National park · Australia
Boodjamulla National ParkBoodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
Go only if you have a 4WD and 2+ days: camp at Lawn Hill Gorge, paddle the gorge at dawn, drive the 4WD-only road to Riversleigh fossils; skip it on a tight loop — the same fossils are in Mount Isa.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,820 km²1,089 sq mi
approximate
Established
1984
Best months
May–Aug
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 2,820 km²1,089 sq mi
- The park was enlarged in 1992 when the Riversleigh and Musselbrook sections were added; the exact current figure varies by source (check).
- Established
- 1984
- Best months
- May–Aug
- Permits
- For some areas
Boodjamulla (formerly Lawn Hill) sits in far western Queensland, about 100 km of unsealed road from Gregory Downs and 207 km from the Barkly Highway. Lawn Hill Gorge — permanent green water between red sandstone — is the draw, with the Waanyi people as joint managers. The Riversleigh fossil fields in the park's south are part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites World Heritage listing. There is no fuel, no shop and no phone signal: arrive self-sufficient, in a 4WD, with water.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1994Riversleigh is part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites listing, shared with Naracoorte Caves in South Australia.
Size and age
2,820 km²1,089 sq mi · national park since 1984
The park was enlarged in 1992 when the Riversleigh and Musselbrook sections were added; the exact current figure varies by source (check).
Why go
- A permanent creek and gorge of green water in dry sandstone country — the reason people drive this far.
- Canoeing Lawn Hill Gorge at first light, before the day heats up.
- Riversleigh: 25-million-year-old mammal, bird, reptile and fish fossils in soft limestone, including many bat species.
- Waanyi country: rock art, grinding stones and camp sites show at least 17,000 years of use.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprCaution
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanWet season; park and roads can close
- FebWet season; extreme heat
- MarWet season; access uncertain
- AprReopening; check road and park status
- MayDry, cooler nights; gorge full
- JunPeak season; book camping early
- JulPeak season; cool mornings
- AugDry and clear; busiest
- SepWarming; fewer visitors
- OctHot; storms build
- NovWet season begins; closures possible
- DecWet season; heat and rain
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater crocodiles in Lawn Hill CreekAll year · Present year-round; do not swim or dangle near the water. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Waterbirds and raptors around the gorgeMay–Sep · Best in the dry season when water concentrates wildlife. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Bats and fossil fauna story at RiversleighMay–Aug · The site's fame is its fossil record, not live animals. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Gregory Downs
About 100 km of unsealed road, 4WD only; the usual approach from the north.About 62 mi of unsealed road, 4WD only; the usual approach from the north.
2–3 h
From Mount Isa
Sealed highway to the Riversleigh turn-off, then 4WD tracks; long day with fuel and water carried.
6–8 h
Open the page →
From Barkly Highway (Riversleigh route)
About 207 km from the highway via Riversleigh, only roughly a quarter sealed.About 129 mi from the highway via Riversleigh, only roughly a quarter sealed.
4–6 h
From Outback Queensland plan
How this park fits a western Queensland loop with Mount Isa and the gulf.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Hill Gorge | The gorge, creek, camping area, day-use area and visitor centre. | Open with a booked camp or day visit; 4WD access road. |
| Riversleigh fossil fields | World Heritage fossil-bearing limestone in the park's south. | 4WD tracks; check alerts and do not collect fossils. |
| Musselbrook section | Remote northern country with little visitor infrastructure. | Check access before attempting. |
Sketch map
- 1Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre · Headquarters≈-18.702, 138.485Map ↗
- 2Lawn Hill Gorge camping area · Sleep≈-18.701, 138.488Map ↗
- 3Lawn Hill Gorge · Viewpoint≈-18.701, 138.486Map ↗
- 4Riversleigh fossil fields · Cave≈-19.033, 138.750Approximate; reached by 4WD tracks from the Barkly Highway.Map ↗
- 5Gregory Downs · Town≈-18.650, 139.250Approximate; last fuel before the unsealed road.Map ↗
- 6Mount Isa · Town≈-20.726, 139.493Approximate; nearest city, fuel and the fossil centre.Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (vehicle, per day) | Free | vehicle | No entry fee for this park; camping is the chargeable item (check current Queensland Parks rules). |
| Lawn Hill Gorge camping, per person per night | AUD 7 | person | 2026 estimate; book online before you leave the bitumen. |
| Canoe hire at the gorge | AUD 30–60 | half day | 2026 estimate; availability is limited and seasonal (check). |
| Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre, Mount Isa (alternative) | AUD 15–25 | person | 2026 estimate; the easy way to see the fossils. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Camping permit permit or guide
Canoe use on Lawn Hill Creek no permit
Riversleigh fossil fields access no permit
Park rules
- Fossils
- Do not remove, dig for or damage fossils at Riversleigh; the site is World Heritage listed.
- Campfires
- Fires are restricted; use a fuel stove and check current fire bans (check).
- Water
- Do not swim in Lawn Hill Creek because of freshwater crocodiles.
- Dogs
- Not permitted in the park.
- Waste
- Take all rubbish out; there are no bins in remote sections.
Where to stay
In the park
Lawn Hill Gorge camping area
Creek-side sites inside the park; book online, no power, no shop.
Near the park
Adels Grove
Private camp and cabins a short drive from the park boundary (check current operation).
Near the park
Gregory Downs
Roadhouse accommodation before the unsealed road in.
Safety
Heat and remoteness high
Wet-season closures high
Freshwater crocodiles medium
Unsealed roads medium
Accessibility
- The visitor centre, day-use area and some gorge views are reachable by vehicle with short walks.
- The gorge rim trails and the Riversleigh 4WD route are rough and not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked tracks and never collect fossils or artefacts.
- Bring out all waste, including food scraps, from remote sections.
- Use a fuel stove rather than a fire, and respect Waanyi cultural sites.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Boodjamulla National Park?
There is no entry fee for the park itself. You pay for camping at Lawn Hill Gorge (about A$7 per person per night, 2026 estimate), booked online with Queensland Parks before you travel. Canoe hire, if available, is extra.
What are the best hikes in Boodjamulla National Park?
The short climb to Island Stack and the Duwadarri lookout gives the best gorge views in 1–2 hours. Longer rim walks of 2–4 hours follow the Constance Range above the gorge. The Riversleigh fossil fields are a 4WD drive rather than a hike.
When is the best time to visit Boodjamulla National Park?
May to August: dry, cooler and the gorge is full. The park can close in the wet season from November to March, and roads can stay shut after rain.
Do I need a 4WD to get to Boodjamulla?
Yes for the usual routes. The Gregory Downs approach is about 100 km unsealed and 4WD only, and the Riversleigh route from the Barkly Highway is about 207 km with only roughly a quarter sealed.
Can I swim in Lawn Hill Gorge?
No. Freshwater crocodiles live in the creek, and the water is culturally significant to the Waanyi people. Stay back from the edge.
Is there fuel or food at Boodjamulla?
No. The nearest fuel and supplies are at Gregory Downs or Mount Isa. Bring all food, water and fuel for the return trip.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go