Ancient Gorges and Insta Worthy Waterways

Some of the most memorable moments along the Overlander’s Way can be found just beyond the highway.

Here, you’ll find ancient gorges millions of years old, hidden waterfalls and scenic waterholes offering stunning scenery and crisp cool waters.

Carved through rugged sandstone escarpments and shaped by time, these remarkable places offer a refreshing contrast to the iconic red dirt landscapes the region is famous for.

Whether you’re paddling through a spectacular gorge, cooling off in a natural waterhole, photographing ancient rock formations or simply taking in the silence beneath towering cliffs, these waterways along the Overlanders Way offer magical moments just waiting to be explored.

Porcupine Gorge

Often described as ‘Australia’s little Grand Canyon’, Porcupine Gorge is a striking natural landscape of towering sandstone cliffs and flowing waters. Carved over millions of years by Porcupine Creek, this dramatic sandstone gorge stretches for kilometres through Porcupine Gorge National Park, located 60km north of Hughenden.

The lookout offers sweeping views across the gorge, while the more adventurous travellers can tackle the walking trail down to the creek bed and witness the ancient sedimentary rock layers up close. At the base, visitors can swim in the deep, permanent waterholes alongside resident turtles. Enjoy a picnic and keep an eye out for local kangaroos, wallaroos and diverse birdlife. Visitors can stay overnight in the basic self-sufficient camping, which must be booked through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service.

Koorinya Falls Nature Reserve

Nestled 50km south of Prairie, Koorinya Falls Nature Reserve is a hidden gem that rewards those willing to venture a little off the highway. Seasonal rains transform the escarpment into a cascading waterfall, flowing into a pool surrounded by a rocky wall on one side and sandy, shaded banks on the other.

Even when the waterfall isn’t flowing, the reserve offers peaceful walking, swimming, fishing and birdwatching opportunities. It’s also an excellent place to camp, offering campervan and camp sites, a picnic area, public toilets and showers.

Painted Rocks (Warrigal Waterhole)

Painted Rock (Warrigal Waterhole) is a sacred and culturally significant place for the Kalkadoon people and a site of both natural beauty and deep history. Located a short drive from Mount Isa, the tranquil waterhole is surrounded by rocky outcrops and Indigenous rock art.

It’s an easy place to spend an hour simply soaking in the scenery and appreciating one of Outback Queensland’s lesser-known cultural treasures.

Fountain Springs – Pop Culture Famous!

Located between Mount Isa and Cloncurry, Fountain Springs is a natural waterhole set amongst a dramatic rocky outcrop. Following a big wet season, the springs become a great place to cool off and soak up the peaceful Outback scenery.

The site gained fame as “Redemption Rock” in Australian Survivor and as the filming location in the original Crocodile Dundee movie, where Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) was nearly grabbed by a crocodile.

Punchbowl Waterhole

Located near Julia Creek, Punchbowl Waterhole is a surprising oasis on the Flinders River. Surrounded by rugged hills and native bushland, the permanent waterhole offers a peaceful setting for swimming, fishing, picnics, birdwatching and photography.

Whether you’re stopping for lunch or simply stretching your legs, Punchbowl Waterhole is the perfect rest stop.

Lawn Hill Gorge (Boodjamulla National Park)

Few places in Queensland are as breathtaking as Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park. This oasis is known for its emerald-green waters which wind between towering red sandstone cliffs that rise more than 60 metres above the creek. Carved over millions of years, the gorge is surrounded by rugged escarpments, rocky outcrops and pockets of lush greenery that create one of Queensland’s most striking natural landscapes.

One of the best ways to experience the gorge is from the water. Visitors can hire a canoe and paddle through the gorge or join a guided cruise. Walking trails also lead to spectacular lookouts overlooking the gorge and its permanent waterholes.

Boodjamulla National Park is internationally recognised for its remarkable natural heritage and is home to the Riversleigh Fossil Fields, Outback Queensland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.