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
Longreach to Winton
Distance: 178 km
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.
Hidden Secrets
Lark Quarry: Winton
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.
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. Travel back to Winton and spend a relaxing evening at one
of the local pubs.
DAY 4
Winton to Richmond
Distance: 218 km
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.
Dinosaur Trail
Suitable for: All vehicle types
Best time of year: All year round
Travel Times
| Towns |
km |
Time |
| Longreach to Winton |
178 |
1:45 |
| Winton to Richmond |
218 |
3:00 |
| Richmond to Hughenden |
112 |
1:10 |
| Hughenden to Townsville |
318 |
4:00 |
DAY 5
Richmond
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.
Hidden Secrets
Lake Fred Tritton: Richmond
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 to Hughenden
Distance: 112 km
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
Distance: 318
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
Distance: 13 km
Bid the Outback goodbye as you travel
from Hughenden to Townsville where you can enjoy an
afternoon wandering along The Strand.
For more information on the Dinosaur Trail visit the Queensland Holidays website.