Dinosaur Footprints

Hidden along the Lasseter Highway in the Red Centre, the Dinosaur Footprints are a remarkable and unexpected glimpse into Australia's prehistoric past. These ancient tracks, preserved in sandstone, date back to the early Cretaceous period and offer a tangible connection to the giants that once roamed this arid landscape. The site is a short, easy walk from a designated parking area, making it a perfect stop for travellers driving between Uluru and Kings Canyon. The footprints are best viewed in the early morning or late afternoon when the low sun casts dramatic shadows across the impressions.

Highlights & What to See

• The main trackway – a series of well-preserved three-toed footprints believed to be from a large theropod dinosaur, possibly an Allosaurus relative. The prints stretch across a flat rock surface, some over 50 cm long.
• Interpretive signage – excellent panels explain the geology, the dinosaur species, and how the tracks were formed and exposed. A great primer for amateur paleontologists.
• Surrounding desert scenery – the site offers panoramic views of the surrounding spinifex-covered plains and distant ranges, with the iconic silhouette of Mount Conner visible to the north.
• Photography opportunities – the contrast of ancient footprints against the red earth and blue sky makes for striking photos, especially with a wide-angle lens.
• Nearby Aboriginal cultural sites – the area is rich in Indigenous history; look for grinding grooves and rock shelters along the escarpment.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for about 30–45 minutes at the site, which includes the short walk from the car park, reading the interpretive signs, and taking photos. If you're a keen photographer or dinosaur enthusiast, allow up to an hour. The stop fits perfectly into a day's drive between Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kings Canyon, making it a worthwhile diversion of no more than 20 minutes off the highway.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – just a 90-minute drive west, the iconic monoliths are a must-see for any traveller in the region.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – a spectacular gorge with dramatic cliffs and the famous Rim Walk, about 2 hours east via the Lasseter Highway.
• Mount Conner (Attila) – a flat-topped mesa visible from the highway, often mistaken for Uluru. A scenic flight or 4WD track offers closer views.
• Curtin Springs Station – a working cattle station with camping, a roadhouse, and guided tours of the property's salt lakes and birdlife.
• Erldunda Roadhouse – the junction of the Lasseter and Stuart highways, with basic amenities and a chance to see the famous wild camels.

Please check official sources for current details.