Lark Quarry

Deep in the heart of Queensland’s Channel Country, Lark Quarry is one of Australia’s most extraordinary fossil sites—a prehistoric dinosaur stampede preserved in stone. Over 95 million years ago, dozens of small dinosaurs fled across a muddy riverbank, leaving thousands of footprints that were later buried and fossilised. Today, you can walk the elevated boardwalk above the exposed trackway, following the frantic scramble of creatures that once roamed this ancient landscape. The experience is both eerie and exhilarating, offering a rare window into the behaviour of dinosaurs.

Highlights & What to See

• The Dinosaur Stampede Boardwalk – The main attraction: a covered walkway that lets you view the 3,300+ footprints left by three species of dinosaurs (including the chicken-sized Skartopus and Wintonopus). Interpretive signs explain the scene.
• Winton Formation Fossils – Nearby, you can see remains of giant sauropods and other Cretaceous-era creatures unearthed in the region.
• Lark Quarry Conservation Park – The surrounding park protects the fossil site and offers a glimpse of the stark, beautiful outback landscape.
• Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum – Located near Winton (about 110 km away), this museum houses the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils, including the massive Australotitan.
• Night Sky Viewing – With minimal light pollution, the outback sky here is spectacular; stargazing is a natural after-dark activity.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours at Lark Quarry itself—enough to walk the boardwalk, read the interpretive panels, and soak in the atmosphere. The site is remote, so it’s best visited as part of a day trip from Winton (allow at least half a day including driving). If you’re combining with the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, plan a full day. The conservation park has basic picnic facilities, so you can easily make an afternoon of it.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Winton – The nearest town (about 110 km east), famous for the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, Waltzing Matilda Centre, and outback hospitality.
• Longreach – A 2-hour drive from Winton, home to the Qantas Founders Museum and Stockman’s Hall of Fame, perfect for a broader outback itinerary.
• Opalton – An opal fossicking area about 150 km west of Winton, where you can try your luck finding precious gems.
• Bladensburg National Park – Near Winton, this park offers walking trails, birdwatching, and a chance to see the outback’s red gorges and river gums.
• Boulia – Further west, known for the mysterious Min Min lights and the Boulia Heritage Trail.

Please check official sources for current details.