How to do Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

How-to

Aerial view of a river winding through a dramatic red outback gorge

By Hannah Statham

Never heard of Boodjamulla National Park - aka Lawn Hill National Park? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This hidden outback gem once flew under the tourism radar, thanks in part to its remote location, right on the Queensland / Northern Territory state border.

You may be familiar with its striking red-hued sandstone gorge and emerald green waters, though; Boodjamulla National Park was featured in the 2018 'Crocodile Dundee' Tourism Australia Super Bowl – its spoils unearthed to millions across the globe.

Today, 40,000 people pack their bags and hit the road 540km northwest of Mount Isa to experience the majesty of this natural oasis each year.

So, don your hiking boots and adventurer spirit for your very own outback -adventure at Boodjamulla - Lawn Hill National Park.

What’s so special about Boodjamulla National Park?

Family canoeing through emerald waters between dramatic red cliffs of an outback gorge — Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla National Park, Outback Queensland

If your dream Queensland holiday is 4WD-only, phone reception-free and off-the-beaten-track, Lawn Hill National Park's 28,200 hectares is for you. This dream-like oasis in Outback Queensland is no mirage. Appearing out of the red dirt, it's the emerald-hued gorge that inspires the name ‘Boodjamulla’ – meaning Rainbow Serpent Country in the local Indigenous language of the Waanyi people.

As if postcard-worthy views weren’t draw-card enough, the finer details of this national park prove to be just as special. Deep within the national park, you’ll find the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Site. A fossil deposit so impressive, that Sir David Attenborough himself labelled it one of the top four most important fossil sites in the world. You’ll find fossils dating back nearly 25 million years, with evidence of towering flightless birds and the remains of the largest known freshwater crocodile.

When to visit

Like much of the outback, the best time to visit Boodjamulla is during Australia's cooler months (May - September). Expect warm, sunny days and nights where the temperature can really drop - so be sure to pack layers and a good jacket just in case.

Wet season closures do take place within the national park, which includes access to the Riversleigh World Heritage Site and Miyumba camping area. The park is expected to reopen from 7 April 2025 - keep an eye on the national park website for further information

The trails of Boodjamulla - Lawn Hill National Park

Couple walk along rocky outback trail — Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla National Park, Outback Queensland

While this national park might be known for its breathtaking turquoise gorge, bring your hiking boots because you’ll need them to get to the water.

Seven walking trails ranging from 600m to 7km take you along the length of Lawn Hill Gorge. These return walks might seem short, but brace your buns for steep, hilly cliffside tracks. Our pick also happens to be the longest (3.5km one way) towards Upper Gorge, with views back down the Upper and Middle Gorges.

Fancy a full day of hiking? Ideally, base yourself at the Lawn Hill Gorge camping area because five of the seven tracks begin there. The other two split off from the Duwadarri Lookout trail on the ridge behind the camping area.

Of course, walking isn’t the only way to explore this national park. Take to the water and canoe (available for hire at the Lawn Hill Gorge camping area) to Middle Gorge, Indarri Falls, or Upper Gorge.

The flora and fauna of Boodjamulla - Lawn Hill National Park

Couple kayaking along a green hued creek surrounded by trees — Lawn Hill Creek, Boodjamulla National Park, Outback Queensland

Forget your headphones on your morning walk or paddle: if it’s not one of the 200 bird species chirping, you’ll hear some of the other 1000 animals who live in the park starting their daily routine too. Lawn Hill Gorge itself has over 20 species of fish, 12 species of frogs, 3 species of turtles, and Australian freshwater crocodiles to boot (the non-man-eating kind).

Animal spotting won’t be the only thing on your Lawn Hill National Park bucket list though, with over 800 species of flora across the park to spot, too. Learn about Aboriginal uses of native plants from the interpretation signs in the information shelter.

Best photo spots in Boodjamulla - Lawn Hill National Park

Couple stand at a lookout along an outback hiking trail which overlooks a gorge and river — Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla National Park, Outback Queensland

Bring your camera (and underwater housing if you own it) because the best shot is at water level. Paddle your way to the middle of the gorge, to capture what makes this gorge so, well, gorgeous. If you prefer to keep your camera on dry land, take one of the walking tracks to capture Lawn Hill Gorge from the lookouts from Lower to Upper Gorge.

Of course, if you’ve got a drone handy, this national park is best seen from above.

Note: Flying drones in national parks can affect visitors' experience and privacy, disturb wildlife and impact First Nations Peoples' cultural heritage. If you choose to use a drone recreationally, ensure it's operated in a manner that doesn't cause a nuisance to other park users or interfere with wildlife or cultural heritage, and make sure you follow all of Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) drone rules and regulations.

Where to stay in Boodjamulla National Park

Couple enjoying a pizza dinner at the camping ground — Wugudaji-Adels Grove, Outback Queensland

There’s no such thing as a room without a view at the three accommodation options across (or nearby) this awe-inspiring national park.

Frequent camper? Sleep on the edge of the gorge at the Lawn Hill Gorge camping area (4km into the national park), or venture south to stay at the Miyumba camping area, only 3.5km from the Riversleigh Fossil site.

If you prefer to camp with a flushing toilet and hot shower, the Lawn Hill Gorge camping area is where you should drop your tent pegs. Or, book into one of the cabins at Wugudaji Adels Grove – the only private accommodation near the national park (10km from Lawn Hill). It’s got all the outback comforts – air-conditioning, a fridge, an ensuite and an on-site bistro – perfect after a long day exploring the region.

Want the best of both worlds? Wugudaji Adels Grove also has campsites and pre-erected tents if you prefer to stay amongst nature but prefer the supplies supplied - and boat trips, guided tours and canoe hire at your fingertips.

Local tips

Couple sitting on the bonnet of their 4WD watch sunset on the horizon of an outback landscape — Boodjamulla National Park, Outback Queensland

Like anywhere in Outback Queensland, a stress-tree trip to Boodjamulla is all about preparation. It’s a nine-hour journey north-west from Mount Isa (along both sealed and unsealed roads), so you’ll need a 4WD for this adventure and all your offroad essentials like spare tyres, extra snacks, water, and a UHF radio.

Continue your journey into Outback Queensland – unearth the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Site.