A large part of the locality from the west through to the south is within the Boodjamulla National Park and the associated Lawn Hill Resources Reserves.[25]
History
Waanyi (also known as Wanyi, Wanyee, Wanee, Waangyee, Wonyee, Garawa, and Wanji) is an Australian Aboriginal language of the Gulf Country. The language region includes the western parts of Lawn Hill Creek and Nicholson River, from about the boundary between the Northern Territory and Queensland, westwards towards Alexandria station, Doomadgee, and Nicholson River. It includes the local government area of the Aboriginal Shire of Doomadgee.[26]
The locality is named after the Boodjamulla National Park, which was previously known as the Lawn Hill National Park, which was in turn named after Lawn Hill Station, a pastoral property.[2][3]
Lawn Hill Gorge was previously part of Lawn Hill pastoral station. Lawn Hill National Park was established to protect the gorge in December 1984. The national park was expanded in March 1992 to include Riversleigh World Heritage Area (formerly part of Riversleigh pastoral station).[28]
In the 2011 census, Lawn Hill and surrounding localities recorded a population of 381.[29]
In the 2016 census, Lawn Hill had a population of 19 people.[1]
Economy
There are a number of homesteads in the locality, including:[30]
Regular services by the Uniting Church in Australia are held at the campfire at Adels Grove. These are provided by the McKay Patrol, an aerial service of the Uniting Church in Australia that operates out of Cloncurry. Supported by other denominations, the McKay Patrol operates a Cessna 182Q aeroplane to provide spiritual and practical help to people living in remote areas in the north-west of Queensland and the eastern Tablelands of the Northern Territory, an area of approximately 625,000 square kilometres (241,000 sq mi) with a population of less than 10,000 people.[31][32][33]
Attractions
Boodjamulla National Park is a popular attraction with spectacular gorges, sandstone ranges and fossils. Lawn Hill Creek has created Lawn Hill Gorge which is filled with freshwater from springs from the limestone plateau to the west. The gorge is an oasis of water and lush vegetation which attracts the wildlife and is surrounded by sandstone cliffs.[28]
The Riversleigh World Heritage Area is within the south-east of the national park. It contains fossils from the late Oligocene period, dating back 25 million years. Its world heritage listing reflects that it is one of the most significant fossil deposits in the world, particularly for mammal fossils from Gondwana prior to its separation from other land masses. Fossils found there include crocodiles, lizards, turtles, pythons, fish, snails, and birds.[34]
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