Suggested Itineraries

Australia’s Dinosaur Trail in Queensland’s Outback is an exciting adventure, where you can discover the world-class fossils of Winton, Richmond and Hughenden. A journey along the Dinosaur Trail offers visitors a range of unique experiences not available anywhere else in the world, let alone Australia.

Day 1

LONGREACH

Upon arrival into Longreach, the perfect starting point for any Outback holiday, be sure to visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, the Qantas Founders Museum, jump aboard a Cobb and Co. Stage Coach, and spend a leisurely sunset on the Thomson River.

Day 2

WINTON

Travel from Longreach to Winton and make your first port of call the Winton Visitor Information Centre where you can find out all you need to know about the Winton area. After your visit to the Information Centre take a look through the Waltzing Matilda Centre where you will learn the truth and the myth behind the writing of the song. Find out why the song is as relevant to Australians today as it was over 110 years ago.

Day 3

WINTON

The first stage of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Fossil Preparation Facility was opened in July 2009. Join the 9.00am tour and see the Fossil Preparation Lab and plans for the future. After a casual early lunch in Winton depart for the Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways Tour which commences at 2.00pm. Lark Quarry, in outback Australia, is currently the only recorded site on earth of a dinosaur stampede. In this place, around 95 million years ago, a large herd of small two-legged dinosaurs gathered on the banks of a forest lake to drink. Travel back to Winton and spend a relaxing evening at one of the local pubs.

Day 4

RICHMOND

Travelling along the Marine Fossil Byway you will need a 4WD or check road conditions before departing. In Richmond start your exploration with a visit to Kronosaurus Korner to discover an ancient time when this area was a great inland sea. Enjoy the 10 minute theatre presentation, and then begin your self-guided tour with the assistance of audio guides. Learn the basic facts about fossils, what to look for when you are fossicking, the preparation of these precious finds and the lab techniques used for these astounding displays. Let the kids play and learn in Krono’s Kids Corner. Once you have been infected with fossil fever, head out to one of the dedicated fossicking sites to try and find a fossil of your own! Any finds can be taken back to Kronosaurus Korner to be identified by the Kronosaurus Korner staff. Take an evening stroll around Lake Fred Tritton on the edge of town and wonder at the kaleidoscope of stars in the brilliant outback sky.

Day 5

Follow the Heritage Walk around town and view the sites of the business precinct from yesteryear. View local artefacts of historical and cultural significance at the Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre. Pay your respects to the pioneers that shaped this country at the Pioneer Cemetery, reflect at the War Memorial in Jack Brown Lions Park or just enjoy a day relaxing and fishing at Lake Fred Tritton. Itinerary

Day 6

HUGHENDEN

After a leisurely drive along the Overlander’s Way to Hughenden, visit the Flinders Discovery Centre, the perfect place to get all your information and maps for your visit to Hughenden. Housed here is a skeletal replica of a Muttaburrasaurus surrounded by a local and international fossil display. View the Porcupine Gorge National Park light and sound show and enjoy the history of the shearing industry in ‘Shearing the Stragglers’. After this a drive on the Basalt Byway is an excellent way to see the diverse countryside, recommended for 4WD vehicles. Once back in town a relaxing afternoon can be spent walking through the Eco Walk on Flinders and the Robert Gray Memorial Park on the banks of the Flinders River. Finish the day with a trip to Mount Walker, 10km south of Hughenden for an amazing outback sunset, a very popular spot for photographers.

Day 7

HUGHENDEN

Pack a picnic lunch and head off early to Porcupine Gorge National Park, stopping at the points of interest along the way and try fossicking for belemnites. Call in at the campgrounds before trekking the 1.2km to the base to savour the magnitude of this amazing gorge system. Enjoy a swim in one of the many rockpools and a walk through the sandstone-lined base of the gorge. To enjoy this attraction a minimum of half a day is required but you can easily spend the whole day. Once leaving the gorge and heading back to town consider taking the 4WD track across the Flinders River Byway. This will bring you out close to Prairie, turn to your left and visit the Prairie historical pub for cool refreshments and some local culture. Arriving back in Hughenden seek out the local points of interest including many historical places of significance or the sculptures made by local artists.

Day 8

TOWNSVILLE

Bid the Outback goodbye as you travel from Hughenden to Townsville where you can enjoy an afternoon wandering along The Strand.

This is a sample itinerary only.