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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
Accessible by
- 4WD
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural and constructed)
- Scenic drive
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![Rains coat the park in green.]()
Rains coat the park in green.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Green turns to brown in drier times.]()
Green turns to brown in drier times.
Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw
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![Learn about this ancient water-shaped landscape.]()
Learn about this ancient water-shaped landscape.
Photo credit: © Fiona Leverington
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![Ancient cliffs glow in the sunset.]()
Ancient cliffs glow in the sunset.
Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
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![Visit Janets Leap lookout for clear views of impressive landmarks like Moses Cone and Mount Mary.]()
Visit Janets Leap lookout for clear views of impressive landmarks like Moses Cone and Mount Mary.
Photo credit: © Fiona Leverington
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![Capture the subtle sunset colours from Janets Leap lookout.]()
Capture the subtle sunset colours from Janets Leap lookout.
Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
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![Visit the lookout for panoramic views and a rich array of outback colour.]()
Visit the lookout for panoramic views and a rich array of outback colour.
Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
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![Vast skies, grassy plains and the Diamantina River.]()
Vast skies, grassy plains and the Diamantina River.
Photo credit: © Peter Scott
Look out over Diamantina Gates, where the river channels constrict to pass through a narrow gap in the Goyder and Hamilton ranges.
Mount Mary (an island in the middle) and Moses Cone are the impressive landmarks named after the respected Karuwali tracker Budgeree (Moses) and his sister Mahibi (Mary-Anne).
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, leave all gates as you find them and do not enter restricted access areas.
- 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.
For more details see visiting safely.
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 and local council offices 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.