The Queensland Government is now in caretaker mode until after the state election.
Rainbow Serpent track
Follow Boodjamulla the Rainbow Serpent and learn the Creation story for Lawn Hill Gorge, as told by the Waanyi people.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 100m one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
- Time suggested
- Allow 20min walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 2 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Journey facilities
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Walking
- Photo credit: © Fiona O'Grady
- Photo credit: © Courtesy of Outback Pics, Longreach
- Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Sarah Jess © Queensland Government
Discover the Waanyi Creation story of how Boodjamulla the Rainbow Serpent created Lawn Hill Gorge.
Spend time in the interpretive shelter and find out more about how the gorge was formed, the plants and animals that live here and the special significance of the gorge for the Waanyi people. Gain fresh insight into how nature and culture are intertwined here.
This trail starts from the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre and ends at the Middle Gorge day-use area, where you can picnic, launch a canoe or head off on other walking tracks. You can also take a refreshing dip in Lawn Hill Creek, so don't forget your bathers.
Getting there and getting around
The Rainbow Serpent track is in Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land) in remote north-west Queensland, close to the Northern Territory border, 270km north-west of Mount Isa.
- The Rainbow Serpent track can be accessed from the day-use car park in the Lawn Hill Gorge section of the park.
- From the car park, walk to the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre. The track starts on the other side of the building.
- This track leads to an information shelter and finishes at Middle Gorge day-use area on Lawn Hill Creek, near the canoe launching area.
More details are available on Visiting safely.
Wheelchair access
The Rainbow Serpent track and the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre (including toilets) are wheelchair accessible.
Drinking water
- There is no drinking water along the track, but you can collect water (treat before use) from the taps at the Lawn Hill Gorge visitor centre and Lawn Hill Gorge camping area.
- Don't drink water straight from Lawn Hill Creek as it can make you very thirsty because of the high levels of calcium carbonate. Please do not waste water.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Rainbow Serpent track 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 Lawn Hill Gorge safely and Walk with care.
- Lawn Hill Gorge remains closed to visitors as flood recovery works continue 9 August 2024 to 1 July 2025