On the banks of the Flinders River in north-west Queensland, Richmond is a small outback town with a remarkable claim to fame: it sits on what was once the floor of a vast inland sea, and that sea left behind some of the finest marine fossils ever found in Australia. As a key stop on Queensland's Dinosaur Trail, Richmond invites travellers to step back more than 100 million years. Cooee Tours includes Richmond on dinosaur-focused outback journeys, with the time to explore its fossils and the easy hospitality of an authentic grazing town.
Kronosaurus Korner
Richmond's centrepiece is Kronosaurus Korner, a marine-fossil museum named for the giant prehistoric marine reptile whose remains have been found in the region. The collection showcases beautifully preserved specimens of marine reptiles, fish and other creatures that swam in the Cretaceous inland sea that once covered much of inland Australia.
Among the prized exhibits are some of Australia's best-preserved vertebrate fossils, including an outstanding plesiosaur specimen. With a Cooee Tours guide, the displays come alive — you learn how the inland sea formed, what lived in it, and why this corner of Queensland yields such exceptional finds.
Fossicking the Inland Sea
One of Richmond's great drawcards is that visitors can hunt for fossils themselves. Designated public fossicking sites near town allow travellers to search the ancient seabed for their own marine fossils — and finds can be brought to Kronosaurus Korner for identification.
It is a genuinely hands-on way to connect with deep time, and it suits all ages. Your guide can point you to the experience and help interpret what the country reveals.
On the Dinosaur Trail
Richmond forms one corner of Queensland's celebrated Dinosaur Trail, linking with Hughenden and Winton across roughly 332 kilometres of outback road. Together the three towns tell a connected story — Richmond's marine reptiles, Hughenden's Muttaburrasaurus, and Winton's mighty land-dwelling dinosaurs and trackways.
Travelling the trail as a sequence makes far more sense of the science, and a guided coach journey removes the long driving between the stops. It is one of the most distinctive touring routes in outback Australia.
An Authentic Grazing Town
Beyond the fossils, Richmond is a friendly, well-kept outback town set in productive Mitchell-grass grazing country. Lake Fred Tritton, on the edge of town, offers a pleasant spot for a stroll, a picnic or birdwatching, and the wide streets and country welcome are quintessential outback Queensland.
Richmond makes an ideal, unhurried stop — long enough to take in the fossils and the easy pace of life on the Flinders River before the journey continues along the trail.
Richmond Highlights
Kronosaurus Korner
A superb marine-fossil museum showcasing prehistoric marine reptiles and fish from the ancient inland sea — including some of Australia's best-preserved vertebrate fossils.
Public Fossicking
Search designated sites near town for your own marine fossils, then bring your finds to Kronosaurus Korner for expert identification.
Dinosaur Trail Stop
One corner of the Richmond–Hughenden–Winton Dinosaur Trail, linking marine reptiles, Muttaburrasaurus and the great land dinosaurs.
Richmond on a Cooee Tours Itinerary
Richmond features on our dinosaur-focused Outback Queensland touring, linked with Hughenden and Winton along the Dinosaur Trail. We handle the long outback distances between the stops, so you can focus on the fossils and the country — with transport, accommodation and meals included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richmond Queensland known for?
Richmond is known as a marine-fossil capital — home of Kronosaurus Korner — sitting on the bed of an ancient inland sea, and as a key stop on Queensland's Dinosaur Trail.
How far is Richmond from Brisbane?
Richmond is around 1,500 km north-west of Brisbane. Cooee Tours includes fully escorted coach travel, so the distances are handled for you.
Can you find your own fossils at Richmond?
Yes. Designated public fossicking sites near Richmond let visitors search the ancient seabed for marine fossils, which can then be identified at Kronosaurus Korner.
What is the Dinosaur Trail?
The Dinosaur Trail links Richmond, Hughenden and Winton across roughly 332 km, connecting marine reptile fossils, the Muttaburrasaurus and the great land dinosaurs and trackways of outback Queensland.
When is the best time to visit Richmond?
The dry season from April to October is the best and most comfortable time to visit Richmond and travel the Dinosaur Trail.
Travel Agents & Group Organisers
This destination suits coach groups, clubs and social groups touring Outback Queensland. Cooee Tours offers net rates, custom routing and guaranteed departures — get in touch to discuss your group's needs.