A Journey Through Time
An unforgettable outback adventure from the Atherton Tablelands to the ancient heart of Australia’s prehistoric past.
If you’ve got dinosaur lovers in the family — or you’re just after an adventure packed with discovery, quirky towns, and big open skies — the Queensland Dinosaur Trail delivers in spades. Beginning in Hughenden and winding through Richmond and Winton, the trail uncovers some of the world’s best-preserved fossil finds, all against the backdrop of stunning outback Queensland.
This is a road trip with purpose — one that connects science, history, and storytelling into a truly unique experience.
Stop 1: Hughenden – Meet ‘Hughie’ the Muttaburrasaurus
The town of Hughenden is home to a full-size replica of Hughie — a Muttaburrasaurus skeleton discovered nearby. At the Flinders Discovery Centre, kids and adults alike can learn about the marine reptiles and prehistoric giants that once roamed this region. The centre also features fossils, interactive displays, and a fascinating exhibit on the ancient inland sea that covered much of inland Queensland millions of years ago.
Must-do:
- Pose with Hughie out the front
- Check out the fossil dig pit for younger visitors
- Learn about the Great Inland Sea
Stop 2: Richmond – Kronosaurus Korner
From Hughenden, continue west to Richmond, where Kronosaurus Korner offers one of the most immersive fossil experiences in the country. This centre is built around the original fossil lab where many of the area’s discoveries were unearthed. Expect to see marine reptiles, ammonites, and even the jaws of enormous predators who once hunted in prehistoric oceans.
The highlight? You can go fossil hunting yourself. Richmond is one of the few places where the public can dig at designated sites and potentially find real fossils.
Must-do:
- Book a guided dig
- Watch fossil cleaning in the working lab
- Learn about Kronosaurus queenslandicus, the region’s top predator
Stop 3: Winton – Dinosaur Capital of Australia
The final stop is Winton, home of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. Set high on a mesa with sweeping outback views, this is where the really big discoveries have been made — including Australia’s largest dinosaur, Australotitan cooperensis.
Visitors can tour the fossil preparation lab, walk through the dinosaur canyon gallery, and even stand beside life-size reconstructions of sauropods and theropods. The museum is constantly evolving, and there’s a strong emphasis on preserving Australia’s unique paleontological heritage.
Must-do:
- Take the full guided tour
- Stand under Cooper, Australia’s largest dinosaur
- Catch the dinosaur footprints at Lark Quarry — the world’s only known fossilised dinosaur stampede site, just a short drive from town
Planning Your Dinosaur Trail Road Trip
- Best time to go: Dry season (April–October)
- Vehicle: A reliable car with good tyres — 2WD is okay, but a 4WD gives you more options
- Accommodation: Caravan parks, motels, and outback pubs available in each town
- Travel time: Allow at least 4–5 days to properly explore the trail and soak up the journey
Make It a Tablelands-to-Outback Adventure
Many families from the Atherton Tablelands make this trip as part of a school holiday escape — it’s a fantastic mix of education and excitement. Start from the Tablelands, pass through Charters Towers or Townsville, and wind your way west into dinosaur country.
This is more than a sightseeing trip — it’s a chance to walk where ancient creatures roamed, dig for ancient secrets, and see Australia’s prehistoric past up close.
