Discover Queensland's prehistoric past with these dinosaur experiences
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By Danielle Reckless
Things to do | Dig for dinosaurs | Riversleigh Fossil
If your only brush with dinosaurs involves Sam Neil and the big screen, it’s time to get yourself to North West Queensland.
This vast chunk of Queensland’s outback is home to some of the world’s oldest fossils, evidence of when dinosaurs once roamed these rugged landscapes, millions of years ago.
Here you’ll not just trace the footsteps of history but have the chance to be part of it. Whether that’s picking up a trowel to dig for remains, exploring ancient national parks, or letting your mind wander through incredible museums that hold some of the biggest wonders from the dinosaur age.
Ready to go? Here are the best dinosaur experiences in North West Queensland.
Please note, recent flooding events may still be impacting the Gulf of Carpentaria. Please check the Queensland traffic road reports and operator information before travelling.
It’s hard to imagine that the red and rugged outback town of Richmond was once underwater, part of the great inland sea that covered this landscape. But it left behind incredible evidence of marine dinosaurs that thrived during the Cretaceous period, which you can begin to understand at the award-winning Kronosaurus Korner.
Australia’s premier marine fossil museum is home to more than 1,000 unique fossils dating back 110 million years, as well as an almost complete skeleton of the ancient plesiosaur. Explore the exhibits, watch newly discovered fossils be cleaned and preserved, or even get hands-on. Join the Digging at Dawn tour to learn how to find, identify and excavate fossils, participate in a professional-led multi-day dig field trip, or unlock your inner palaeontologist on your own schedule at Richmond Fossil Hunting Sites (fossil hunting permits are required and available from Kronosaurus Korner).
Families should check out the exciting school holiday program too.
Say hi to Hughie at Flinders Discovery Centre
You’ll meet Mutt – Hughenden’s famous Muttaburrasaurus statue – as you drive into town. This herbivore roamed the area over 100 million years ago, but you should roam towards Flinders Discovery Centre to greet the star of the show: the skeletal replica itself, Hughie.
This museum holds an awe-inspiring display of dinosaur bones and fossilised reptiles found along Australia’s Dinosaur Trail, as well as fossils from around the world, a captivating light and sound show about the formation of nearby Porcupine Gorge, and tales of outback life.
Explore Porcupine Gorge National Park
Photo by @outbackmates_qld
Thought 100-million-year-old dinosaur remains were old? How about a national park with 500-million-year-old fossils etched into its gorge walls? Australia's 'Little Grand Canyon' holds some big secrets with over 100km of gorge to see by foot or air. Several hiking trails will lead you through this natural, living museum – keep your eyes peeled for new discoveries.
Take a close look at the new Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre
Recently re-opened after a $ 2.2 million makeover, Mount Isa’s Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre showcases fossils from the remote Riversleigh World Heritage Area – one of the most significant fossil deposits in the world.
Explore interactive displays and stories from palaeontologists, join a virtual dig, or take a guided tour of the laboratory to learn how specimens are sorted, cleaned and extracted from their hard limestone casts.
There’s plenty more to keep you busy while you’re here.
Venture deep into the outback to the Riversleigh Fossil Fields (not currently open)
A visit to the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre might inspire you to take on the adventure of a lifetime; to the Riversleigh World Heritage Site.
David Attenborough himself named this one of the four most important fossil deposits in the world, if you need an extra excuse to journey into Boodjamulla National Park (also known as Lawn Hill) to see it for yourself. With discoveries dating back 15-25 million years, historians are piecing together the origins of Australian wildlife from these deposits, as well as discovering unique extinct species like the marsupial lion. It’s a fascinating experience, like walking through your own nature documentary.
Get here on your own intrepid trip or book a three-day tour from Mount Isa.
Road trip the Australian Dinosaur Trail
Trace the biggest footprints in Queensland on a road trip that links all our major dinosaur experiences. The Australian Dinosaur Trail takes in these North West Queensland hot spots before journeying further south to Winton to see Lark Quarry and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs exhibit.
If you’ve got 4-5 days up your sleeve, it’s well worth the miles to wander this ancient, larger-than-life trail. Here’s a great itinerary for families to follow.
