Outback Queensland is Australia's dinosaur country. Ninety-five million years ago much of the inland was an ancient sea and lush floodplain, and the fossils left behind — from marine reptiles to the only recorded dinosaur stampede on Earth — have made Winton, Richmond and Hughenden a world-class palaeontology destination. This guide covers the Dinosaur Trail and how to see it.
The trail
The three-town Dinosaur Trail
Winton, Richmond and Hughenden — each with a signature fossil attraction.
Australian Age of Dinosaurs
The world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils, a working prep lab and the Dinosaur Canyon outdoor galleries.
See the attraction → RichmondKronosaurus Korner
Australia's premier marine-fossil museum — giant kronosaurs and plesiosaurs from the inland sea.
Explore Richmond → HughendenFlinders Discovery Centre
Meet "Hughie" the Muttaburrasaurus and head on to Porcupine Gorge, the "mini Grand Canyon."
Explore Hughenden →Don't miss
Beyond the museums
The outdoor sites that bring deep time to life.
Lark Quarry
The Dinosaur Stampede — thousands of 95-million-year-old footprints, the only known dinosaur stampede on Earth, sheltered south of Winton.
Australia's largest dinosaur
Cooper, a titanosaur discovered near Eromanga, ranks among the biggest dinosaurs ever found anywhere in the world.
Sunset galleries
Winton's outdoor bronze and fossil galleries perched above the jump-up, spectacular in the late light.
Plan it
How to do the trail
A few days links it all together.
Most travellers drive the loop between Winton, Richmond and Hughenden over three to five days, adding Lark Quarry and, further south, Eromanga. It pairs perfectly with Longreach for a week in the Central West. Prefer not to drive? Our guided tours include the key sites with a naturalist guide. For more, read why Winton is dinosaur country and our guide to driving the Queensland Dinosaur Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Queensland Dinosaur Trail?
The Dinosaur Trail links three outback towns — Winton, Richmond and Hughenden — each with a major fossil attraction, tracing the ancient inland sea and the dinosaurs that lived around it 95–110 million years ago. See our Dinosaur Trail tour.
Where can I see real dinosaur fossils in Outback Queensland?
Winton's Australian Age of Dinosaurs holds the world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils and a working laboratory; Richmond's Kronosaurus Korner has superb marine reptiles; and Hughenden has "Hughie" the Muttaburrasaurus. See our dinosaurs and fossils guide.
What is Lark Quarry?
Lark Quarry Conservation Park, south of Winton, preserves the Dinosaur Stampede — thousands of 95-million-year-old footprints from the only known dinosaur stampede on Earth, protected inside a purpose-built building.
How many days do I need for the Dinosaur Trail?
Allow 3–5 days to do the Winton–Richmond–Hughenden loop justice, including Lark Quarry and the Age of Dinosaurs. It pairs naturally with Longreach for a week-long trip.
Walk with dinosaurs on a guided tour
Cooee Tours includes the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Lark Quarry and the fossil towns on our outback departures — with the driving and timing handled. Family-run since 1974.
Keep planning
Related guides
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.