Hope you have a wonderful time Sheba, and let us know about it!
I've heard that in their busy season some of the camp areas are so popular that you need to book very early, and they even hold ballots for campsites.
Good luck!
bill12 said
06:17 PM Jan 23, 2011
You will enjoy the area.A good place to stay before you get to Lawn hill is Gregory springs, where you can camp on the river, free. Another good spot is Kingfisher camp,on Bowthorn station. Good fishing, and a great spot. Hire a canoe and paddle up to the Gorge. Feed the fish. Adels grove is a good caravan park, but take your beer with you as its bloody expensive.Mt Isa has cheap fuel and beer.Richmond is a good spot to overnight on the road from Townsville,beside lake Fred Tritton, which also has good fishing and is an oasis in the middle of the gulf savanna.I hope this helps you.
Sheba said
06:54 PM Jan 23, 2011
Gerty Dancer wrote:
Hope you have a wonderful time Sheba, and let us know about it!
I've heard that in their busy season some of the camp areas are so popular that you need to book very early, and they even hold ballots for campsites.
Good luck!
Hi Rosey,
Are you sure this wasn't meant for Firefly ? Otherwise you've got me stumped.
Cheers, Sheba.
Gerty Dancer said
08:25 PM Jan 23, 2011
Sorry ... My fingers typed differently from my thinker!
Sheba said
08:59 PM Jan 23, 2011
Off Topic for a minute. Had been having an awful problem with misspelling, and having to waste time editing and correcting, due to Keyboard Keys being too close together.
Found one with more space between Keys at one of the local Op-shops the other day for $3.00.
Problem solved.
Cheers, Sheba.
Happywanderer said
09:05 PM Jan 23, 2011
I have the same problem with my laptop Sheba. I have a separate keyboard I sometimes plug in but most of the time I go back over and edit it all before posting.
The trouble is I type faster than my brain can think too.
glassies said
10:15 PM Jan 23, 2011
been right past the gateway but didnt go in others we were camped with did and saw there pics the place looked gorgeous good luck with your travels stay safe
DellieMay said
04:15 AM Jan 24, 2011
Hi Firefly.Wewere there last July. Unpowered site at Adells Grove$33.oo a night. Out at the National Park, $9.00 a night, definately no fires. Agree withBill, take your own drinks! Our travelling friends went on a tour of the area. They wished they had gone canoeing up the Gorge with us!! That was great. I believe it was 7k up and back. took about a leisurely hour and was great. Agree with Bill again....I advise Gregory Springs as the camping spot. You can still do any of these other things from there. Did'nt find the road too bad either. Don't think we will do it again tho. What time of the year are you thinking of going? Hope this helps.
Cheers Dellie
DellieMay said
04:19 AM Jan 24, 2011
PS Firefly. The actual Grove itself is lovely. Small and limited spots available. We were not able to camp down in the grove, but could walk thru it, swim in it and it was lovely. We were parked way up the back as we could have our gennie and a fire there.
Ron and Shirley said
11:36 AM Jan 24, 2011
Lawn Hill NP, magnificent.
We went there in late May/early June 1999 so cannot comment on road conditions and state of the park today. We were driving our Frontera 4WD and towing our off road Goldstream Link wind-up camper but did not need 4WD, although part of the road to Lawn Hill past the Zinc mine was rough and washed away in parts.
That year the "wet" lasted longer than usual and the road to Burketown was not good so we had to give Leichardt Falls a miss. Just driving the 40km from Normanton to Burke and Wills last camp spot was a real bone cruncher at that time. We also learnt that roads from Burketown to Lawn Hill were closed.
You had to book a site before going to the NP to camp. If I recall that was the only park back then that this was a requirement, probably due to the small number of campsites. We booked something like 3 months ahead.
We were running early to Lawn Hill so we camped beside the Gregory River for a day or two. The fast flowing river (where they have a big canoe race each year), bush, Pandamus, and plenty of bird life made it a truly fabulous spot, though from what I have read in recent times on various Forums it tends to get a bit overcrowded nowadays.
The NP camp area was good, though a bit thin on for shade as Pandamus and bush only covered the edge of the 10m banks on the edge of the water. In fact you had to walk down quite a number of steps to get to the waters edge. Walks in the NP lead to some great views. The Cascades walk goes through this magnificent rainforest like area then leads to a very steep climb up the Island Stack for fantastic views of the gorge and surrounding dry/sparse countryside. It is from here that you really appreciate just how different this spot is to the surrounding area.
The walk to the Indarri Waterfall via the Duwadarrie Waterhole Lookout is even steeper and not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo. Here the gorge walls go straight down, and the path back then was not very well defined, and is quite close to the edge as the warning signs stated. On reaching the falls there is a platform and ladders so you can go for a swim. There are a number of other walks, particularly the upper gorge, but they were closed when we were there as they were under repair due to the wet.
