Paddle Power - enjoying Lawn Hill Gorge from the water.

Boodjamulla National Park – Lawn Hill Gorge

Thursday 18th - Saturday 20th August

We can see why so many people make the effort to visit this remote national park on the border of Queensland and NT – it is absolutely stunning. The stunning deep green water of Lawn Hill Creek cuts through red sandstone cliffs in the highlight of the park – Lawn Hill Gorge. We camped at Adel’s Grove and managed to snag a site down near the creek so we enjoyed a refreshing swim every afternoon in the cool, mineral rich waters.

During our time at Boodjamulla National Park we:

• Hiked up the rocky path to a ridge top on the Constance Range, hoping to watch the sunset over the savannah plains- the walk said 3 hours return, but we made it to the top in only half an hour! With a long time to wait in the hot sun until sunset, we decided to try again another time!
• Left early to do the loop walk to Upper Gorge, Middle Gorge and Indarri Falls. It was a lovely walk and we had the Upper Gorge lookout to ourselves, allowing to really revel in the splendour of the place.
• Hired a double canoe, then used our kayak and stand-up paddle board to canoe to the Upper Gorge via Indarri Falls. The paddle up was challenging as it was very windy, but the way back was blissful as the tail wind pushed as along.
• Relaxed in the swimming area in Lawn Hill Creek at Adel’s Grove.
• Got up at 5am to do the Constance Range walk again – this time we thought we’d try for the sunrise. We got up the top just as the sky was turning red and purple. We made a coffee and had cupcakes whilst we watched the sun rise- it was absolutely stunning.

After our early morning walk we packed up and took the alternate Savannah Way route towards Doomadgee, headed towards the NT border. Lawn Hill Gorge is definitely another gem in Outback Queensland.

Enjoying the view from a ridge on top of Constance Range on our first afternoon.

The wildflowers were lovely.

Enjoying a late afternoon swim after at the swimming area near our campsite.

Beginning our early morning walk to the Upper Gorge lookout.

Hiking towards the top of Upper Gorge

Looking down on Lawn Hill Gorge- the water is such a spectacular colour.

The view the other way was pretty good too, the park is definitely in a remote part of QLD.

Enjoying the serenity

Selfie!

Indarri Falls- it is actually behind the rocks. You used to be able to swim up under it but the resident freshwater crocodile has become aggressive, so you can only paddle up to the edge from the safety of your kayak.

The contrasting colours of the red cliffs of the gorge and the emerald green water was stunning from both above and when we were in the water.

One of the many stunning views on our morning hike.

We passed a bower bird's nest on the walk- this one likes grey and white 'treasures'.

Part of the walk was right next to the creek- at this spot we saw a turtle swimming.

Parts of walk were very rocky and steep- thankfully we did this part coming down as it was very steep.

Below are photos from the highlight of our time at Boodjamulla National Park- when we paddled up the creek, past Indarri Falls to the Upper Gorge. Daniel took my phone in a zip lock bag so he took all the photos (I didn't trust myself to have it!). There were a few very difficult parts on the way up, at one point the wind nearly blew me off the stand-up paddleboard and we all had to paddle with all our strength to stop ourselves being pushed backwards! It was worth the effort though as we had the Upper Gorge to ourselves. On the way back we could relax a bit more. I actually lay down on the SUP and floated, looking up at the gorge as it slowly passed by...until I bumped into a palm that had fallen in near the water's edge (trust me to do this!). We spent 2 and a quarter hours on the water, paddling, swimming and enjoying the serenity and magic of this place.

This was a very windy bit, I had to get down on my knees as the wind was pushing me over!

Checking out one part of Indarri Falls

Indarri Falls- it was too hard to paddle up behind the rock as we kept getting pushed sideways!

The kids swapped over on the way back, so they both had turns with Daniel in the double canoe that we hired.

A freshwater crocodile we saw on the way, we were able to paddle up quite close to it.

The croc was quite well camouflaged on the fallen log.

On top of a ridge on Constance Range - boiling the water for an early morning coffee with a view!

Bush barista.

How amazing is the view we got to enjoy while we sipped our coffee.

A panoramic view- the photo doesn't really capture how beautiful it was.

No, we don't have rosacea, and Jackson is not wearing red lipstick! The rising sun has just made us glow!

The expansive views of the outback savanna plains

Playing peek a boo in the rocks

There were so many great photo opportunities - Emilia and I took so many shots.

Jackson loves finding walking sticks when we go hiking.

As we hiked down the mountain we got to see the gorge glowing in the morning light.

On our quest to take the road less travelled we decided to try the alternate Savannah Way

We even got to take the van through a creek crossing along the alternate Savannah Way.