Boodjamulla National Park
Lawn Hill National Park
Sitting close to the Northern Territory border, in the remote northwest highlands of Queensland, Lawn Hill or Boojamulla National Park is a long way from everywhere. But the spectacular scenery makes the challenging trip to this outback oasis well worthwhile.
Boodjamulla National Park is perched on the ancient sandstone of the Constance Range, sandwiched between the Barkly Tablelands to the south-west and the black soils of the Gulf Savanna Plains to the east. Once covered in tropical rainforest, millions of years of erosion has left behind rugged escarpments, creeks and gorges.
There are two key areas to explore in the national park; Lawn Hill Gorge and Riversleigh World Heritage Area.
Riversleigh
The road to get to Riversleigh from any direction is many kilometres of unsealed dust and corrugations, and often impassable in the wet season. From the car park it is unimposing but is remarkably one of the richest and most diverse fossil mammal sites in Australia with fossils spanning over 25 million years of evolution. Since investigations started here in 1976 the number of know mammal species in Australia has increased threefold.
Read more about Riversleigh Fossil Fields
Lawn Hill Gorge
The jewel in the crown of Boodjamulla is Lawn Hill Gorge. The softly flowing waters of Lawn Hill Creek have carved a winding ribbon of green through the dry savannah. Surrounded by spectacular orange sandstone cliffs its emerald waters and lush vegetation make it a sight to behold. To best appreciate the gorge, you can paddle or walk. If you would prefer to keep your boots strapped on there are many beautiful walks to choose from, ranging from an easy 2km stroll to the Cascades to the more difficult 7km walk to the upper gorge. But to truly see Lawn Hill Gorge in all its glory you need to take to the water. Boat tours are available through Adels Grove or you can hire a (or bring your own) kayak.
Read more about Lawn Hill Gorge
We loved every minute of our time at Boodjamulla National Park, it is one of the highlights of our Queensland road trip. It is a big tick off the bucket list, and I would definitely visit again next time we are travelling out this way.