It was hot whilst we were there so we went swimming, along with many others, each day of the week we were there. Definitely not to be missed is hiring a canoe and paddling up the gorge, including the upper gorge after going up the portage. The views of the gorge and waterfalls from water level are just unforgettable. We did a day trip back down to Adels Grove and wandered around the remains of the Frenchman's Garden. Well worth a look, and marvelled at what was achieved and imagined how it must have looked in its prime. For us we preferred the camp at the NP.
We had planned to go down to the Riversleigh Fossil Fields, staying there for a few days, then on Camooweal. However at the time they were building the nearby Century Zinc mine and the huge trucks had badly cut up that road such that many travellers were getting punctures from sharp rocks. Talking to a couple of campers, and looking at their shredded tyres, plus on NP Rangers advice we went back to the Gregory River for a couple of days instead.
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Monday 24th of January 2011 11:38:20 AM
_wombat_ said
12:36 PM Jan 24, 2011
HW quote" The trouble is I type faster than my brain can think too.
problem is you need a faster brain
Firefly said
04:13 PM Jan 24, 2011
Wow everbody thank you all so much for your replies. It sounds like all who go to this spot enjoy it thats for sure.
Thanks for the links Jim, they are safely saved now.
Bill good advice on the beer. Amazing how expensive it can be and since it is a camping staple, one must have it.
Dellie we are going in July mate, same time as you so the conditions should be about the same.
Ron and Shirley, I think we better get busy and book if the queue is that long. Thanks so much for the detailed outline, that helps heaps.
I will certainly let everyone know how it goes and post a piccy or two with any luck.
Now what do I pack?
wendyv said
05:53 PM Jan 24, 2011
Hi Firefly, The Lawn Hill National Park has limited camping sites, hence the need to book ahead in the busy period. I think most of their sites are more suited to tent camping rather than vans or motor homes, and can be dusty and unshaded. Adels Grove has two sections: the top part has sites set in amongst the trees and scrub, sites have tap and fire pit and fires are ok. byo wood. Some of those sites are shaded, some are open and suitable for solar powered rigs. The section known as the Grove is down by Lawn Hill Creek and very shaded. Because of the trees and winding track, it is more suited for camper trailers and tents. Hiring a canoe and going "up" the creek through the gorge is a must. It is smooth and easy paddling water and able to be managed by those who have never paddled canoes before. It also used to be possible to hire a canoe at Adels and paddle up Lawn Hill Creek there - not as dramatic as at the National Park, but very pretty. Swimming in the Creek at both the NP and Adels is good. If you walk, the Island Stack track is a must, but there are at least 3 other great walks there at the National park. Adels Grove runs a very informative half day tour down to the Riversleigh Site D fossil site - well worth doing. Each year in June, Adels accommodates the palaentologists who come for 2 weeks for their annual "dig" at Riversleigh, so the Adels guides have detailed knowledge. If you are in Mt Isa beforehand, a visit to the Riversleigh Centre there is recommended. Adels has a store with limited basic supplies. They also do meals, on a very limited basis, and sell fuel. IMHO, there is far too much to do in the Lawn Hill area to be able to do it as a day trip from the Gregory - you need to be based in there. As others have said, the Kingfisher Camp at Bowthorn is well worth going to. If you are ok to travel on dirt roads, there is a track north from Adels Grove, through Lawn Hill Station, to Bowthorn. In July, you will need to book ahead to be sure of getting into Adels Grove - it has become a very popular place to stay.
-- Edited by wendyv on Monday 24th of January 2011 05:54:37 PM
bill12 said
11:05 PM Jan 24, 2011
Isn,t it great to see so much info coming in.This is a grat forum , where we all can contribute. I enjoy the to and fro, myself. Its really nic eto konow that other people think along the same lines as me.Let it continue. ozie, ozie , ozie oi , oi ,oi. ( I hope I spelt that right)
sandsmere said
06:29 AM Jan 25, 2011
@ Happy Wanderer ,
When you are a 1 finger typist ( like me ) you don't have a speed problem with either the typing or the brain . ( Well not yet anyway . )
Have a great trip Firefly . You'll love Adel Grove .
Firefly said
06:04 PM Jan 25, 2011
Thanks again everyone. We will certainly enjoy this trip. It is great indeed to get so much feedback from so many.
We look like hitting the road for a month in July and having a look around Lawn Hill and Leichardt Falls.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
some links...
http://www.adelsgrove.com.au/
http://www.kingfisherresort.com.au/
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/boodlamulla-lawn-hill/index.html
Are you sure this wasn't meant for Firefly ? Otherwise you've got me stumped.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Found one with more space between Keys at one of the local Op-shops the other day for $3.00.
Problem solved.
Cheers,
Sheba.
We went there in late May/early June 1999 so cannot comment on road conditions and state of the park today. We were driving our Frontera 4WD and towing our off road Goldstream Link wind-up camper but did not need 4WD, although part of the road to Lawn Hill past the Zinc mine was rough and washed away in parts.
