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
- Moderate (walk)
Accessible by
- High clearance 4WD
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Toilets (non-flush)
- Walking
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![Flowers add a splash of colour along the trail.]()
Flowers add a splash of colour along the trail.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![Hats are essential on the Riversleigh fossil trail.]()
Hats are essential on the Riversleigh fossil trail.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![Riversleigh's ancient landscape is one of the top 10 fossil sites in the world.]()
Riversleigh's ancient landscape is one of the top 10 fossil sites in the world.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![Wind your way to the top of the limestone outcrop on the Riversleigh fossil trail.]()
Wind your way to the top of the limestone outcrop on the Riversleigh fossil trail.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![Riversleigh fossils have been superbly preserved in limestone outcrops.]()
Riversleigh fossils have been superbly preserved in limestone outcrops.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![Spot the kangaroos from the hilltop lookout.]()
Spot the kangaroos from the hilltop lookout.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Discover the ancient remains of Gondwanan animal life along the Riversleigh fossil trail.]()
Discover the ancient remains of Gondwanan animal life along the Riversleigh fossil trail.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![Keep a lookout for the extraordinary praying mantis in the trees.]()
Keep a lookout for the extraordinary praying mantis in the trees.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Local emus wander the plains.]()
Local emus wander the plains.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![The Australian bustard blends beautifully into its surroundings.]()
The Australian bustard blends beautifully into its surroundings.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Explore the Riversleigh fossil trail.]()
Explore the Riversleigh fossil trail.
Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
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![The Riversleigh fossil trail car park and trail head below.]()
The Riversleigh fossil trail car park and trail head below.
Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw
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![Discover the fossilised remains in the rocks along the trail.]()
Discover the fossilised remains in the rocks along the trail.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![Relax and ponder the ancient wildlife that lived on this continent.]()
Relax and ponder the ancient wildlife that lived on this continent.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![The fossilised ancestors of Australia's mammals date back 25 million years.]()
The fossilised ancestors of Australia's mammals date back 25 million years.
Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
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![Termite mounds among the Mitchell grass.]()
Termite mounds among the Mitchell grass.
Photo credit: Jodie Bray © Queensland Government
At Riversleigh, near Miyumba camping area, follow this steep 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.
Getting there and getting around
The Riversleigh fossil 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.
- The fossil trail is in the Riversleigh section of the park. Follow the signs on Riversleigh Road to the Riversleigh D Site car park.
More details are available on Visiting safely.
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.
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.
- Floating bridge at Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla National Park unavailable for use 10 June 2021 to 28 February 2022