Island Stack
Experience beautiful panoramas and excellent birdwatching on this steep but rewarding walk to a vantage point in the Middle Gorge.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 2.6km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 2hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 4 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Walking
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Wind your way through the many beautiful grasses on top of Island Stack. Photo credit: © Fiona O'Grady
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Rest along the way and take time out to look and listen. Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
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Look out for buff-sided robins while strolling through the creek vegetation at the start of the track. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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Explore the vistas from the top of Island Stack. Photo credit: Fiona O'Grady © Queensland Government
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Enjoy the expansive vistas from the lookout at the top of the plateau. Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
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The climb to Island Stack is worth it for the views. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw
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Look out for olive pythons commonly spotted along the walking track. Photo credit: © Tamara Vallance
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Take in the different views of the park from Island Stack. Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
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Spot the rare and beautiful purple-crowned fairy-wren which is often be seen among the pandanus. Photo credit: John Augestyn © Queensland Government
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Enjoy 360 degrees views of the park from Island Stack. Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
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Watch the sunset from the Island Stack. Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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Admire the beautiful, subtle colours of the outback from the elevated Island Stack. Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
Stretch your legs on a steep climb up the prominent sandstone 'stack' and circle the 'tabletop' of the stack to the capture breath-taking panoramic views from every angle.
Walk in the early morning to watch the sun rise over the island stack, or in the late afternoon as the sun sets and moon rises—witness the orange glow of sandstone walls in the gorge as the light changes. Look for the rare purple-crowned fairy-wren among the creek-side pandanus and, from the top of the stack, watch kites and eagles soaring.
One of the park's eastern walks, this track can be accessed from the Middle Gorge day-use areaby crossing the floating bridge.
Getting there and getting around
The Island Stack is in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Parkin remote north-west Queensland, close to the Northern Territory border, 270km north-west of Mount Isa.
- The Island Stack track 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, follow the Rainbow Serpent track for 100m to the Middle Gorge day-use area.
- Turn right and walk east following the signs, then cross the floating bridge and continue along the track you reach the trail head for the Island Stack track.
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
Island Stack 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