That year the "wet" lasted longer than usual and the road to Burketown was not good so we had to give Leichardt Falls a miss. Just driving the 40km from Normanton to Burke and Wills last camp spot was a real bone cruncher at that time. We also learnt that roads from Burketown to Lawn Hill were closed.
You had to book a site before going to the NP to camp. If I recall that was the only park back then that this was a requirement, probably due to the small number of campsites. We booked something like 3 months ahead.
We were running early to Lawn Hill so we camped beside the Gregory River for a day or two. The fast flowing river (where they have a big canoe race each year), bush, Pandamus, and plenty of bird life made it a truly fabulous spot, though from what I have read in recent times on various Forums it tends to get a bit overcrowded nowadays.
The NP camp area was good, though a bit thin on for shade as Pandamus and bush only covered the edge of the 10m banks on the edge of the water. In fact you had to walk down quite a number of steps to get to the waters edge. Walks in the NP lead to some great views. The Cascades walk goes through this magnificent rainforest like area then leads to a very steep climb up the Island Stack for fantastic views of the gorge and surrounding dry/sparse countryside. It is from here that you really appreciate just how different this spot is to the surrounding area.
The walk to the Indarri Waterfall via the Duwadarrie Waterhole Lookout is even steeper and not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo. Here the gorge walls go straight down, and the path back then was not very well defined, and is quite close to the edge as the warning signs stated. On reaching the falls there is a platform and ladders so you can go for a swim. There are a number of other walks, particularly the upper gorge, but they were closed when we were there as they were under repair due to the wet.
It was hot whilst we were there so we went swimming, along with many others, each day of the week we were there. Definitely not to be missed is hiring a canoe and paddling up the gorge, including the upper gorge after going up the portage. The views of the gorge and waterfalls from water level are just unforgettable. We did a day trip back down to Adels Grove and wandered around the remains of the Frenchman's Garden. Well worth a look, and marvelled at what was achieved and imagined how it must have looked in its prime. For us we preferred the camp at the NP.
We had planned to go down to the Riversleigh Fossil Fields, staying there for a few days, then on Camooweal. However at the time they were building the nearby Century Zinc mine and the huge trucks had badly cut up that road such that many travellers were getting punctures from sharp rocks. Talking to a couple of campers, and looking at their shredded tyres, plus on NP Rangers advice we went back to the Gregory River for a couple of days instead.
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Monday 24th of January 2011 11:38:20 AM
Thanks for the links Jim, they are safely saved now.
Bill good advice on the beer. Amazing how expensive it can be and since it is a camping staple, one must have it.
Dellie we are going in July mate, same time as you so the conditions should be about the same.
Ron and Shirley, I think we better get busy and book if the queue is that long. Thanks so much for the detailed outline, that helps heaps.
I will certainly let everyone know how it goes and post a piccy or two with any luck.
Now what do I pack?
The Lawn Hill National Park has limited camping sites, hence the need to book ahead in the busy period. I think most of their sites are more suited to tent camping rather than vans or motor homes, and can be dusty and unshaded. Adels Grove has two sections: the top part has sites set in amongst the trees and scrub, sites have tap and fire pit and fires are ok. byo wood. Some of those sites are shaded, some are open and suitable for solar powered rigs. The section known as the Grove is down by Lawn Hill Creek and very shaded. Because of the trees and winding track, it is more suited for camper trailers and tents.
Hiring a canoe and going "up" the creek through the gorge is a must. It is smooth and easy paddling water and able to be managed by those who have never paddled canoes before. It also used to be possible to hire a canoe at Adels and paddle up Lawn Hill Creek there - not as dramatic as at the National Park, but very pretty. Swimming in the Creek at both the NP and Adels is good.
If you walk, the Island Stack track is a must, but there are at least 3 other great walks there at the National park.
Adels Grove runs a very informative half day tour down to the Riversleigh Site D fossil site - well worth doing. Each year in June, Adels accommodates the palaentologists who come for 2 weeks for their annual "dig" at Riversleigh, so the Adels guides have detailed knowledge. If you are in Mt Isa beforehand, a visit to the Riversleigh Centre there is recommended.
Adels has a store with limited basic supplies. They also do meals, on a very limited basis, and sell fuel.
IMHO, there is far too much to do in the Lawn Hill area to be able to do it as a day trip from the Gregory - you need to be based in there.
As others have said, the Kingfisher Camp at Bowthorn is well worth going to. If you are ok to travel on dirt roads, there is a track north from Adels Grove, through Lawn Hill Station, to Bowthorn.
In July, you will need to book ahead to be sure of getting into Adels Grove - it has become a very popular place to stay.
-- Edited by wendyv on Monday 24th of January 2011 05:54:37 PM
When you are a 1 finger typist ( like me ) you don't have a speed problem with either the typing or the brain .
( Well not yet anyway . )
Have a great trip Firefly . You'll love Adel Grove .