Sitting in the far North West, Lawn Hill National Park is one of Queensland’s hidden gems. If you enjoy things uniquely Australian, this is the place for you. As you drive through the desert landcape Lawn Hill pops up like an oasis in one of those old movies. Swimming, fishing, bushwalking, hiking and canoeing are all among the long list of activities for parents and children in this area.
Adels Grove is an eco-sensitive tourist camping facility on the edge of the National Park that caters for all levels of self suffiency. Even though we took everything we needed, there is nothing better than and ice cold beer at the casual bar after a long day exploring. Exploring is surely the best word to describe our time at Adels Grove. We all tried our hands at fishing, though fish need not tremble, most of our time was spent detangling. We hired canoes, went swimming, walked some bush trails and took a relaxed tour to look at some of the indigenous sites in the area. There are dedicated and cleared camp sites from the riverbank and up on the hill for a few hundred metres.
As with all adventures there are things to be wary of. It can get seriously hot out here, but if you have ventured this far out, you would already know that. The other thing to watch is mosquitoes. While the campsites close to the river are the most attractive, and offer the best shade, there is alot to be said for being up the top of the hill. There are less mosquitoes and you are closer to the all important ablution block – along with it’s hot showers!
If coming from the South there are really two ways to get to Adels Grove and the Lawn Hill National Park. From Cloncurry head North on the Burke Developmental Rd and turn left after the Four Ways or, for the more adventurous, head North from Mount Isa on the Barkly Hwy and venture off road to the Gregory Downs Camoweal Rd. The latter is a fantastic (and quite sedate) drive on dirt roads and tracks. The only real caution is to check the river levels in Mount Isa. There are a couple of water crossings on this route. In the dry season they are quite tame, but after heavy rain they are for the hardcore 4WDers only.
Get off the beaten track and treat your family to one of the most rewarding, yet relaxing, holidays you can experience.
