Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
The emerald waters and lush vegetation of Lawn Hill Gorge form a beautiful oasis in the outback, attracting abundant wildlife and offering exceptional views, walks, canoeing and cultural sites. Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is one of Queensland's most scenic national parks. Situated within the remote north-west highlands of Queensland, the park features spectacular gorge country, sandstone ranges and World Heritage fossils.
Lawn Hill Gorge is formed by Lawn Hill Creek, which is fed by numerous freshwater springs from the limestone plateau to the west. The magnitude of the sandstone cliffs lining the gorge, its emerald waters and lush vegetation make it a visual splendour. Serving as an oasis, the spring water and surrounding vegetation attract an abundance of wildlife.
The Waanyi Aboriginal people have strong cultural ties with the park while pastoralists of European descent have more recent historical connections.
Boodjamulla National Park lies on ancient sandstone of the Constance Range, between the Barkly Tablelands to the south-west and the black soils of the Gulf Savanna Plains to the east. Lawn Hill Creek and the Gregory and O'Shanassy Rivers flow all year round, providing a stark contrast to the dry, parched landscape during the dry season
A camping area with toilets and showers is provided close to Lawn Hill Gorge. There is a ranger base near the camping area. Only one vehicle per campsite is permitted and the campground is not suitable for caravans, buses, motor homes or camper trailers over 4m. Permits are required and fees apply. Bookings are necessary from Easter to October and should be made well in advance. For the rest of the year campers can also self-register on arrival, subject to wet season closures
There are six long and short walks in the Lawn Hill Gorge section of the park.
(1) Island Stack 4km return (2 hours) Grade: Difficult (steep ascent and descent) A steep climb up the Stack joins a 1.7km circuit which takes you around the "table top" for impressive panoramic views. You are strongly advised to take this walk in the cooler hours of the morning as the track is exposed.
(2) Cascades 2km return (1 hour) Grade: Easy
This easy walk leads through creek vegetation along the start of the Island Stack track and then continues on to the cascades. Have a refreshing swim in the cool spas and view the fascinating tufa formations.
(3) Wild Dog Dreaming 4.5km return (1 hour 30 minutes) Grade: Easy
A semi-sheltered walking track leads to interesting Aboriginal rock art shelters. The track continues on into the lower gorge where freshwater crocodiles are often spotted basking in the sun. This is a pleasant walk even in the mid-afternoon. The Waanyi people ask that you respect their culture by not taking photographs at this site.
(4) Constance Range 4km return (3 hours) Grade: Moderate
On this longer walk you can enjoy the spectacular, panoramic views surrounding the Constance Range and beyond. It is recommended as a sunset or sunrise walk. If walking in the evening please take a torch.
(5) Indarri Falls 3.8km return (1 hour 30 minutes) Grade: Moderate (steep descent)
This loop walk takes you to the falls and returns via the creek edge. It is a moderate walk, with a steep descent, if walked in a clockwise direction. Indarri Falls lies with Lawn Hill National Park or Boodjamulla. The creek is a perennial, clear and spring fed waterway and many thousands of visitors have enjoyed swimming in its waters over the years. The gorge is spectacularly lush and fresh compared to the flat and dusty savannah country one travels through to get here. Refresh in the cool water and watch purple-crowned fairy-wrens and crimson finches in the creek-side vegetation. This is a good morning walk and a great setting for photos.
(6) Upper Gorge 7km return (3 hours 30 minutes) Grade: Difficult Witness the spectacular scenery over the gorge and then stroll back along the creek edge to encounter a diversity of plant and animal life. This loop walk is recommended for keen bushwalkers. It is strongly advised that walkers set out in the early hours of the morning.
Picnic tables, toilets and showers are provided. Visitors are encouraged to take their own rubbish away with them when they leave the park.
Venture into the heart of the gorge and observe the unique plant and animal life. It is possible to canoe through Lawn Hill Gorge, a distance of up to 6km return. Canoes can be hired on an hourly basis from the east end of the campsite. Adels Grove Canoe hire opens at 8am daily during the visitor season. Private canoes are welcome. Sunburn and dehydration are common problems for visitors, so take water, hats and sunscreen. The best time to start canoeing is in the morning.
