Park is closed

Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park Outback Queensland | Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: © Fiona O'Grady

Lawn Hill Gorge is a beautiful oasis in the outback. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Lawn Hill Gorge canoe trail

Dip a paddle into the emerald waters of Lawn Hill Creek and glide between towering orange sandstone cliffs of the Middle and Upper gorges.

Journey type
Canoe/kayak
Distance
6km return (Upper Gorge) and 3km return (Indarri Falls) return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 3hrs paddling time (Upper Gorge) and allow 1 hr paddling time (Indarri Falls)
Grade
Unrated

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Canoeing and kayaking

Paddle your canoe or kayak along the tranquil green waters of Lawn Hill Creek for a completely different experience of the middle and upper gorges.  Remember to pack your binoculars, as there is a variety of wildlife to observe on this adventure. Hire canoes are also available.

Indarri Falls section

Paddle upstream from the canoe launching ramp floating past spectacular sandstone cliffs that tower over 70m above you and cool off and relax at Indarri Falls. The natural tufa deposits of Indarri Falls are very fragile and have taken thousands of years to form. Take care to avoid scrambling over the falls, as this will destroy the tufa formations. If you are after a short paddle, turn back from here (3km return from the canoe launching area, allow 1hour paddling time).

Upper Gorge section

For the longer paddling venture into Upper Gorge, carry your canoe around Indarri Falls via the canoe portage track, walking past lovely stands of cabbage palms. Continue your journey another 1.3km to reach the Upper Gorge. It is not possible to canoe much further beyond the Upper Gorge lookout as the creek dwindles into a series of rocky channels thick with spikey pandanus (6km return from the canoe launching area, allow 3hours paddling time).

Freshwater crocodiles live in Lawn Hill Creek, and are often seen at Indarri Falls and the Upper Gorge. They are considered timid and not life-threatening but may become aggressive and cause injury if disturbed. Do not approach or interfere with these animals and take care if swimming.

Getting there and getting around

The Lawn Hill Gorge canoe trail is in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park in remote north-west Queensland, close to the Northern Territory border, 270km north-west of Mount Isa.

More details are available on Visiting safely.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Drinking water

  • There is no drinking water along the way, but you can collect water (treat before use) from the taps at the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre and Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, before you go.
  • 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

Lawn Hill Gorge canoe trail 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 Water safety.