in this ancient gallery can be seen from the trail that meanders around the boulders to a lookout and seat at the western end of the escarpment. From here the trail descends to the carpark.

Specific Features:

Famous for its rock art, Quinkan Country contains a large and dramatic body of prehistoric rock paintings. These galleries have been identified as being at least 15,000 years old and have been include on the Australian Heritage Estate and listed by UNESCO as being among the top 10 rock art sites in the world . People from many countries visit this remote location to view the rock art and gain some understanding of the Aboriginal stories associated with this magnificent sandstone landscape.

Guided Tours: Usually from mid April till early December.

Guided Tours to a select number of the world renowned rock art sites can be made through the Quinkan & Regional Cultural Centre.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance: 4 km

Duration: 2 hour (circuit)

Access: Guided and Self Guided-(An honesty fee of $5.00 is applied to cover basic maintenance costs at the site. This is payable at the Quinkan Centre, Laura or Lakeland Roadhouse, Lakeland.)

Facilities: Boardwalks, interpretive information, toilet and car park.

GPS Reference:

Trail Management Contact: Quinkan & Regional Cultural Centre, 07 4060 3457

Map of walking trail at Split Rock courtesy Footloose publications