The best natural wonders to explore in North West Queensland

Cobbold Gorge | Talaroo Hot Springs | Boodjamulla National Park | Porcupine Gorge National Park | Burketown

Soaring skies, plummeting gorges, and a landscape millions of years in the making: in North West Queensland the scenery and natural attractions come super-sized.

Boasting some of Queensland’s most breathtaking natural landmarks and national parks, this remote pocket of the Sunshine State is where desert plains stretch for thousands of miles, where lush oases appear deep in the Outback, and where the ocean edge meets scorched red dirt.

Swap the sand for the savannah and head out on a Queensland road trip not soon forgotten; these are the best natural wonders to explore in North West Queensland.

Please check the Queensland traffic road reports and operator information before travelling. 

Undara Volcanic National Park

Like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, the now dormant Undara volcano left quite the mark on the landscape when it erupted 190,00 years ago. Molten lava created a network of enormous tunnels and archways that stretch over 160kms through Undara Volcanic National Park, making these incredible sub-terranean passages the world’s oldest and longest lava tubes on Earth. 

Set in the untouched Savannah woodlands approx. 3.5 hours’ drive from Cairns, walk these fiery tubes with expert guides from Discovery Experiences, their trained Savannah guides full of knowledge about these incredible geological marvels. Soak up the vibrant colours of the lava tubes (made from mineral oxide deposits as the lava seeped through the ground) and stand gob-smacked inside the huge cathedral-like caverns before descending underground. For an iconic Queensland sunset, hike the Rosella Plains Lookout Trail or Kalkani Crater Rim Walk to watch as the light fades over the scorching remnants of this huge volcano.

Nighttime in Undara doesn’t mean lights out; head to the tunnels after dark for a guided twilight tour of the incredible wildlife that call the lava tubes home, then spend the night camping under the stars at Discovery Resort's base camp. Simply magical.

Cobbold Gorge

Hidden deep in Gulf Savannah territory, the road to Cobbold Gorge may be long (six hours west of Cairns or Townsville) – but it’s more than worth the mileage. What you reap is a landscape so breathtaking,  your camera can’t do it justice. 

Accessed only via the crew at Cobbold Gorge Tours, this vast estate holds one of the most beautiful natural wonders in North West Queensland. Its soaring sandstone rock formations reach over 30m high and hide the sparkling turquoise waters of Queensland’s narrowest gorge below. 

The tours at Cobbold Gorge are as dramatic as the landscape; drift along the opal-hued river via electric-powered boat, get a birds-eye view via private helicopter parts of the gorge closed to the public, or walk across the gorge’s glass-bottomed bridge. You can even join a stand-up paddle board tour through the gorge itself, with parts so narrow you can almost touch the sides of its sandstone cliffs. 

One thing’s for certain, this incredible natural wonder should be top of your bucket list.

Talaroo Hot Springs

North West Queensland’s latest natural attraction may have only recently opened to the public, but it’s been 65 million years in the making. One of only two mound springs in Australia, dip a toe in Talaroo Hot Springs and soak up your surrounds. 

Located 360km west of Cairns along the iconic Savannah Way, the rugged landscape here will blow away any cobwebs; surrounded by desert and bushland Talaroo is, quite literally, an oasis in the bush. Once you’re here you’d be mad to turn down a private session in the hot spring soaking pool, but there’s plenty to see and do on the property. Hit up the Hot Spring Discovery Tour or self-guide through the arid gardens and hot spring fields or stay a night on the property’s campground where stargazing and a ‘yarning circle’ are a nightly ritual.

Boodjamulla National Park (not currently open)

Breathtaking; magical; ethereal; Boodjamulla National Park’s beauty is hard to put into words. Called Boodjamulla or Rainbow Serpent country by the Traditional Owners, the Waanya People, Boodjamulla is 28,200 hectares of dense, lush forest and rugged gorges; in other words, a smorgasbord of jaw-dropping vistas and natural wonders. Found right on the Northern Territory border, Boodjamulla is deep Outback Queensland territory – so it’s worth doing your research before you visit as travel time and supplies, should all be taken into consideration. 

Don’t be discouraged, though, as nothing worth doing is ever ‘easy’. This North West Queensland national park boasts not one but dozens of natural wonders, more than making up for any prep pre-travel.

Fossick for million-year-old fossils at the Mijumba (Riversleigh) World Heritage Site fossil fields, hike to the vast lookout points along Constance Range, or walk in the steps of the Waanya People, spotting ancient Aboriginal rock art along the Rainbow Serpent and Wild Dog Dreaming tracks.

You’ll definitely want to canoe along the emerald waters snaking through Middle Gorge, Indarri Falls, Upper Gorge for mesmerising vistas of soaring sandstone cliffs and verdant riverbanks.

