Lawn Hill Adels Grove

Firstly, good choice of places to visit. We have been twice and it is awesome! Can you take you van into Lawn Hill and camp there? If so, and you are self sufficient with power, that would be my choice. That way the George is only meters away when you want a dip, not a drive. Having said that you can wet your toes at Adel’s Grove. The road, like all unsealed roads varies greatly, It’s not a four wheel drive track, just a dirt road that is smooth after grading and rough when not.
Do all the walks you can, some are step but short(the stack), other a bit longer 5-7 km with an easier grade. I’m being naughty here, but ignore what you are told about not being able to canoe the second George(if they still say that), they are worried about the bottom’s of their clapped out canoe’s. There is a portage way on the left now I believe? The old one that was in the middle was washed away. Allow at least 4 days and a week if you can.
The only drawback I can see is the time you will be going, BUSY, make sure you book! We had the whole place to ourselves when last there in April 05.
Enjoy.
Cheers Lyndon

Dear Bobjl,
You will have a ball there, take your time & you will have no dramas. July/August will probably getting close to peak season. Two things I suggest, book in & when booking let them know how big you unit is so they can allocate you suitable site & prior to actually going to you site...walk to it, check for overhanging trees & obstacables that could cause a problem....trust me I was there a couple of months ago & speak with experiance.
Dont know which way you are going from Lawn Hill but if you take your time you will NOT have any problem going through Lawn Hill Station & coming out at Bowthorn Station then you can stay ay at????.....cant think of the name of the place but its on the Nicholson River.

Lovely spot Bob. We had no trouble getting our rig there via the Riversleigh Road, from the Camooweal side, which was in very good condition. We chose to go back the same way due to the road condition. The two river crossings had concrete causeways; they were fast flowing but shallow in August. We stayed at Adel's Grove which was very pleasant; particularly as there were few campers there. Regular bitumen road caravans go there. I didn't think there was room for caravans of any size to camp at the national park camp ground at the Gorge.

Motherhen

Folks
Thanks to all for positive and useful feedback. Will do what has been suggested.
Bob

My suggestion would be to camp at Adel Grove rather than at the Lawn Hill camping area as there is very little room for a van and not much shade. In fact I think Adel controls all the bookings for both areas. We were there in August 2009 and it reached 40 degrees one day. Also Kingfisher is a great spot for a restful few days particularly if into birdwatching (The Feathered Variety).
All the Best
Farmer John

Cloncurry side is best approach way for you, giving you much less gravel road travel.
There is nothing about that route that should be a problem for large van, if driven carefully. After all, the supply roadtrain from Isa does it at least once a week - and he is bigger than you.
You may find some corrugated sections - depends when grader last on road. There will be a number of dips - mostly very shallow and gradual - but you need to be driving slowly enough to slow down GENTLY for these. The vast majority of those who present with tyre issues at Adels do so because they were driving too fast and heavily loaded.
I have seen full size Winnebagos and the like in there, as well as ordinary road vans.
Recommend Adels rather than the Nat Park campground. At Adels you have hot showers, in main camp area can have campfires, there is the shop/kiosk, meals available. You should book ahead, when certain of your dates. Staff should also be able to give you an idea of the road conditions.
If you like walking, there are several good walks at the NP. Canoeing the gorges is a must. May also be able to canoe at Adels itself - Lawn Hill Creek there is quite pretty. Can swim. Recommend the tour to Riversleigh Site D.

it is a fairly good/tame dirt road but I do remember one particular dried-out creek bed that was a bit tight (steepish dip) for such a big van with not much of a departure angle. This was a couple of years back but i doubt if it's changed. Just take it easy and be prepared for a sudden sharp dip in the road. Can't remember exactly where but probably halfway-ish or more. Otherwise, I'd agree that Adels Grove would be a better bet than Lawn Hill. The staff a pretty obliging and will help - probably find you somewhere roomy for your van. Just ring them and ask - they're pretty helpful.