Travelling through outback Queensland, gave us the opportunity to tick another spot off our Bucket List with a visit to Boodjamulla Lawn Hill National Park. If you don’t have this stunning spot on your list make sure you add it to your list.
LOCATION AND GETTING THERE
Boodjamulla National Park is located in the remote northwest highlands region of Queensland. It is just under 100 kilometres west of the tiny township of Gregory or about one and a half hours drive. You can get to Gregory from either Camooweal (approx 320klms), Mt. Isa (404klms), Cloncurry (428 klms) or Julia Creek (483klms).
We came from Mt. Isa (as shown on the map) as that is where we were, but we would not recommend going that way unless you are in a four-wheel drive and an off-road capable van. From the intersection of Gregory Downs Camooweal Road and Thorntonia Yelvertoft Road, until about 30 kilometres out of Gregory, was possibly the roughest piece of road we have ever been on. It had everything – corrugations, loose gravel, rocks, washouts, potholes and lots of dust!
BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK
Boodjamulla National Park encompasses Lawn Hill Gorge and the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. Lawn Hill Gorge was gazetted as a national park in December 1984. Prior to that, it was part of a neighbouring cattle property – Lawn Hill Station. In March 1992, the park was extended to include the Riversleigh World Heritage Site, which was part of the neighbouring Riversleigh Station.
Lawn Hill Gorge has formed millions of years ago. The red sandstone cliffs that make up the gorge are the spectacular result of sand deposited in an ancient shallow sea. The flow of water continually alters the landscape of Boodjamulla.
The traditional owners of Boodjamulla are the Waanyi people. According to them, Boodjamulla – the Rainbow Serpent – formed the Lawn Hill Gorge area and created the permanent spring water. To the Waanyi people, Lawn Hill Gorge is a sacred place used only for ceremonial and celebratory purposes. They believe that if you tamper with the water, pollute it or take it for granted, the Rainbow Serpent will leave and take all the water with him. {SOURCE}
EXPLORING BOODJAMULLA
The two main ways to explore Boodjamulla Lawn Hill National Park are to hit one of the numerous walking trails in the area or hire a canoe. We chose to walk the Indarri Falls and Duwadarri Lookout tracks. The Indarri Falls track is only 1.5 kilometres long and leads you to the spectacular Indarri Falls.
This track is mainly level and starts just below the Rangers Station. The first section leads you alongside Lawn Hill Creek before you turn and walk out into the open. We visited in mid-September and it was very hot – around 37`. Even though it is only a short distance, keep your safety in mind. Wear a hat, and sunscreen and carry water with you.
You will then have a short upwards climb before being rewarded with the stunning view of Indarri Falls. We fell instantly in love. We have not to date, seen anything more spectacular. Indarri Falls is a very popular spot for a swim which was just so refreshing after our hot walk.
The waterfalls, although they don’t fall from a great height have amazing pressure on them. Brenden could hardly hold himself underneath the main one. The water is deep in the middle, however, there are rocks along the edge where you can sit for a rest. If you are not a particularly strong swimmer or not very fit, you may find a pool noodle handy.
If you decide to hire a canoe, all bookings need to be made at Adels Grove. You then collect your canoe from just below the Ranger Station. From there, it is about an hour to paddle upstream to Indarri Falls.
CLIMBING UP
After our swim, we made our way up to the Indarri Falls lookout. This short, sharp climb is so worth it for the views back over the Falls and the Upper Gorge. We then continued walking along this track to Duwadarri Lookout, which gives you views of the gorge below and the surrounding countryside.
Coming down from here is very steep. There are steps but no handrails, so take your time and use the rock walls or trees to steady yourself. Once you reach the bottom, it is just a short walk back to the visitor’s area.
VISITORS AREA
Back at the Visitors Area, we had some lunch, before enjoying another swim. There are three or four spots along the path leading from the visitor’s area where there are platforms and ladders to make it easier to get in and out of the water. Most of these are lovely and shady so were good spots to cool off again.
Around the visitor’s area, you will also find some very interesting information boards which are well worth taking the time to read.
OTHER WALKS
There are plenty of other walks that you can complete if you want to. The shortest is the Botanical Walk which is just 1.6 kilometres, with the Constance Range track being the longest at 3.7 kilometres. If you have plenty of time and you are fit and an experienced walker, it’s worth completing the Upper Gorge Lookout Walk. From here you will have spectacular views of the Upper and Middle sections of the gorge.
WHERE TO STAY in Boodjamulla
Basically, there are three accommodation options when you visit Boodjamulla. The main one is Adels Grove, which is located 10 kilometres outside of the National Park. This is a very popular spot and offers camping, as well as cabin accommodation. All sites are unpowered, but there are showers and toilets. Cost is up there at $40 a night but it may be worth it to be so close to Boodjamulla. Adels Grove is also the only place where you can get fuel or purchase basic supplies near Boodjamulla.
There is also camping available at Boodjamulla which needs to be booked through Queensland Parks. Prices start at $6.75 per person, per night. There are 20 twenty sites that are suitable for tents and camper trailers. The area has flushing toilets and cold showers.
Find all the best places to camp with Camps Pendium. 1 guide for each state (7 total) with easy-to-read large text and full-sized photos.
Includes
For us, we chose to free camp at Gregory in the Low Impact Campground which is on the town side of the river. There is also camping on the other side of the river, which was very busy at the time we were there. It was fairly dry and dusty and hot, but we made the most of the river each afternoon. The Gregory River is almost clear and very fast flowing but very refreshing to float around in.
Gregory has a pub that also has fuel available and there is also a small coffee shop. There are also public toilets and a dump point as well as large rubbish skips.
We absolutely loved visiting Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. It truly is one of the most stunning and special places we have been to on our travels. We highly recommend visiting, if you have the opportunity to do so.
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