The Riversleigh Fossil Trail offers a fascinating journey into Australia's ancient past, taking you through a World Heritage site that reveals the rich history of life on the continent. This 1km, grade 3 hike in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, Queensland, typically takes about an hour to complete. The trail starts at the Riversleigh – D Site visitor area, where you’ll make your way through an ancient landscape, climbing in places to reach the top of a limestone outcrop.
As you walk, the earth beneath you seems to whisper stories from a time long gone. Along the path, you’ll encounter fossils from extinct animals, including the gizzard stones of the towering flightless bird known as 'Big Bird,' and the remains of 'Baru,' the largest known freshwater crocodile. This is just a glimpse of the world-famous Riversleigh fossil deposit, one of the most significant fossil sites in the world. Here, you can catch a tantalising glimpse of life from a time when Australia was still part of the supercontinent Gondwana, offering insights into the evolution of the creatures that once roamed this land.
The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon, as the midday heat can be intense. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply enjoy exploring Australia's natural wonders, the Riversleigh Fossil Trail provides an intriguing and immersive experience into the deep past. This trail is part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh/Naracoorte) World Heritage Area, renowned for its extraordinary fossil record and invaluable contribution to understanding the evolution of life on Earth.
- The Riversleigh World Heritage Area and Boodjamulla National Park are protected. Please respect the environment by leaving everything as you find it. Interfering with fossils or rocks is an offence and penalties apply.
- There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
- Drinking water is not available along the trail. You can collect water from the water tank at the nearby Miyumba camping area, but remember to treat it before use.
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Main image: Queensland Government
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Total distance: 1004 m
Max elevation: 173 m
Min elevation: 150 m
Total climbing: 31 m
Total descent: -30 m
Getting to the trailhead: Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.
The Riversleigh Fossil Trail is located in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area within Boodjamulla National Park, in the remote north-west of Queensland, close to the Northern Territory border, 270km north-west of Mount Isa. Access to the trail is via the Riversleigh – D Site visitor area. To get there from Lawn Hill Gorge, drive 55km southeast along Riversleigh Road. Alternatively, from the Miyumba camping area, drive 4km south on the same road. Please note that the trail is accessible by 4WD only.
Closest towns to this walk: Burketown, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Gregory, Lawn Hill, Mount Isa, Normanton
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
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