Dinosaur Trail

Winding through the red heart of the Northern Territory, the Dinosaur Trail is a self-drive adventure that blends ancient landscapes with a dash of palaeontology. This 200 km loop from the Lasseter Highway offers a glimpse into a time when dinosaurs roamed the vast inland sea that once covered this arid region. With rust-red cliffs, fossilised footprints, and dramatic gorges, it’s a journey that feels like stepping back millions of years.

Highlights & What to See

• Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve – A towering sandstone monolith etched with 19th-century explorer graffiti, offering panoramic views of the desert.
• Rainbow Valley Conservation Area – A stunning multi-hued sandstone cliff that glows at sunrise and sunset, with a short walk to a waterhole.
• Palm Valley – A lush oasis within Finke Gorge National Park, home to rare red cabbage palms and a 4WD track through ancient cycads.
• Dinosaur footprints at Alcoota Fossil Beds – Interpretive signs explain the prehistoric tracks preserved in rock, though access may be limited – check locally.
• Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve – A series of impact craters formed 4,700 years ago, with a walk trail and informative signs.
• Kings Creek Station – A working cattle station offering scenic flights over the George Gill Range and camel rides.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two full days to complete the loop without rushing. Start early to catch the low-angle light at Rainbow Valley, then overnight at Kings Creek Station or the nearby Kings Canyon Resort. A third day lets you explore Palm Valley and the Finke Gorge more thoroughly. The trail is best driven in a high-clearance 4WD, especially after rain.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) – The dramatic rim walk and lush canyon floor are a must-do detour.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – The iconic monolith and domes are a 2-hour drive south on the Lasseter Highway.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – Extend your journey east to Alice Springs via the ranges’ gorges and waterholes.
• Finke River – One of the world’s oldest rivers, with scenic drives and Aboriginal cultural sites.
• Mereenie Loop Road – A scenic 4WD route connecting Kings Canyon to the West MacDonnells, requiring a permit.

Please check official sources for current details.