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Australia’s Dinosaur Trail - A Road Trip Through Prehistoric Outback Queensland
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Sep 5, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Australia’s Dinosaur Trail - A Road Trip Through Prehistoric Outback Queensland
Driving Australia’s Dinosaur Trail feels like travelling back millions of years, across a landscape where dinosaurs once roamed and ancient seas covered the land. Linking the towns of Richmond, Hughenden, and Winton, in Outback Queensland, this iconic trail showcases some of the world’s most significant dinosaur and fossil discoveries — all connected by wide open roads, rugged scenery, and a deep sense of time etched into the country.
Following the Dinosaur Trail
We began the journey in Richmond, around 1,586 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, before travelling 112 kilometres to Hughenden, then continuing 215 kilometres to Winton. The entire route is on sealed roads, making it an easy and rewarding road trip for caravans, motorhomes, and 2WD vehicles.
To make the most of the experience, you can purchase an Australian Dinosaur Trail Pass, which provides entry to all major dinosaur attractions along the trail. Passes are available online or at any of the participating dinosaur museums.
Richmond - Fossils from an Ancient Sea
Richmond was once submerged beneath the ancient Eromanga Sea, and today it proudly claims the title of Fossil Capital of Queensland thanks to its incredible marine fossil discoveries.
Our first stop was Kronosaurus Korner, home to Australia’s best-preserved dinosaur and an impressive collection of marine reptile fossils. Using the self-guided audio tour, we wandered through the exhibits at our own pace, learning about the creatures that once swam in these inland seas.
A standout exhibit is ‘Penny the Plesiosaur’, the most complete plesiosaur ever discovered in Australia. Outside the museum, several dinosaur sculptures make for great photo opportunities.
For hands-on fossil fun, Richmond also has two dedicated fossicking sites, located about 12 kilometres out of town. With a permit from the Visitor Information Centre, you can try your luck at finding a fossil of your own — and any discoveries can be taken back to Kronosaurus Korner to be identified by a local palaeontologist.
After a day of fossil hunting, you can cool off at the Kronosaurus water park beside Lake Fred Tritton, a welcome break from the outback heat.
We camped at the Richmond RV Park, located in Hillier Street. You need to register at Kronosaurus Korner, and unpwered sites are available for $10 per 72 hour stay. There is also a dump point and potable water available. If you prefer a powered site, Richmond has a lovely caravan park - Lakeview Caravan Park.
Hughenden - Dinosaurs on Display
Next, we travelled to Hughenden, a small town surrounded by ancient landscapes and rich fossil deposits. More than 3,000 fossil specimens from the Cretaceous Period have been found in this region.
We visited the Flinders Discovery Centre, a large and engaging museum featuring fossils from around the world, along with an extensive collection from the local area. The exhibits do a great job of explaining how the landscape has changed over millions of years.
The star attraction here is “Hughie”, the Muttaburrasaurus. This impressive seven-metre-high skeleton replica represents Hughenden’s most significant fossil discovery and was the first complete dinosaur fossil found in Australia. The original bones are now housed in the Queensland Museum.
Around town, dinosaur fun continues with “Mutt”, a full-bodied Muttaburrasaurus replica near the bakery, as well as a series of fossil-inspired artworks and sculptures — including Darby the Dinosaur, painted across the Library wall.
We Stayed at the Hughenden RV Park - it caters to fully self-contained RV's for stays of up to seven nights. Campers must have a built-in toilet and shower. Pets are welcome, with fresh water, a dump point and bins available. Located within easy walking distance of town, you need to self-register onsite and display a valid permit.
Or if you want a powered site you can stay at the Hughenden Caravan Park.
Winton - Australia’s Dinosaur Capital
The final stop on the trail is Winton, widely regarded as the Dinosaur Capital of Australia. This outback town is home to two world-class dinosaur attractions: the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Lark Quarry Conservation Park.
Australian Age of Dinosaurs
Located 24 kilometres southeast of Winton, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs is the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.
We allowed four hours to complete the full experience, which includes:
A self-guided walk through Dinosaur Canyon
Guided tours of the March of the Titanosaurs
Entry to the Collection Room
A visit to the Fossil Preparation Laboratory
Our visit began with a ride on the Noble Express, followed by a leisurely walk along Dinosaur Canyon. This 300-metre elevated pathway features life-sized bronze dinosaurs, flying reptiles, interpretive signage, and incredible views across the outback. The displays are designed to recreate life as it appeared during the Cretaceous Period, around 100 million years ago.
Inside the architecturally striking March of the Titanosaurs building, we explored the 54-metre-long Snake Creek tracksite, discovered near Winton and relocated here for preservation. Our guide pointed out the different dinosaur trackmakers that crossed the site 95 million years ago, including Australia’s best example of sauropod trackways.
In the Collection Room, we watched a film explaining how fossils are discovered in the Winton area, before seeing several significant specimens up close — including Diamantinasaurus, Australia’s most complete sauropod dinosaur.
A short 500-metre walk from the Visitor Centre brought us to the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, the most productive in the Southern Hemisphere, where we learned how fossils are carefully uncovered and preserved.
Dinosaur Discoveries Around Winton
Back in town, dinosaur themes continue wit a colourful dinosaur mural in Dinosaur Lane, a life-sized Dinosaur Stampede diorama inside the historic Corfield & Fitzmaurice building and a giant dinosaur footprint embedded in the centre of the main street.
We camped at the Long Waterhole, 2 kilometres from Winton, the access road is dirt, but was fine in our 2WD Motorhome. (Although I would check road conditions if it had been raining). It is pet friendly and there are no facilities.
If you want to stay in Winton, there are several caravan parks including the Winton Wanderers Caravan Park, and you the Tattersalls Hotel and North Gregory Hotel have camping.
Lark Quarry - The Dinosaur Stampede
The final chapter of the Dinosaur Trail is Lark Quarry Conservation Park, located 110 kilometres from Winton.
Here, more than 3,300 dinosaur footprints are preserved in stone, forming the only known Dinosaur Stampede site on the planet. These tracks capture a moment in time when dinosaurs ran across soft mud, now frozen forever in rock.
Before visiting Lark Quarry, it’s recommended to book the 45-minute guided tour in advance and check road conditions with the Winton Visitor Information Centre.
I don't recommend driving a 2WD Motorhome on this road, but the good news is Red Dirt Tours offer a guided tour in their air-conditioned bus that includes entry and lunch.
Why Australia’s Dinosaur Trail Is Worth the Drive
Australia’s Dinosaur Trail is more than a collection of museums — it’s a journey through deep time, connecting landscapes, towns, and discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of Australia’s prehistoric past.
For us, travelling the Dinosaur Trail was one of the most fascinating road trips in Outback Queensland. From ancient seas and marine reptiles to towering sauropods and dramatic stampedes, this trail brings Australia’s dinosaur story to life in a way that’s both educational and unforgettable. If you love road trips, big landscapes, and ancient history, this is one adventure not to miss.
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