Unearth this road trip-worthy dinosaur trail in Queensland

Winton

Known as the Dinosaur Capital of Australia, Winton is where the trail begins for many travellers. This charming outback town is home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, which boasts the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.

Don’t miss the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry Conservation Park, where you can see the only known record of a dinosaur stampede in the world. Imagine the thrill of standing where hundreds of dinosaurs once fled from a predator, leaving their footprints behind in the mud.

Winton is also the birthplace of the iconic Australian song Waltzing Matilda, so be sure to visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre while you’re there.

Hughenden

Next up is Hughenden, a small town with a big connection to Australia’s prehistoric past. The Flinders Discovery Centre is the star attraction here, featuring a life-sized replica of the Muttaburrasaurus, one of Australia’s most famous dinosaur discoveries.

The centre also houses an impressive collection of fossils, including ancient marine creatures that once swam in the inland sea that covered much of Queensland millions of years ago.

While you’re in Hughenden, take a detour to Porcupine Gorge National Park, often referred to as Australia’s Little Grand Canyon. It’s a stunning natural wonder that offers hiking trails, swimming spots, and breathtaking views.

Preparing for your journey – what you need to know

Before you hit the road, here are some essentials to keep in mind:

Best time to visit: The cooler months from April to September are ideal for exploring the outback. Summers can be quite warm if you’re not used to outback weather, so plan accordingly. That being said, the trail is still accessible year-round – and the local facilities have air-con to keep things comfy.

Getting there: The Australian Dinosaur Trail is best experienced as a self-drive adventure, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Winton, Hughenden, and Richmond are all connected by sealed roads, making the journey easy and accessible – and you can start the Trail from any of these towns.

Hughenden and Richmond sit along the Overlanders Way, a scenic and well-signposted drive stretching from Townsville to Mount Isa, offering a relaxed and rewarding outback road trip experience.

No car? No worries – there are still great options. The Inlander Rail runs between Townsville and Mount Isa, departing twice weekly and stopping in both Hughenden and Richmond. Greyhound Australia also services the region, with routes connecting Brisbane to Winton, and Townsville to Hughenden and Richmond.

Accommodation: Options range from caravan parks and campgrounds to motels and cabins. Book ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.

What to pack: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy walking shoes, and a sense of adventure. Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to capture the stunning landscapes and fossil finds.

Tips to maximise your outback experience

Take your time: The Dinosaur Trail isn’t just about the destinations – it’s about the journey. Stop along the way to soak in the unbelievable outback scenery, especially if you’re used to more urban landscapes.

Engage with local experts: The museums and visitor centres along the trail offer guided tours and hands-on experiences that bring the fossils to life.

Be prepared for the outback: Mobile reception can be patchy between towns on some stretches of road, so download maps and guides in advance. Carry extra water and fuel, and let someone know your travel plans.

Respect the environment: Stick to designated paths and follow guidelines to help preserve these precious fossil sites for future explorers. Follow the basic ecotourism principles of learning from the land and treading lightly.

Bundle your key experiences

Keen to make planning your experience even easier? Australia’s Dinosaur Trail Pass provides entry and guided access to the key signature experiences along the route.

The 4-in-1 pass includes:

• The Ultimate Dinosaur Tour at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs (Winton)
• Guided tour of Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry Conservation Park
• Entry to Kronosaurus Korner (Richmond)
• Entry to Flinders Discovery Centre (Hughenden)

The pass links the three towns into one cohesive deep-time experience, making it easy to follow the story of Queensland’s Cretaceous world from land to sea.

Beyond the dinosaurs: other attractions to explore

While the dinosaurs are the main attraction, the trail offers plenty of other experiences to round out your trip.

Cultural heritage: Learn about the rich history of the region, including its connection to First Nations peoples and early European settlers.

Natural wonders: From the dramatic landscapes of Porcupine Gorge to the serene beauty of Lake Fred Tritton, the outback is full of surprises.

Local events: Time your visit to coincide with events like the Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies (1-3 May 2026) or Winton’s biennial Outback Festival (21-25 September 2027) for an extra layer of fun.

Stargazing: The clear, unpolluted skies of the outback make for some of the best stargazing in the world.

Australia’s Dinosaur Trail is more than just a journey through time – it’s a celebration of science, history, and the rugged beauty of Queensland’s outback. Whether you’re uncovering fossils, marvelling at ancient footprints, or simply enjoying the vast, open landscapes, this road trip promises memories that will last a lifetime.