Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

Deep in northwest Queensland’s rugged outback, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is a lush, spring-fed oasis that feels like a mirage. Named after the Waanyi people’s word for ‘rainbow serpent’, this park centres on the emerald-green Lawn Hill Gorge, where towering red sandstone cliffs plunge into clear, croc-free water. It’s a spectacular place for kayaking, bushwalking and spotting freshwater turtles, and a refreshing detour on a Savannah Way road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Lawn Hill Gorge: Paddle a canoe or kayak through the gorge’s still, jade waters, passing paperbark trees and dramatic cliffs. The 2.5km return walk to the Upper Gorge lookout offers a bird’s-eye view of the canyon.
• Indarri Falls: A short, easy walk leads to a series of cascading rock pools perfect for a cooling dip. The water is warm and inviting – bring swimmers.
• Rainbow Serpent mural: At the gorge’s end, a contemporary Aboriginal mural depicts the creation spirit Boodjamulla. Learn about the Waanyi people’s deep connection to this landscape.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles (harmless if left alone), purple-backed fairy-wrens and the rare Lawn Hill palm, found only here.
• Riversleigh Fossil Fields: While technically part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Site (a World Heritage property), the nearby Riversleigh D Site is a must for its 25-million-year-old marsupial fossils. Access is via a guided tour from the park.

Suggested Time to Spend

Given its remote location – it’s a 3-hour drive from Mount Isa – aim for at least two full days. This allows time for a morning kayak on the gorge, an afternoon walk to the falls, and a day trip to Riversleigh. If you’re on a tight schedule, one day lets you paddle and do the main walks, but you’ll miss the fossil site. Overnight in the park’s campground (book ahead) or at the historic Lawn Hill Station homestead nearby.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Riversleigh World Heritage Area – Drive 30km to the D Site for fossil displays and guided talks (check tour times at the park visitor centre).
• Lawn Hill Station – A working cattle station offering accommodation, meals and a glimpse of outback station life, just outside the park.
• Barkly Tableland – Head east across the vast, treeless plains to Camooweal, a classic outback town with a historic pub and the nearby Camooweal Caves.
• Burketown – West along the Savannah Way, this remote town is the gateway to the Gulf of Carpentaria and offers barramundi fishing and the famous ‘Morning Glory’ cloud phenomenon.
• Mount Isa – The region’s hub, about 3 hours south, with the ‘Isa’ underground mine tour, the Outback at Isa visitor centre and the Riversleigh Fossil Centre.

Please check official sources for current details.