Salvator Rosa, Carnarvon National Park Capricorn | Outback Queensland

Gaze at the impressive Spyglass Peak from the Spyglass Peak circuit. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Sunset over Salvator Rosa section Carnarvon National Park. Photo credit: Brendon Moodie © Queensland Government

Spyglass Peak circuit

Capture one of the many photo opportunities on offer at this unique sandstone monolith that dominates the skyline from every angle.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
2km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 40min walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Walking

Start at the Spyglass car park and amble into a shady woodland of yellow jacket eucalypt trees, so named because of their striking yellow-orange bark. Stop to marvel at the Great Wall—a naturally formed sandstone wall that looks like the ramparts of an ancient fort, complete with spyholes and arrow slits.

It is not far from the Wall to the base of the impressive Spyglass Peak. Reaching high above the surround landscape, thousands of years of erosion and weathering have created this uniquely-adorned monolith. A 10m diameter hole at its peak frames the brilliant blue of Central Queensland sky behind, and provides inspiration for the name of this impressive feature. The track then winds around the intriguing landscape leading back towards the car park. The sandstones of Salvator Rosa crumble easily so please take care when walking around sandstone outcrops.

Getting there and getting around

Spyglass Peak circuit is in the Salvator Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, between Tambo and Springsure, and is accessible by 4WD only.

  • Spyglass Peak circuit starts about 5km from the park entrance.

  • To reach Salvator Rosa from Springsure, drive 168km west along the Dawson Developmental Road to the Salvator Rosa turn-off and drive south 50km via Cungelella to the park entrance.

  • From Tambo, there are two routes into the park:

    • Head north on the Dawson Developmental Road for 42km. Turn right to head east and stay on the Dawson Developmental Road for a further 89km. Turn right onto Cungelella Road for 24km then veer left to continue on Cungelella Road for a further 14km. Turn right at Salvator Rosa Road and travel approximately 16km to the park entrance.
    • The second route is for high-clearance 4WDs only. Head south on the Landsborough Highway for 8km, then turn left onto Mt Playfair Road (Wilderness Way) and drive 33km.Turn left to stay on Mt Playfair Road for another 63km. Turn right onto Cungelella Road and drive 14km, then turn right at Salvator Rosa Road and travel 16km  to the park entrance. Please note, the majority of the road names are not signposted at the intersections.

Warning: travel can be unexpectedly slow on these unsealed roads. Be aware of bull dust, sand and changing conditions—roads can become impassable after rain. Please respect the rights of property owners and leave all gates as you find them.

  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Spyglass Peak circuit is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Salvator Rosa safely and Walk with care.

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

View all park alerts