Botanical walk
Enjoy a short walk through a variety of vegetation communities and feel the forest change as you get closer to the creek. Interpretive information for this walk is still under development in consultation with the Waanyi First Nations People.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 1.6km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 1hr walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 3 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Journey facilities
- Walking
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Spend time in the quiet shade of these ancient cliffs. Photo credit: © Fiona O'Grady
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Take time to explore the shady creek. Photo credit: © Fiona O'Grady
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Stop and listen to the gentle cascading waters. Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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Cool off beside the pandanus-lined, emerald waters. Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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Look for purple swamphens wading in the cool waters. Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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Walk under the tall shady forest and listen out for birdsong. Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
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Make sure you see the fascinating pandanus fossil tufa. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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Spot willy wagtails hopping on the lily pads. Photo credit: Jodie Bray © Queensland Government
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Cross the floating bridge to access this walk. Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
Enjoy a cool respite on this shady walk and discover fascinating tufa (limestone) formations that have been shaped by creek waters over tens of thousands of years.
Listen for the raucous call of channel-billed cuckoos. Lawn Hill Gorge is one of the few places in Australia where these birds live year-round, attracted by the warm winters and bountiful supply of figs in the gorge. Also watch for finches and other birds drinking from the pools of water.
This track can be accessed from the Middle Gorge day-use area by crossing the floating bridge.
Getting there and getting around
The Botanical Walk is in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park in remote north-west Queensland, close to the Northern Territory border, 270km north-west of Mount Isa.
- The Botanical Walk can be accessed from the car park in the Lawn Hill Gorge section of the park.
- From the car park walk to the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre and follow the Rainbow Serpent track for 100m to the Middle Gorge day-use area.
- Continue walking east, following the signs, cross the floating bridge, and walk along the track until you reach the trail head for the Botanical Walk.
More details are available on Visiting safely.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Drinking water
- There is no drinking water along the track, but you can collect water (treat before use) from the taps at the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre and Lawn Hill Gorge camping area.
- Don't drink water straight from Lawn Hill Creek as it can make you very thirsty because of the high levels of calcium carbonate. Please do not waste water.
Before you visit
Opening hours
The Botanical walk is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Lawn Hill Gorge safely and Walk with care.
- Gorge closed: only southern sections of Boodjamulla National Park open 5 September to 31 December 2023