QLD - WINTON - WHERE DINOSAURS ROAMED!

The township of Winton is located in Central West Queensland, approximately 1400kms from Brisbane. It has a rich history with links to the Great Shearers' Strike, Waltzing Matilda and Qantas, BUT today the town is almost as well known for something far more ANCIENT - DINOSAURS!



The largest dinosaur skeleton find in Australia, a 20-30 tonne sauropod nicknamed 'Elliot', was discovered on a property outside Winton in 1999. Lark Quarry, south-west of Winton, contains the world's best record of a dinosaur stampede.

There is heaps to see and do in Winton including: The Waltzing Matilda Centre displaying the mystery and romance of the Waltzing Matilda legend!

The Corfield & Fitzmaurice Dinosaur Diorama, which is an interpretation of the dinosaur stampede which took place 95 million years ago at a place now known as Lark Quarry Conservation Park. Also on display are the skeletal parts of 'Elliot', which have been recovered so far and a display about Opalton and its history of Opal Mining.

Winton is also home to one of the few remaining OPEN AIR PICTURE THEATRES.

Winton is a travellers oasis in the outback providing a wide variety of accommodation and services not to mention that wonderful Aussie hospitality.

Winton is surrounded by the unique and unusual, an adventurers playground with all roads leading to another exciting experience.

THE DINOSAUR STAMPEDE ROUTE Lark Quarry Environmental Park holds a unique experience for visitors. A 93 million-year-old fossil graphically records a dramatic dinosaur stampede - the only footprints of this type in the world. These trackways inspired the stampede scene in Steven Spielberg's movie 'Jurassic Park'.

THE OPAL FOSSICKING ROUTE Try your luck for 'the big one' at Opalton, the heart of Queensland Boulder Opal. Tours of the opal mines are by arrangement.

OLD CORK STATION ROUTE Visit the historic ruins of one of the early pioneer stations, and try your luck at the waterhole for yellow belly, black bream or crayfish. Enjoy the majestic views of Lilyvale Hills from the Cawnpore Lookout and then have a cold one at Middleton.

THE RIVER GUM ROUTE This route starts south of town and takes in many locations of historical significance, including part of Bladensburg National Park. Pack a picnic, relax and enjoy

COMBO WATERHOLE ROUTE See where the Waltzing Matilda legend began - Combo Waterhole is Australia's most famous billabong, immortalised by 'Banjo' Paterson in 'Waltzing Matilda.'

CORFIELD The Pub can identify this tiny town, with a population of 10, only. Corfield is located 90 kilometres from Winton on the sealed road to Hughenden.

It accommodates an airstrip, tennis courts and cricket pitch. The highlight for this Community is the once yearly race meeting, which attracts people from far and wide. The prize money totals $30, 000.

The most incredible part of this visit is to sit under the huge Outback night sky, enjoy the fabulous sunsets, enormous moon, brilliant stars, feel the open space and listen to the silence. MAGIC!

All this and more awaits you in Winton.