Diamantina National Park Outback Queensland

Visit the lookout for panoramic views and a rich array of outback colour. Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government

Discover Diamantina’s spectacularly diverse and ancient landscape. Photo credit: © Fiona Leverington

Janets Leap lookout drive

Break up your drive to Winton with a visit to Janets Leap lookout, offering a bird’s-eye view over the braided channels of the Diamantina River.

Journey type
4WD
Distance
8km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 1hr driving time.
Grade
Unrated
Where
View map

Accessible by

  • 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural and constructed)
  • Scenic drive

Look out over Diamantina Gates, where the river channels constrict to pass through a narrow gap in the Goyder and Hamilton ranges.

Behold the two impressive landmarks named after the respected Majuli tracker, Budgeree, and his sister, Mahibi. Mount Mary (Mahibi) rises from the middle of Diamantina River, while Moses Cone (Budgeree) is visible in the distance, and was once used a navigational marker by stockmen.

Rumour has it that Janet’s Leap earned its name after Janet Holmes à Court transferred the property to Queensland National Parks. At the time, someone remarked that she might as well jump off the cliff as sell the place!

Well, Janet didn't jump, and this scenic site is now here for all to discover.

Getting there and getting around

Janets Leap lookout drive is in Diamantina National Park, south-west of Winton in South West Queensland.

The lookout is 7km north of the Ranger Base on the road to Winton.

  • Not all roads and tracks shown on commercially-available maps, including GPS maps, actually exist, and those that do may not be open to the public.
  • Do not trespass on private land and leave all gates as you find them.
  • A 4WD is required to reach this site.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
  • Read safety during extreme weather for important information about what to do during floods, bushfires and cyclones.

From Winton

  • Travel south from Winton on the Jundah (Lark Quarry) Road.
  • After 95km turn right onto Cork Connection Road.
  • Drive 18km and turn left onto Old Cork Mail Road
  • The park boundary is about 170km along this road.
  • The Ranger Base is a further 42km from the boundary.

From Boulia

  • Travel east from Boulia on Kennedy Development Road (Min Min Byway).
  • After 22km turn right onto Springvale Road.
  • The park boundary is about 135km along this road.
  • The Ranger Base is a further 36km from the boundary.

From Windorah

  • Travel north-west from Windorah on Diamantina Development Road.
  • After 151km, turn right onto Davenport Road.
  • The park boundary is about 150km along this road.
  • The Ranger Base is a further 31km from the boundary.

From Bedourie

  • Travel south from Bedourie on Eyre Developmental Road.
  • After 22.5km, turn left onto Diamantina Development Road.
  • Travel 50km and turn left onto Coorabulka Road.
  • After 101km, turn right onto Springvale Road (at the Coorabulka Homestead).
  • Travel 47km and turn right onto Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road.
  • The park boundary is 20km along this road.
  • The Ranger Base is a further 31.5km from the boundary.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Janets Leap lookout drive 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 Diamantina safely and Four-wheel drive with care.

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

View all park alerts