The Botanical Walk in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park offers a peaceful escape through a variety of vegetation communities. This 1.7-kilometre, grade 3 trail takes you on a shady path, where you can experience the forest shift as you get closer to the creek. The walk is not only refreshing but also offers the chance to explore the fascinating limestone tufa formations that have been shaped by the creek’s waters over tens of thousands of years.
As you wander, listen to the distinctive call of the channel-billed cuckoos, whose raucous sounds echo through the gorge. Lawn Hill Gorge is one of the few places in Australia where these birds remain year-round, drawn to the warm winters and the abundance of figs in the area. Keep an eye out for other birds, like finches, drinking from the pools of water as you move along the track. The walk is an easy, yet enriching, experience and typically takes about an hour to complete.
To start the walk, head to the Middle Gorge day-use area and cross the floating bridge. This short, accessible trail provides a wonderful introduction to the natural beauty of Lawn Hill Gorge, with interpretive information still being developed in collaboration with the Waanyi First Nations People.
- There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities along the track.
- Drinking water is not available along the track, but you can collect water from the taps at the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre and the Lawn Hill Gorge camping area (ensure you treat it before use).
- Avoid drinking water directly from Lawn Hill Creek due to the high levels of calcium carbonate, which can leave you feeling very thirsty.
- Please use water sparingly and do not waste it.
Total distance: 1691 m
Max elevation: 155 m
Min elevation: 142 m
Total climbing: 36 m
Total descent: -36 m
Main image: Queensland Government
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Closest towns to this walk: Burketown, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Gregory, Lawn Hill, Mount Isa, Normanton
Getting to the trailhead in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.
The Botanical Walk is located in Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land), in remote north-west Queensland, around 270km north-west of Mount Isa, close to the Northern Territory border. To access the trailhead, park at the Lawn Hill Gorge car park. From there, head towards the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre and follow the Rainbow Serpent track for 100m until you reach the Middle Gorge day-use area. Continue east, following the signs, cross the floating bridge, and keep walking along the track until you reach the start of the Botanical Walk.
Boodjamulla National Park, formerly known as Lawn Hill National Park, is a national park in the Shire of Burke, Queensland, Australia. The park is in the Gulf Country region of northwestern Queensland. The park is 340 km (210 mi) northwest of Mount Isa or 1,837 km (1,141 mi) northwest of Brisbane.
The main attractions in the park are the sandstone ranges with deep gorges and a limestone plateau with significant fossil fields. Other attractions include crystal-clear green waters, lush vegetation and canoeing. Surrounding the park are numerous resources reserves, set aside for mineral exploration and mining.
The park contains several permanent creeks, waterholes, gorges, and sandstone ranges. Boodjamulla's ancient sandstones and limestones have been gradually stripped away over millions of years leaving behind rugged escarpments, gorges, and rock outcrops. There are four main habitats contained with the park: riverine, alluvial flats, rocky hills, and clay plains.
Lawn Hill Gorge, the primary attraction in the park, cuts through the sandstone plateau of the Constance Range, on the eastern extremity of the Barkly Tableland. The gorge has been carved out by Lawn Hill Creek, which flows all year and is fed by numerous freshwater springs from the limestone plateau to the west. The gorge is a rich oasis with cabbage palms and other tropical vegetation.
Also in the park are the Gregory River and O'Shanassy Rivers which flow all year round. The park contains 20 km of walking tracks.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
0 Reviews on “Botanical Walk (1.7km)”
We visited Boodjamulla before the 2023 floods. It is such a stunning area. Highly recommend spending time there.
Deb Kahn an excellent recommendation. Thank you.
Trail Hiking Australia
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Deb Kahn oh it’s such beautiful country. Thanks for sharing, brings back nice memories