Rose red sandstone mountains rise from parched grey earth dotted with lime-green spinifex grass and eucalyptus tree, while emerald water runs through the gorges lined with green palm trees. This part of Outback Queensland reminds me of the Red Center (specifically the area around Uluru) — but without the crowds. It’s hot, dry and harsh, studded with gorgeous unearthly landscapes and criss-crossed with excellent hiking trails and waterways. Yet, it seems to be a secret even among Australians. It’s thousands of kilometers from the coastline that Queensland is so well known for, but as I found out last week, this is a part of Australia that is just as stunning as many of the country’s renown attractions.
My four-day glamping trip with Adels Grove took me in and around the Boodjamulla National Park and Riversleigh area, discovering an off-grid area of Queensland that few visit. During my stay there, I hiked in the Lawn Hill Gorge, canoed in the creek, drove off-road up to the escarpment of the Constance Range, swam in the waterfalls of the national park, and even found million-year-old fossils at Riversleigh. There was so much to do and too little time. I absolutely loved getting active in such a rugged and stunning terrain and most of all, I loved having the place to myself the whole time.
I’ll be writing more about my time in this well-kept secret of Queensland, but meanwhile here are some of my best photos from the past week, enjoy!
Enjoying a beautiful sunset at Harry Hill with wine and nibbles
Hiked 3.8km to the Indarri Falls Lookout to find this view of the upper and middle gorges of Lawn Hill Gorge
Rose red sandstone, eucalyptus tree and spinifex abound in Boodjamulla National Park
Seeing the gorge from a canoe and gaining new perspectives
A swimming hole at Indarri Falls
The craggy trail that weaves its way up to the steep rock face
Hiking up to the Duwadarri Lookout
Indarri Falls resemble an oasis in the middle of a desert
Canoeing on the emerald waters surrounded by lush vegetation
After a grueling hike under the blazing sun, this is the view that awaits at Upper Gorge Lookout
That’s me at the Island Stack Lookout
The Constance Range surrounds the Lawn Hill area
Getting a 180 degree view of the area on our escarpment tour
Look who we found – a wallaby!
The trusty trooper from Adels Grove
Disclaimer: Thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland and Adels Grove for making this trip possible! While the trip was sponsored, all opinions expresses above are our own.
Get our FREE Wildlife Photography ebook
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get a 64-page ebook with our best wildlife photos - plus exclusive updates and promos!
X
Indarri falls is love. The clear water is breath taking and I can't wait to go there one day.