Tharrapatha Way – Cultural Heritage Trail

Boodjamulla National Park

Rich in Aboriginal history, Boodjamulla (meaning Rainbow Serpent Country) is a wonderland of red sandstone ranges, creeks, 60-metre high gorges, waterholes, rocky outcrops and rugged escarpments. Over millions of years, Lawn Hill Creek carved out the gorge which flows throughout the year thanks to the freshwater springs and limestone plateau that lead to it. Opened in 1984 by then Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Boodjamulla is made up of around 290,000 hectares of national park and 130,000 hectares of resource reserve. For 17,000 years, it has been home to the Aboriginal Waanyi people who consider Lawn Hill Gorge sacred. Today, they even help to manage the park and take pride in showing it off to tourists. from 1st April to 1st October each year.)

Adels Grove, located 10 kilometres from Lawn Hill Gorge, sprawls across 30 hectares and was established in 1920 by French botanist Albert de Lestang, whose name is the origin behind ‘Adels’. He was determined to grow tropical fruits and trees in the area and even today, hundreds of samples of his seeds remain in Brisbane’s Botanical Gardens.

Aside from the exquisite natural beauty, the park is known for its rich and significant fossil fields. Well preserved, the Riversleigh Australian Fossil Mammal Site is open to the public and offers a fascinating insight into evolution on the Gondwana ancient supercontinent.

Visitors can follow a number of walking tracks that each offer their own vistas or paddle in crystal clear emerald-hued water. Hire a canoe and make your way up the gorge to the breathtaking Indarri Falls or take a guided cruise along the creek to view some spectacular scenery. Or, capture the most incredible sunset on a tour of Harry’s Hill. (Some guided activities are only available There are tent and van sites at Lawn Hill Gorge which are serviced by toilets, showers and a park office. The Miyumba bush camp is located 3.5 kilometres south of Riversleigh D Site, around 55 kilometres south-east of Lawn Hill Gorge, and features six camp sites suitable for completely self-sufficient campers. A hybrid toilet is available and although there is a water tank, it may be empty. For camping information and bookings: Ph 137 468 www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

Adels Grove

Adels Grove Camping Ground is an eco-sensitive Tourist Camping Park on Lawn Hill Creek, located 10 kilometres downstream from Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.

Adels Grove is set among a plantation of exotic trees initially grown by the French Botanist Albert de Lestang.

The resort is an oasis retreat for the dusty, tired traveller: a perfect place to refresh, relax and recover. You can lie back and watch the

cool aqua water meander through the park.

Adels Grove operates tours of the surrounding Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park as well as the Riversleigh Fossil Fields. As a World Heritage Australian Fossil Mammal Site (listed in 1994) Riversleigh contains the richest and most extensive known mammal deposits in Australia and is among the world’s 10 greatest fossil sites. Three day tours run from Mount Isa on a regular basis.

Just 10 kilometres away is one of Queensland’s most scenic National Parks, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill). Boodjamulla has a strong hold with the Waanyi people. With over 20 kilometres of walking tracks and plenty of swimming, canoeing and cruising to do, you’ll be kept busy.

Bird watching is always rewarding in the Lawn Hill area. With over 120 species of birds there is plenty to keep you going.

BOODJAMULLA LAWN HILL NATIONAL PARK MIYUMBA RIVERSLEIGH WORLD HERITAGE AREA reservations@adelsgrove.com.au | 07 4748 5502 adelsgrove.com.au