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Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton - Exploring where Dinosaurs Once Roamed in the Outback
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Aug 27, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton - Exploring where Dinosaurs Once Roamed in the Outback
Perched high on a mesa overlooking the vast plains of Outback Queensland, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs was one of the extraordinary experiences we had in Winton. Home to the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils, this remarkable museum combines cutting-edge science, epic landscapes, and powerful storytelling to bring Australia’s prehistoric past vividly to life.
Reaching the Jump-Up
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum is located 24 kilometres southeast of Winton, in Queensland, with a sealed road all the way to the top. The museum sits on a dramatic mesa plateau, known locally as a Jump-Up, rising around 270 metres above sea level and forming part of the Vindex Range.
As we drove up, the views opened out across the surrounding plains, instantly giving a sense of scale — not just of the landscape, but of the ancient world that once existed here.
Planning Your Visit
The museum is open seven days a week and is well set up for visitors, with a café, gift shop, toilets, and a shaded outdoor eating area.
There are several ticket options available. We chose the Ultimate Tour, which runs for around four hours and includes:
A self-guided walk through Dinosaur Canyon
Guided tours of the March of the Titanosaurs exhibition
Entry to the Collection Room
A visit to the Fossil Preparation Laboratory
Arriving by the Noble Express
Our day began with a ride on the Noble Express, which transported us from the Visitor Centre to the start of Dinosaur Canyon. It was a relaxed and informative introduction, setting the scene for what was to come.
Dinosaur Canyon: Life-Sized and Larger Than Life
Walking through Dinosaur Canyon was an unforgettable experience. This outdoor exhibition follows a 300-metre elevated pathway, winding along the edge of the Jump-Up and offering incredible panoramic views.
Along the way, we encountered life-sized bronze dinosaurs, flying reptiles, and interpretive displays designed to recreate what life looked like during the Cretaceous Period, around 100 million years ago. Standing beside these enormous sculptures, with the outback stretching endlessly below, made it easy to imagine this land once dominated by giants.
March of the Titanosaurs
Next, we joined a guided tour of the March of the Titanosaurs exhibition — one of the highlights of the entire visit. Housed inside a striking, purpose-built building is the 54-metre-long Snake Creek tracksite, discovered on a property near Winton and carefully relocated here. Our guide explained how multiple dinosaurs walked across this site 95 million years ago, pointing out the different trackmakers.
The sauropod trackways preserved here are the best example of sauropod tracks in Australia, and seeing them up close was genuinely awe-inspiring.
Inside the Collection Room
In the Collection Room, we watched an informative film about how dinosaur fossils were discovered in the Winton region and the incredible effort involved in excavating them.
Our guide then introduced us to a range of significant fossils, including Diamantinasaurus, Australia’s most complete sauropod dinosaur. Hearing the story of how these fossils were found — often by locals on cattle stations — added a real sense of connection to the region.
Fossil Preparation Laboratory
A short 500-metre walk from the Visitor Centre brought us to the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, the most productive dinosaur fossil preparation lab in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, we met another guide who explained the meticulous process of cleaning, preserving, and studying fossils.
Watching scientists at work behind the scenes was fascinating and gave us a new appreciation for just how much patience and skill is involved in bringing these ancient creatures back to life.
Why the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Is a Must-Visit
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is far more than a museum — it’s a journey through deep time, set against one of the most dramatic landscapes in Outback Queensland.
For us, it was one of the standout experiences in Winton. The combination of world-class science, passionate guides, and breathtaking scenery made it unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling with kids, have a love of natural history, or simply want to experience something truly unique, this is a must-visit attraction in Outback Queensland.
For a stress-free visit, you can join a half-day guided transfer to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs with expert commentary and convenient pickup and drop-off from your Winton accommodation. 👉 Click here for more details.
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