For serious wonderlust satisfaction, Lawn Hill Gorge in Lawn Hill National Park ticks all boxes. An idyllic camping spot and base to explore more remote areas of Boodjamulla, Lawn Hill Gorge is also the quintessential swim-friendly watering hole. While away a hot Queensland day canoeing or swimming the freshwater springs, or simply while away a day or two in an utterly remote paradise. 

If there was a picture you had in your mind of North West Queensland, this would likely be it. 

Porcupine Gorge National Park

Dubbed ‘Queensland’s little Grand Canyon’, Porcupine Gorge National Park has been etched into the landscape over millions of years. Its namesake landmark, Porcupine Gorge is, as you’d expect, wildly impressive. So impressive, in fact, that the water erosion from Porcupine Creek has created its very own natural wonder: a huge pyramid of stacked, multi-coloured sandstone towering over the arid landscape of the savannah plains.

Get your bearings along the Pyramid Lookout and Pyramid walking tracks. A combined 2.4km, wind through the National Park as you ascend the picture-perfect viewing platform. Splashes of wildflowers and eucalypt trees hug the edges of the gorge here, with umpteen areas perfect for a pit-stop or picnic – especially when the temperatures climb. All roads lead to the giant monolith, with plenty of swimming holes for cooling off along the way.

Just 60kms north of Hughenden, Porcupine Gorge National Park is easily done in a day, but why rush? Camping is permitted in the designated area, right by the gorge and pyramid - just make sure you book well in advance, as (understandably) camping real estate this idyllic fills up fast.

Camooweal Caves (Wiliyan-ngurru National Park)

Drive two hours west from Mount Isa and you’ll reach the tiny town of Camooweal. Whether you prefer an adventure by foot, two, or four wheels, the various mountain bike, trail bike, hiking and four-wheel driving tracks snaking through the landscape tick all the boxes. Known by locals as the ‘gateway to the Northern Territory’, the sun-scorched arid lands of Wilioyan-ngurru National Park are a surprise recreational paradise. BYO bikes and you’re all set (though there are hiring options in town). 

It’s the region’s infamous Camooweal Caves, however, that put this remote national park on the map. Millions of years old and up to 75 metres deep, these ancient underground trails and sink holes pepper the landscape but are almost completely concealed from the surface. For keen cave explorers, the Camooweal Caves are the pinnacle of cave exploration; remote, untouched, and bursting with history. 

One of only a few spots to pitch a tent (but arguably one of the best) is at Nowranie Waterhole; a lush and vibrant billabong teeming with life in heart of red dirt country, where resident birds flock to cool off from the hot days and desert flora bloom in abundance. Wiliyan-ngurru is paradise, found. 

Copperfield Gorge

With its prehistoric, rugged-looking rock formations, sheer cliff walls and tree-lined banks, Copperfield Gorge in Queensland’s Einasleigh is a much-loved local gem. This far north, the Gulf Savannah region can really see the mercury rise, so do as the locals do and cool off in one of the gorge’s idyllic swimming spots dotted along the sandy banks. 

This gorgeous natural wonder’s winding banks hide dozens of secluded beaches and secret rock pools; perfect for an afternoon picnic and a dip. Just a few minutes from Copperfield Gorge is the town’s iconic pub, the Einasleigh Hotel. Stop in for a frosty and a chat to experience some real North Queensland hospitality and hear all about the history and folklore of one of Queensland’s iconic natural wonders. 

Karumba

There are few places more unique to Australia than Karumba. Nestled in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland this far north takes on a personality all her own when the red dust of the savannah outback touches the ocean. Sunsets here garner quite the crowds. Take our word for it: hit the water’s edge when the light begins to fade. 

Keen to drop a line quite unlike anywhere else? While Karumba may not be the most well-known Queensland town, in fishing circles it’s one of the best places to fish for barramundi. River fishing is the easiest way to experience the local life here, but head out onto the Gulf for the natural wonder of epic proportions: huge barra share the salty waters with some super-sized crocs. 

A road trip to this far-flung town is not complete without a visit to the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre. Learn the history and habits of these iconic fish as well as the incredible array of birdlife that call the Gulf home.

Burketown

A deep connection to the land is what you’ll find in Burketown. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the expansive wetlands make up much of this region and take on a completely different quality depending on the seasons. Not unlike Kakadu in the Northern Territory, Burketown and the monstrous Albert River (which stretches all the way to the edges of the savannah grass plains) are the locations of Dreamtime stories, full of the history of the Gangalidda and Garawa Peoples. 

Indigenous-owned Yagurli Tours is one of the best ways to see the mighty natural wonders in and around the region. Try your hand at traditional fishing methods along the Albert River; the region is abundant with barramundi and king salmon and, with the help of your expert tour guide, you’re bound to get a bite. Not just famed for fishing, Four Wheel Driving, stargazing, sunset river cruises, hot air balloon experiences and Indigenous storytelling tours are just a few of the ways to learn about the incredible biodiversity and unique characteristics of the region.

Ready to explore the natural attractions of North West Queensland? Link many wonders together on a Savannah Way road trip.