About Lawn Hill Gorge

Park features

Sunrise from the Constance Range.

Photo credit: Tamara Vallance

Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land) is one of Queensland's most scenic national parks. Situated within the remote north-west highlands of Queensland, the national park (Aboriginal Land) 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, and its emerald waters make it a visual splendour. The Waanyi Aboriginal People have strong cultural ties with the national park (Aboriginal Land) while pastoralists of European descent have more recent historical connections.

Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land) 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.

• Read more about the nature, culture and history of Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land).

Looking after the park

• Everything in the national park (Aboriginal Land) is protected. Please leave everything as you found it.
• Fossicking for fossils is illegal on the Riversleigh fossil trail. Penalties apply.
• Fires are not permitted. Use a fuel or gas stove for cooking.
• The use of generators is not permitted.
• Fishing is prohibited in Lawn Hill Creek.
• Do not feed the wildlife, including fish. It can affect their health and alter the natural population balance. Do not leave food or scraps around your camp site.
• To protect the tufa formations, canoeing is not permitted in the Cascades or in the Lower Gorge.
• To ensure that the waterways are kept unspoiled, motorised boats are not permitted in the national park (Aboriginal Land).
• Rubbish bins are not provided. Please take your rubbish with you when you leave.
• Domestic animals are prohibited in national parks as they can disturb and harm native wildlife.
• All snakes are protected. Always carry a torch at night as this is when many snakes are active.
• Protect water quality—minimise the use of repellents and sunscreen when swimming.
• Be considerate of other campers and do not make undue noise or disturbance—this national park (Aboriginal Land) allows campers and visitors to enjoy a remote and natural setting.
• Flying drones in the park can affect visitors’ experience and peoples’ privacy, disturb wildlife (particularly birds) and impact the Waanyi Peoples’ cultural heritage. For these reasons the use of drones is prohibited in camping areas and strongly discouraged throughout the national park (Aboriginal Land). Please follow drone safety rules.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Lawn Hill Gorge was gazetted as national park in December 1984. Prior to this it was part of the neighbouring cattle grazing property, Lawn Hill Station. In March 1992, the park was extended to include Riversleigh World Heritage Site, which was part of the neighbouring Riversleigh Station.

The Waanyi People, Traditional Owners of Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land), and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are working together to preserve the unique values and beauty of the national park (Aboriginal Land).

Please help by following national park regulations and guidelines.

Tourism information links

Wugudji Adels Grove camping park
wugudaji-adelsgrove.com.au
Email: reservations@wugudaji-adelsgrove.com.au

Outback at Isa (Mount Isa Visitor Information Centre)
discovermountisa.com.au
19 Marian Street, Mount Isa Qld 4825
Phone: (07) 4749 1555
Email: info@outbackatisa.com.au

'At the Creek' - Julia Creek Visitor Centre
www.atthecreek.com.au
34 Burke Street, Julia Creek QLD 4823
Phone: (07) 4745 7690
Email: tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au

TerrEstrial Visitor Centre
www.unearthetheridge.com.au
Low Street, Georgetown QLD 4871
Phone: (07) 4079 9027
Email: terrestrial@etheridge.qld.gov.au

Croydon True Blue Visitor Information Centre
www.croydon.qld.gov.au
Samwell Street, Croydon QLD 4871
Phone: (07) 4748 7152
Email: info@croydon.qld.gov.au

Normanton Visitor Information Centre
Cnr Landsborough and Caroline Street, Normanton QLD 4890
Phone: (07) 4747 8444
Email: tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

Karumba Visitor Information Centre
www.barracentre.com.au
Walker Street, Karumba QLD 4891
Phone: (07) 4745 2211
Email: barramundi@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.