About Riversleigh

Park features

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

The Riversleigh World Heritage Area is located in the south-eastern section of the national park. 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

• Respect First Nation people’s culture. Riversleigh, as part of Boodjamulla, represents thousands of years of living culture of special significance to the Waanyi People. This landscape is easily damaged and irreplaceable. We ask that you travel lightly through country and do not enter areas of spiritual and sacred importance to the Wannyi People.
• Everything in the national park and World Heritage Area is protected.
• Interfering with fossils or rocks is an offence, penalties apply. Please, leave everything as you find it.
• Stay on the marked walking track to avoid damage to fossils, native vegetation and to prevent erosion.
• Do not empty chemical toilets into the composting toilets. A dump point is provided at Adels Grove, approximately 50km away.
• Rubbish facilities are not provided in the park. Please take your rubbish with you.
• Camp fires are not allowed. Bring a fuel or gas stove for cooking.
• Limit the spread of pests and soil pathogens. Ensure your shoes, clothes, vehicles and all equipment are clean and free of seeds, soil and insects (including ants and their eggs) before you arrive.

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

Park management

The Waanyi People, Traditional Owners of  Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service work together to preserve the unique values and beauty of the national park. Management of the World Heritage property is coordinated through a partnership between the Commonwealth and Queensland governments, the 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 Area that was part of the neighbouring Riversleigh Station.

Tourism information links

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

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

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

TerrEstrial Visitor Centre
Low Street, Georgetown QLD 4871
Phone: (07) 4079 9027
Email: terrestrial@etheridge.qld.gov.au

Croydon 'True Blue' Visitor Information Centre
www.croydon.qld.gov.au
Samwell Street, Croydon QLD 4871
Phone: (07) 4748 7152
Email: info@croydon.qld.gov.au

Normanton Visitors Information Centre
www.barracentre.com.au
Caroline Street, Normanton Qld 4823
Phone: (07) 4747 8444
Email: tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

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