Riversleigh World Heritage Site, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park Tropical North Queensland | Outback Queensland

Riversleigh D Site is a small limestone outcrop that rises above the surrounding plains. Photo: Mark Nemeth, NPSR.

About Riversleigh

    Park features

    Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park features spectacular gorge country, sandstone ranges and World Heritage fossils.

    Located in the south-eastern section of the national park is the Riversleigh World Heritage Site. The World Heritage area was inscribed for its outstanding natural universal values. It is one of the most significant fossil deposits in the world and the richest known fossil mammal deposit in Australia. It has revealed records of Gondwanan life forms which existed prior to the break up of this ancient continent.

    D Site was one of the first major fossil deposits found at Riversleigh and is the only publicly accessible part of this World Heritage area. Its fossils are from the late Oligocene period, dating back 25 million years. Turtles, fish, snails, crocodiles, lizards, pythons, birds and many types of mammal fossils have all been recovered from D Site.

    Looking after the park

    • Fossicking for fossils is illegal. Penalties apply.
    • Do not empty chemical toilets into the composting toilets. A dump point is provided at Adels Grove, 46km away.
    • Rubbish facilities are not provided in the park. Please take your rubbish with you.
    • Lighting of fires is not allowed. Bring a fuel or gas stove for cooking.
    • Avoid the spread of weeds. Check your clothing and shoes regularly for seeds. If you find any, remove and wrap them and place them in your rubbish bag.

    See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

    Park management

    Riversleigh, as part of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, is managed on a day-to-day basis by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Management of the World Heritage property is coordinated through a partnership between the Commonwealth and Queensland governments, Waanyi people and the wider community. The Australian Fossil Mammal Sites World Heritage Ministerial Council coordinates government policies relating to funding, research, presentation and protection of Riversleigh.

    Lawn Hill Gorge was gazetted as national park in December 1984. Prior to this, it was part of a significant cattle grazing property known as Lawn Hill Station. In March 1992 the park was extended to include the Riversleigh World Heritage Site that was part of the neighbouring Riversleigh Station.

    The Riversleigh Management Strategy (PDF, 559.7KB) guides the management of the area.

    Tourism information links

    Adels Grovewww.adelsgrove.com.au
    Phone: (07) 4748 5502
    Email: reservations@adelsgrove.com.au

    Outback at Isa & Visitor Information Centrewww.mietv.com.au
    19 Marian Street, Mount Isa Qld 4825
    Phone: (07) 4749 1555

    At the Creek Julia Creek Visitor Information Centrewww.atthecreek.com.au
    34 Burke Street, Julia Creek Qld 4823
    Phone: (07) 4745 7690
    Email: tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au

    TerrEstrial Visitor CentreLow Street, Georgetown QLD 4871
    Phone: (07) 4062 1485
    Email: terrestrialgeorgetown@bigpond.com

    Croydon True Blue Visitor Information Centrewww.croydon.qld.gov.au
    Samwell Street, Croydon QLD 4871
    Phone: (07) 4748 7151
    Email: ejenkins@croydon.qld.gov.au

    Normanton Visitors Information CentreCaroline Street, Normanton Qld 4823
    Phone: (07) 4745 1065
    Email: tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

    For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.