Boodjamulla National Park formally returned to Waanyi people after decades of land rights struggle

After decades of fighting to reclaim their ancestral land, traditional owners say Boodjamulla National Park can finally "breathe again" now that it is being returned.

About a 4-hour drive north-west of Mount Isa, Boodjamulla is one of outback Queensland's most popular national parks, drawing more than 20,000 visitors each year to sites such as Lawn Hill Gorge and the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh fossil deposits.

Today, more than 247,000 hectares of Boodjamulla will be formally returned to the Waanyi people, who have maintained a connection to the country for more than 30,000 years.

Hayley Iles, chair of the Waanyi Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC), which represents traditional owners, said the handback felt like "a long-awaited homecoming".

"The land breathes again," Ms Iles said.

"Our elders fought very long to let everyone know that this is our country. This is our land. This is where we do our practices.

"To be sanctioned by the white man to say that's ours, is important … I think there's going to probably be a little bit of crying."

Boodjamulla, meaning rainbow serpent country, is known for its deep gorges and flowing water, which cut through the surrounding plains.

After being dispossessed of their land, generations of Waanyi people endured long and often bitter fights for recognition of their country.

In 1994, Waanyi people and other native title groups staged a three-week sit in at Boodjamulla, demanding greater say in the management of the park and nearby Century Mine.

Ms Iles said the protest, followed by another in 2002, helped build momentum.

"Our elders negotiated with people from Carpentaria Land Council, lawyers, anthropologists to get royalty payments out of Century Mine," she said.

"That was the start of it."

Formal negotiations between the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation and the Queensland government began in 2020, paving the way for the park's return.

The land was progressively transferred in three stages, with the final tranche completed in January this year.

Department of Tourism, Science and Innovation executive director Karrell Ross said the agreement required the park to be leased back to the state.

"There are other models, but this one is very unique … part of the … [agreement] is funding in perpetuity," Ms Ross said.

"So, there is still a responsibility for the department and still a responsibility for Waanyi PBC.

"We've got a board of management with equal representation … it's about working together."

Ms Ross said visitors travelling to the national park should not expect any "huge changes" to access or services.

The significant change was the land was recognised as Aboriginal land, Ms Ross said.

"You'll see both Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Waanyi rangers working together, sharing their knowledge, the Waanyi people sharing their cultural knowledge of the area and QPWS also sharing their knowledge about managing land."

For Ms Iles, today's ceremony represents a triumph following immense work, and a reminder of the time it all took.

"I have family travelling from New South Wales and the Northern Territory … families are coming from all over, so I am jumping out of my skin," she said.

"There is a bit of sadness, because there was a lot of our elders that fought for us to be doing what we're going to be doing [today], who are now gone.

"It is a testament to the resilience, patience and enduring spirit of our elders and our ancestors."