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

Spot the canoeists down below. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

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

Upper Gorge track

Be rewarded by splendid views over the Upper and Middle gorges and the chance to cool off in the water around Indarri Falls on this challenging walk.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
3.6km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
Time suggested
Allow 2hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Walking

Explore the harsh dry landscape inland from the creek and look for little ‘arm-waving’ ta-ta lizards along the track. Emerge at the Upper Gorge lookout and soak up spectacular views over the green oasis of the gorge.

Descend to the lushly-vegetated creek and watch turtles gulping fallen figs on the water's surface, then cool off with dip in the water around Indarri Falls.

Return via the less strenuous inland Indarri Falls track or continue onto Duwadarri Lookout for views over Middle Gorge and follow the Duwadarri lookout track to return.

One of the park's western walks, this challenging hike can be accessed from the shady concrete path along the creek from the Middle Gorge day-use area. It is suited to experienced walkers and best walked in the early morning.

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 Upper Gorge track 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 Upper Gorge track can be accessed from the day-use car park in the Lawn Hill Gorge section of the park.
  • From the car park, walk to the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre and take the Rainbow Serpent track to the Middle Gorge day-use area, then turn left and follow the concrete path west along the creek bank.
  • It is easier to walk the Upper Gorge track in a clockwise direction, so take the turn-off to the left after the track leaves the thicker vegetation along the creek and follow the signs for Indarri Falls and Upper Gorge tracks.

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

Upper Gorge track 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.