Boodjamulla National Park reopens after devastating floods

After more than two years of recovery, Boodjamulla National Park in north-west Queensland is reopening to visitors following devastating floods in March 2023.

The staged reopening of Boodjamulla and its facilities began on 4 July. It marked the culmination of extensive work overseen by the Boodjamulla Cooperative Management Council (CMC), comprising the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.

Devastating impact on community

Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation CEO Mick Miller said the record flood levels badly damaged the park and its facilities.

“We had 15-20m of water through the place – it was pretty devastating,” Mr Miller said.

The floodwaters wiped out all infrastructure within the park, including the visitor centre, ranger accommodation, campgrounds, water tanks, pathways, and access to the gorge.

The destruction not only halted park visitation but also deeply affected surrounding communities.

“With Boodjamulla, it’s a destination – you don’t just go there for half a day because it takes so long to get there,” Mr Miller said.

“You have a lot of grey nomads and tour buses that would normally travel through these smaller towns, but they haven’t been coming.

“So, the impact has not just been on the park but also on the wider community too.”

The oasis-like Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park.

Natural beauty back on show

Thanks to an almost $13 million investment from the State Government and the tireless efforts of rangers and restoration teams, the park is again offering visitors a chance to reconnect with its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.

“We’ve had a lot of personnel on the ground doing a lot of work, so it is good to be able to welcome visitors again,” Mr Miller said.

“If you walk around the campground, you can see some of the damage, such as trees down, which is a reminder of what came through. But if you go up into the gorge itself, it looks pristine – it has fully bounced back.”

What is special about Boodjamulla?

Boodjamulla National Park, which encompasses Lawn Hill Gorge and the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh fossil site, is a stunning outback oasis, where emerald-green waters and lush vegetation attract diverse wildlife and offer breathtaking scenery.

Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, canoeing, cultural heritage sites, and explore the Riversleigh fossil site.

In June 2023, the national park was returned to Traditional Owners, the Waanyi People. Now dedicated as Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land), it is the first of its tenure class in Queensland.

What sections of the Park are open?

Since 4 July, the following access has been available for visitors to the Lawn Hill Gorge section of Boodjamulla National Park:

• Constance Range walking track.
• Lawn Hill Creek – for swimming and watercraft (one way in/one way out).
• Camp site at Lawn Hill Gorge (with toilet facilities) – available only to authorised commercial tour operators initially.

The southern sections of Boodjamulla National Park – Riversleigh D Site and Miyumba camping area – are fully open for visitors.

Additional sections will reopen from October 2025 as part of the staged plan.

Visit boodjamullanationalpark.com.au and parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/boodjamulla for more information and updates.

How Do I Get to Boodjamulla?

Boodjamulla National Park is situated on the ancient sandstone formations of the Constance Range, nestled between the Barkly Tablelands to the south-west and the black soil plains of the Gulf Savanna to the east.

The Lawn Hill Gorge area of the park is located about 340km north-west of Mount Isa, while the Riversleigh World Heritage Area lies about 285km north-west of Mount Isa.

Access to the park is possible from several directions:

• From the south via Mount Isa or Camooweal;
• From the east through Gregory Downs;
• From the north via Hell’s Gate or Doomadgee.

The road from Mount Isa is only partially sealed and not suitable for standard vehicles or caravans. All northern access routes consist of rough, unsealed roads and are recommended for 4WD vehicles only.

The Gregory Downs route may be suitable for off-road caravans, depending on road conditions. Always check local road updates before travelling, especially during the wet season (October–April), when roads can become impassable with little warning.

Next story →