Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways

Deep in the Australian outback, about 110 kilometres south-west of Winton in Queensland, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways offers an extraordinary glimpse into the Cretaceous period. This site preserves the world's only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede—thousands of footprints frozen in stone, left by small dinosaurs fleeing a larger predator. The remote, stark landscape adds to the sense of discovery, making this a must-visit for anyone fascinated by natural history or seeking a truly unique outback experience. The on-site museum and guided boardwalk bring the ancient scene to life, while the journey through the rugged Queensland terrain is an adventure in itself.

Highlights & What to See

• The Dinosaur Stampede Exhibit: A purpose-built shelter protects the trackways, where you can walk along a boardwalk and see hundreds of three-toed footprints from small coelurosaurs and ornithopods, plus the single track of a larger theropod (likely a carnivore) that triggered the stampede.
• Interpretive Centre & Museum: Interactive displays, fossil casts, and a short film explain the geology and palaeontology of the site, including how the footprints were formed and preserved over 95 million years.
• Guided Tours: Join a ranger-led tour (included with entry) to hear the latest scientific interpretations and spot subtle details in the rock you might otherwise miss.
• Outback Scenery: The drive to Lark Quarry crosses vast, flat plains and red dirt country, with opportunities to see kangaroos, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles. The isolation and silence are part of the experience.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 2–3 hours at the site, including the guided tour (about 45 minutes), exploring the museum, and walking the short nature trail. The drive from Winton takes about 1.5 hours each way on unsealed roads (graded but can be rough after rain), so set aside a full half-day from Winton. If you're driving from Longreach, budget a full day. The site is open daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed Christmas Day), and it's best to visit in the cooler months (April–September) to avoid extreme heat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Winton: The nearest town, known for the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum (home to the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils) and the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
• Longreach: About 180 km west, this outback hub offers the Qantas Founders Museum, Stockman's Hall of Fame, and riverboat cruises on the Thomson River.
• Boulia: Further west, famous for the Min Min Encounter and the mysterious Min Min lights.
• Hughenden: East of Winton, with the Flinders Discovery Centre and dinosaur footprints at Porcupine Gorge.
• Dinosaur Trail: A self-drive itinerary linking Lark Quarry, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton, and the Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond—a perfect multi-day trip for fossil enthusiasts.

Please check official sources for current details.