Ruta De Los Dinosaurios

Deep in the red heart of outback New South Wales, the Ruta De Los Dinosaurios (Dinosaur Trail) is a spellbinding journey into the prehistoric past. This self-drive route winds through fossil-rich landscapes where dinosaurs once roamed, offering a unique blend of palaeontology, rugged outback scenery, and small-town charm. It’s a must for anyone fascinated by ancient history and the raw beauty of the Australian bush.

Highlights & What to See

• Australian Opal Centre (Lightning Ridge): Marvel at opalised fossils, including dinosaur bones and shells, in a world-class museum dedicated to the region’s opal-mining heritage.
• Walgett’s Fossil Sites: Explore riverbanks and outcrops where Cretaceous-era marine fossils, such as plesiosaurs and ammonites, have been uncovered.
• Bourke’s Back O’Bourke Experience: Dive into local Aboriginal culture and colonial history, with guided tours that highlight ancient floodplains and fossil beds.
• Gundabooka National Park: Hike through red rock gorges and spot ancient rock art, with the chance to see emus and kangaroos amid stunning desert scenery.
• Lightning Ridge’s Opal Mines: Take an underground tour of working opal mines, where you can try your luck at noodling for gems and see the famous ‘black opal’.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least three to four days to fully experience the Dinosaur Trail. This allows time for leisurely drives between towns, half-day fossil hunts, and an overnight stay in Lightning Ridge to explore its opal fields and hot artesian baths. If you’re a keen fossil enthusiast, consider extending to five days to include side trips to Walgett and Bourke.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cobar: A historic mining town with the Great Cobar Heritage Centre and nearby Mount Grenfell Historic Site for Aboriginal rock art.
• Nyngan: Gateway to the Macquarie Marshes, a vast wetland teeming with birdlife, and the Nyngan Museum with local fossil displays.
• Brewarrina: Home to the ancient Aboriginal fish traps – one of the oldest human-made structures in the world – and a great spot for fishing and camping.
• Moree: Famous for its artesian hot springs and rich agricultural history, a relaxing stop after dusty fossil hunting.

Please check official sources for current details.