Photo: me_whynot / Public domain
Deep in the red heart of the Australian outback, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways is a site of global scientific significance—the world's largest known dinosaur stampede. This remote conservation park preserves the only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede, with thousands of footprints from small coelurosaurs and a lone large theropod. Walking the boardwalk above the 95-million-year-old trackway feels like stepping into a prehistoric drama frozen in stone, set against the stark, beautiful landscape of the Channel Country.
Highlights & What to See
- The Dinosaur Stampede Exhibit: An indoor interpretive centre with life-sized models and detailed panels explaining the remarkable story of the stampede—how a herd of small dinosaurs fled from a larger predator, leaving their footprints in mud that later turned to rock.
- The Trackways Boardwalk: A raised walkway that allows you to view the 3300-plus footprints from above, including the distinctive three-toed tracks of the carnivorous theropod and the smaller, bird-like prints of the herbivores.
- Outback Sunset Views: The remote location offers incredible, uninterrupted sunsets over the red dirt plains—perfect for photography after exploring the trackways.
- Self-Guided Walk: A short interpretive trail around the site explains the geology and palaeontology of the area, with signs that bring the ancient environment to life.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the indoor exhibit and the boardwalk. The site is a detour off the main road, so it works best as a stop on a longer self-drive itinerary through the Red Centre. Combine with a visit to nearby Winton (about 110 km away) for a full day of outback heritage and dinosaur discoveries.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Winton: The gateway town to Lark Quarry, home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
- Bladensburg National Park: A stunning outback park with red sandstone mesas, ancient river red gums, and excellent birdwatching—just south of Winton.
- Longreach: Famous for the Stockman's Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum, about 2.5 hours west of Winton.
- Dinosaur Stampede National Monument: The formal name for the Lark Quarry site, worth noting for navigation.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Winton — www.gondwananet.com / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum — Museumservices / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Bladensburg National Park — Carole Mackinney / FAL
- Longreach — Chris Olszewski / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Outback Queensland — Gabriele Delhey / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Queensland Dinosaur Trail — User:Captmondo / Copyrighted free use