Lark Quarry

Deep in the red heart of Queensland, Lark Quarry is one of Australia's most extraordinary fossil sites—a prehistoric stampede preserved in stone. Here, around 95 million years ago, a herd of small dinosaurs fled from a predator, leaving over 3,300 footprints frozen in what was once a muddy lake shore. Today, a modern, air-conditioned shelter protects the trackways, and interpretive displays bring the scene to life. The remote location, about 110 km south-west of Winton, adds to the sense of discovery, making this a must for anyone fascinated by deep time and the Outback's hidden stories.

Highlights & What to See

• The Dinosaur Stampede: The main attraction—a vast slab of rock covered in hundreds of three-toed footprints, interpreted as a frantic escape from a larger theropod.
• Interpretive Centre: Excellent displays explain the geology, the discovery of the site, and the dinosaurs that made the tracks, including life-sized models.
• Guided Tours: Rangers lead engaging walks across the site, pointing out subtle details in the footprints and sharing the latest scientific findings.
• Sunset Views: The surrounding jump-ups (mesa-like formations) glow gold and red at dusk, offering a stunning backdrop for photography.
• Outback Night Sky: With minimal light pollution, the stars here are spectacular—bring a blanket and look up after the tour.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 2–3 hours to fully appreciate the site, including the guided tour and time in the interpretive centre. Lark Quarry is often visited as a half-day trip from Winton, but if you're self-driving the Matilda Way or the Outback loop, you could easily combine it with a stop at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum in Winton. The site is open daily from April to October (the cooler dry season); check ahead for winter hours as it can close in the hottest months.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Winton: The nearest town, home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
• Longreach: About 2.5 hours east, with the Stockman's Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum.
• Opalton: A ghost town and opal fields, perfect for fossickers and history buffs.
• Bladensburg National Park: Just south of Winton, offering rugged Outback scenery, ancient riverbeds, and birdwatching.
• Carisbrooke Station: A working sheep station that offers accommodation and tours of the dinosaur footprints on private land.

Please check official sources for current details.