Park is closed
Riversleigh fossil trail
Delve into Australia's prehistoric past and discover many kinds of ancient fossils at this intriguing World Heritage site.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 800m 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
- 4WD
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Toilets (non-flush)
- Walking
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Jodie Bray © Queensland Government
From the Riversleigh – D Site visitor area, follow this steep (in places) but fascinating trail through an ancient landscape to the top of a limestone outcrop.
Along the way, step back in time as you spot fossils of extinct animals—the gizzard stones of a towering flightless bird, ‘Big Bird’, and the remains of ‘Baru’, the largest known freshwater crocodile.
This site is part of one of the most significant fossil deposits in the world. Experience a tantalising glimpse of the rich record of life following the separation of Australia from the early continent of Gondwana.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon as it can be very hot during the middle of the day.
The Riversleigh fossil trail is part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh/Naracoorte) World Heritage Area, famed for its outstanding examples of the record of life and evolutionary history.
Riversleigh World Heritage Area and the national park is protected. Please leave everything as you find it! Interfering with fossils or rocks is an offence and penalties apply.
Getting there and getting around
The Riversleigh fossil trail is in Riversleigh World Heritage Area, Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land) in remote north-west Queensland, close to the Northern Territory border; 270km north-west of Mount Isa and 156km north of the Barkly Highway. Access is via the Riversleigh – D Site visitor area.
- From Lawn Hill Gorge drive 55km southeast on the Riversleigh Road.
- From Miyumba camping area drive 4km south on the Riversleigh Road.
Refer to Visiting Riversleigh safely for detailed road access information.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Drinking water
Drinking water is not provided. Collect water from the water tank (treat before use) at the nearby Miyumba camping area.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Riversleigh fossil trail is open 24 hours a day. Access may be closed at times due to extreme weather and management activities.
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.
- Parkwide temporary closure due to high rainfall 8 February to 30 April 2024
- Closed to visitors: Lawn Hill Gorge remains closed to visitors due to extensive flood damage received in March 2023 19 December 2023 to 30 September 2024