Southern sections of one of Queensland's most spectacular outback national parks have re-opened following months of hard work by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the Ngumari Waanyi Rangers.
Senior Ranger Billy O'Grady said Boodjamulla National Park was closed after being severely impacted by an unprecedented flood event in March.
"QPWS and the Waanyi People have worked closely together in challenging conditions to restore and present the less damaged sites for visitors to this iconic national park," Mr O'Grady said.
"We are proud to announce the re-opening of the southern section – Riversleigh World Heritage Area and Miyumba camping area.
"Riversleigh D-Site is part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites World Heritage Area and is one of the most important fossil sites in the world.
"At Riversleigh, visitors can immerse themselves in this ancient landscape through an interpretive display and walk the fossil trail.
"Fossils found at Riversleigh can date back 25 million years―and they provide a fascinating insight into the land before our time.
"The Miyumba camping area, about four kilometres south of Riversleigh, is a low-key camping area with basic facilities – and a great place to relax and unwind.
"The camping area is located near the banks of the Gregory River, so a great place to get a feel for the magnitude of the flood event – and, of course, to observe the abundant birdlife and sit peacefully under the star-studded night sky."
Waanyi spokesperson Kerry-Ann Gallagher said the staged re-opening of the national park was exciting for the Waanyi People.
"The Ngumari Waanyi Rangers have participated in the repair works to make sure parts of the national park could be re-opened as soon as possible," Ms Gallagher said.
"We know that tourists can't wait to see the magnificent and unique natural beauty of Boodjamulla, and we look forward to continuing our work so the rest of the park can re-open."
Mr O'Grady said the flood recovery works are extensive, and the main gorge remained closed to visitors.
"Engineering, hydrological and geotechnical assessments at the gorge precinct are nearing completion," he said.
"Whilst the floods are devastating, the opportunity to redevelop the Park to make the visitor experience even better is exciting, and will include new visitor infrastructure."
In June 2023, the national park was returned to the Waanyi People. Now dedicated as Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land), the national park is under the cooperative management of the Waanyi People and QPWS, through the Cooperative Management Council (CMC).
Through the CMC, we are working towards re-opening the gorge to visitors as soon as practical.
Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land) is the first of its tenure class in Queensland.
