Australia's Dinosaur Trail
Australia's Dinosaur Trail in Queensland's Outback is an exciting new adventure highlighting the world-class fossil discoveries in the towns of Winton, Hughenden and Richmond. A journey along the Dinosaur Trail offers visitors a range of unique experiences not offered anywhere else in Australia.
Day 1 Winton
Spend your first day discovering the township of Winton. At theWaltzing Matilda Centre, discover the story, the song and the spirit of Australia through the eyes of an Aussie swagman. Get a taste of the dinosaur adventures ahead of you with a visit to the Corfiel & Fitzmaurice Building to view the fine collection of dinosaur fossils. The dinosaur diorama explains the story of the dinosaur stampede at Lark Quarry. While you're in town, also check out the Opal Walk, Arno's Wall and the musical fence. For some evening entertainment have dinner at one of the historic hotels and head out for a night of nostalgia at the Royal Mail Open Air Theatre.
Day 2 Winton
Get an early start today to head out to Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackway (110km from Winton, unsealed road). You will be amazed by the world's only fossilised footprints of a dinosaur stampede! Learn about these amazing creatures and the history of this ancient part of the world. Experience life on the land while taking in some spectacular scenery on nearby Carisbrooke Station. On returning to Winton, spend the evening enjoying 'happy hour' at Rangelands, taking in a glorious outback sunset.
Day 3 Winton to Hughenden (214km)
Travel on toHughenden this morning. There are dinosaurs galore in Hughenden! Here you can meet Hughie, a Muttaburrasaurus skeletal replica and Mutt, his full-bodied mate. The Flinder Discovery Centre also houses an impressive fossil collection of international standards and a great light and sound show to give you an introduction to nearby Porcupine Gorge. A stroll through the streets will reveal a series of sculptures from local artists depicting fossils and dinosaurs with a touch of Outback heritage.
Day 4 Hughenden
Drive north from Hughenden (63km, some unsealed road) to visit the spectacular Porcupine Gorge Nation Park . A diverse range of flora and fauna live among the coloured volcanic basalt countryside and sandstone rocks. Fill your day with bush walking, bird watching and swimming. The first lookout gives you an indication of the depth and magnitude of the gorge. Camping is allowed for those that wish to stay overnight, otherwise head back into Hughenden.
Day 5 Hughenden to Richmond (112km)
Travel west along the Overlander's Way to Richmond this morning. Start your exploration with a visit to theKronosaurus Korner to discover an ancient time when this area was a great inland sea. 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 local palaeontologist. 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 6 Richmond
Spend today exploring the other sites of Richmond. Follow the Heritage Walk around town and view the signs depicting yesteryear. Visit the Gidgee Wheel art and craft shop, pay your respects to the pioneers that shaped this country at the Pioneer Cemetery, relax at Lions Park or take a walk along the Flinders River.
North West Adventure
Day 1 Townsville to Charters Towers (135km)
Depart the tropical north Queensland town of Townsville and begin your adventure travelling along the Overlander's Way. In Charters Towers you have the option to explore the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail, Venus Gold Battery, Stock Exchange, Towers Hill Lookout, Ghosts after Dark, World Theatre, or Around the World in 80 Days.
Day 2 Charters Towers to Richmond (359km)
Continuing west today we drive through Torrens Creek and Prarie where a stop in both towns to see the historic hotels is recommended. Then on toHughenden, the start of the great ancient inland sea. From Hughenden, you might take an optional side trip to Porcupine Gorge Nation Park a spectacular sandstone gorge (63km from Hughenden, some unsealed road). Head on toRichmond for our overnight stop.
Day 3 Richmond to Julia Creek (144km)
Start today with a visit to the Kronosaurus Korner Marine Fossil Museum to discover an ancient time when this area was a great inland sea. We will now go fossicking to find our own fossils. Take some time to visit Lake Fred Tritton, the Pioneer Cemetery . Continue along the Overlander's Way to our overnight stop at Julia Creek.
Day 4 Julia Creek to Mount Isa (253km)
After a town tour of Julia Creek, travel west to Mount Isa, the mining capital of western Queensland. This afternoon, begin your exploration of this fascinating mining town with a visit to Outback At Isa. Experience life as a miner on an underground tour at the Hard Times Mine.
Day 5 Mount Isa
Spend today uncovering the many secrets of Mount Isa. Bring Australia's ancient past back to life at the Riverleigh Fossils Museum. Learn about the legends of the fierce Kalkadoon Tribe. Get a taste of Outback life visiting theRoyal Fling Doctor Base, School of Distance Education, Underground Hospital and Tent House. A Surface tour at Mount Isa Mines could be an optional extra. As the sun goes down, drive up to city lookout for the best view around.
Day 6 Mount Isa to Cloncurry (119km)
After enjoying all that Mount Isa has to offer, there is a short hop today back toCloncurry, home to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and John Flynn Place ? a memorial to the man who started the service. Enjoy the attractions that Mary Kathleen Park has to offer including the most comprehensive mineral collection in Australia. Join a tour of the open cut Ernest Henry Mine.
Day 7 Cloncurry to Winton (341km)
Today we head off along the Matilda Highway. On the way toWinton we shall stop off at McKinlay and Kyuna to soak up the atmosphere of some iconic Outback pubs. We'll also take a look atCombo Waterhole where the jolly swagman camped in Waltzing Matilda. Once we're settled in Winton, we'll head out for a night of nostalgia at the Royal Mail Open Air Theatre.
Day 8 Winton
An early start today to head out to Lark Quarry Dinosaur TrailTrackways, where we will marvel at the world's only fossilised footprints of a dinosaur stampede! Learn about these amazing creatures and the history of this ancient part of the world. Experience life on the land while taking in some spectacular scenery on Carisbrooke Station. This evening, we will enjoy happy hour taking in the glorious sunset from Rangelands.
Day 9 Winton to Hughenden (214km)
Time to explore Winton this morning. At the Waltzing Matilda Centre, discover the story, the song and the spirit of Australia through the eyes of an Aussie swagman. Also worth a visit are Corfield & Fitzmaurice Building, Opal Walk, Arno's Wall and the musical fence. We head off this afternoon for Hughenden. Watch a magnificent Outback sunset from Mount Walker lookout.
Day 10 Hughenden to Townsville (382km)
Dinosaurs galore in Hughenden! Here you can meet Hughie, a Muttaburrasaurs skeletal replica and Mutt, his full-bodied mate. The Flinders Discovery Centre also houses an impressive international fossil collection. Travelling along the Overlander's Way your outback adventure ends as you return to life in the tropics in Townsville.
