One of outback Queensland’s most breathtaking natural destinations is set to reopen after being severely damaged by floods more than two years ago.
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is scheduled to reopen on 4 July, following an extensive rebuild. The reopening comes just in time for peak travel season in the region and is welcome news for caravanners exploring the iconic Savannah Way and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Located in the Gulf Country, Boodjamulla is renowned for its emerald-green gorge waters, towering sandstone cliffs and significant Indigenous and fossil heritage. Its fame reached new heights in 2018 when it featured in a Super Bowl advertisement — but in March 2023, record-breaking rainfall and flooding in the Gulf of Carpentaria region forced the park’s closure.
Lawn Hill Gorge (Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
Road sign to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, Qld (Image Robert Crack)
Restoring Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) after the 2023 floods
The damage was widespread. More than 500mm of rain fell across the Nicholson, Gregory and Leichhardt river systems in just two days, pushing the Gregory River to a historic peak of 18m — smashing the 1971 record of 10.8m. Within the park, trees and tracks were wiped out, there were rockslides, accommodation and visitor infrastructure were heavily impacted and Waanyi cultural heritage sites faced serious risk.
A collaborative recovery effort by the Boodjamulla Cooperative Management Council — comprised of the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Cooperation — has been underway since the 2023 flooding. And now, after an almost $13 million restoration effort, the gates are set to reopen.
“The funding includes an investment of $6.7 million for repairs and the construction of new visitor infrastructure within the Lawn Hill Gorge section,” said principal ranger Marnie Augusteyn. “We’re also investing $6.1 million for reconstruction work on water treatment, sewage management, power supply and flood resilience work into our ranger residences.”
Lawn Hill Gorge (Image Robert Crack)
Explore the rugged landscapes of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park (Image Robert Crack)
Michael Miller, chief executive of the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, recently inspected the progress.
“On behalf of the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, we welcome visitors back to the national park,” he said. “This is our backyard, and please treat it with the same respect that you would your own backyard. Please pay attention to restricted access areas for your own safety and pay respect to our culture.”
He added that elder Everyl Johnny will be on-site to share stories and give insight into Waanyi culture with guests visiting the gorge.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said the reopening offers a vital boost to the region. “Reopening Boodjamulla National Park for winter will provide a much-needed boost to the North West and the communities along the Savannah Way that have faced difficult times over the past three years,” he said.
Riversleigh World Heritage Site in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is one of the world’s greatest fossil sites with specimens dating back 30 million years (Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
Where to stay with your van
Travellers can stay within the park at the Lawn Hill Gorge camping area , which caters to caravans, campers trailers, motorhomes and tents and is set in a picturesque spot close to the gorge. There are 14 caravan/camper trailer sites available, offered on a first-in, first-served basis. Facilities include flush toilets and cold showers, and while access is possible for various setups, a 4WD is recommended. Bookings must be made online in advance and camping fees and permits apply. Be sure to plan ahead — especially during school holidays and the dry season from April to October. Note that there are no rubbish facilities on-site, so visitors need to take all waste with them.
Just 10km outside the park, Wugudaji Adels Grove Camping Park is another well-known base, with powered and unpowered sites to suit a range of rigs. Bookings are essential during peak travel months.
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