Winton - The Dinosaur Capital of Australia

You wouldn’t guess it but there’s only one site in the world that shows evidence of a dinosaur stampede. And it just happens to be in our Aussie backyard of Winton, in Outback Queensland.

In October 2016 a new species, Savannasaurus Elliottorum , was officially named, the fossilised skeleton of this 18-metre-long dinosaur discovered by Winton grazier, David Elliott, on his property while mustering sheep.

It wasn’t the first time Elliott had stumbled upon dinosaur bones: that happened back in 1999, and his family went on to establish the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum on their property, which now boasts the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils in the world.

This non-profit museum is a great visit for those who are self-proclaimed dino-geeks or those who just love all things history.

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum — Check out the fossilised bones down at the museum.

The History of Winton and the Dinosaurs

Originally based in a sheep station in Belmont, owners Judy and David Elliot started up the museum in October 2002. During September 2006, the owners of the Mt Landsborough Station near Winton, Peter and Carol Britton, donated their 1,400 hectares (called ‘Jump-Up’ country) for the Australian Age of Dinosaurs to relocate there. Fast forward to 2009, and the Elliot family were moving the museum to Winton.

In the late 1970s, scientists found fossils and footprints in the surrounding areas in Lark Quarry, believing that millions of years ago, there was a stampede of over 150 two-legged dinosaurs. During this time Lark Quarry was excavated and became an Environmental Park. You can only see it from afar due to the safety of preserving this magnificent piece of land.

In 2005, David Elliot, yet again found another dinosaur site on his property in Belmont and dug up 17 pallets of fossil bones. Giving the dinosaur the nickname of Wade, it was a tribute to the Australian Paleontologist Dr Mary Wade who passed away during the dig. Later in the year, there was a discovery of another site on Elderslie Station (close to Winton) leading to a series of digs that resulted in the recovery of two dinosaur skeletons preserved together. The theropod was nicknamed Banjo (after Andrew Barto ‘Banjo’ Paterson) and the sauropod was nicknamed Matilda (relating to Banjo Paterson’s iconic poem, Waltzing Matilda).

What you can see and do in the Museum

Age of Dinosaurs Museum Winton — Discover even more creatures at the Age of Dinosaurs museum.

Thousands of footprints at Lark Quarry Conservation Park tell of a day, 95 million years ago, when a herd of small dinosaurs were chased by a meat-eating theropod, creating a stampede. Winton looked a little different back then, covered in rainforests and swamps on the edge of an inland sea, and this part of Queensland’s west has proved Australia’s richest source of dinosaur fossils – and big dinosaurs in particular.

The museum runs across three different facilities, the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, Collection Room and Dinosaur Canyon. In these areas of the museum, you can find dinosaur fossils from three periods, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Found throughout the majority of the country, bones have been discovered in the regions of NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, and WA.

Those who are employed at the museum go on special digs for fossils, so their collection has been increasing since they opened in Belmont. You too can opt to go on a Dig-a-Dino experience. The entire tour takes up seven days, but you’ll only be digging for five or six of them. Included in the price ($3,500 for new diggers), you’ll get accommodation, all meals and pre-dinner drinks. You’ll also get to take an excursion to the museum’s laboratory, where you’ll see how fossils are studied.

Australian Age of Dinosaurs WInton QLD — Learn about what goes on during the digging and preparation stages of fossil hunting.

If you’re looking to help but don’t have enough time to spend a whole week digging, the Prep-a-Dino experience is worth the short journey. The preparation will last for two days, starting at $169 per person for a twin package. Be guided through the laboratory, learning how to find dinosaurs, dig and clean away the rock that they’re entombed in. Hop onboard to the shuttle bus tour to Dinosaur Canyon and witness Australia’s prehistoric landscape. You have to have a steady hand for this type of work because you’re essentially putting pieces of a dinosaur puzzle together.

Otherwise, for those one day only visitors, the museum has a tonne of activities and exhibitions for you to see. In the Collection Room, check out some of the first discoveries in QLD and learn about the story of Banjo, Matilda and Wade. Once you’ve gone through these exhibits, make your way down to the Dinosaur Canyon in the shuttle bus. You’ll witness the original Dinosaur Stampede in Lark Quarry, known to be world’s only known record of a stampede. Also on display are life-size dinosaur exhibits, the death in Billabong exhibit and so many more.

Lark Quarry Dinosaur Museum Winton — The life-size dino exhibits are found at the Lark Quarry centre.

Once you’re feeling a little hungry, make your way down to the Cretaceous Cafe. Order up a delicious chunky meat pie and maybe a sweet killer python lolly for a classic Aussie lunch.

What else can you do in Winton?

Waltzing Matilda Centre

The Waltzing Matilda Centre has a great historical display about the area of Winton as well as lots of information on the famous Banjo Paterson. Head through the Main Exhibition as you experience the background and story of the iconic song through interactive displays. Check out the Chorregon Railway, a BB 18 1/4 class steam locomotive display that stands right outside. And stop into the Tuckerbox Cafe for some refuelling.

Bladensburg National Park

Bladesburg National Park QLD — The flat plains of Bladensburg National Park.

Almost 20 kilometres south-west of Winton lies Bladensburg National Park. Filled with flat-topped plateaus, and an epic scenic view to grassland plains and rivers, red gums and rocky scrap, this is the perfect place to have a picnic. You could even camp here if you are enamoured with the views, and the twinkling night sky is even better. If you walk over to Scrammy Lookout, you’ll find low trees that are perfect for shade from the blistering outback sun.

The Details

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History

Address: Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive, Winton, QLD, 4735
Contact Number: (07) 4657 0078

Getting There

If you’re thinking of heading out to Winton in the outback, then you’ve got got a great trip ahead of you. For Brisbane dwellers, hop down to the airport and catch a flight into Longreach Aiport. This will take a couple of hours, and once you’ve landed head down the road, where a Spirit of Outback * RailBus will pick you up and take you the 2 hours up to Winton. Along the way, you’ll see the true Aussie outback, full of kangaroos, dusty roads and empty skies.

But honestly, you can’t go wrong with a great outback road trip. If you don’t feel like driving the almost 15 hours up there (or 7 hours from Townsville), then daily coach services head into Winton right from Brisbane Coach Terminal. Sit back, make that Australian country playlist and put it on repeat.

*Please note: The Spirit of Outback bus only comes twice a week. Make sure you coincide your trip with the flight schedule and land earlier in case.

Planning a trip to Outback Queensland? Head here to check out our curated guide on everything to do and see.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

Winton – The Dinosaur Capital of Australia