What’s happening?
National Dinosaur Day is coming up on May 7, and Queensland is front and centre. Known for its ancient marine reptiles and giant land dinosaurs, Queensland is home to more than 80% of Australia’s dinosaur fossil discoveries. From Outback towns like Richmond and Hughenden to UNESCO-listed fossil sites in Mount Isa, this prehistoric trail tells a story 200 million years in the making.
Why it Matters
“Dinosaurs were Earth’s OG rockstars—massive, fierce, and sometimes downright weird,” say Outback tourism reps. National Dinosaur Day fuels education, tourism, and regional pride by putting Queensland’s fossil history in the spotlight.
These discoveries aren’t just cool—they’re scientifically and culturally significant. They draw families, grey nomads, and dino enthusiasts to rural Queensland, driving year-round visitation and outback exploration.
Local Impact
North Queensland plays a key role in Australia’s dino story. The region is home to two of the state’s most famous fossil museums—Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond and the Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden. Both are reachable from Townsville and featured in Outback Queensland’s official dinosaur road trip itineraries.
By the Numbers:
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Over 80% of Australia’s dinosaur fossil finds come from Queensland.
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Kronosaurus queenslandicus, a 10-metre marine predator with 30cm-long teeth, is on display in Richmond.
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Flinders Discovery Centre houses Hughie, a life-size Muttaburrasaurus and inland sea fossils.
Zoom In
Families from Townsville can plan weekend getaways or school holiday trips along the Overlander’s Way, which connects Townsville to these Outback dino stops. At Kronosaurus Korner, visitors explore fossil prep labs, touch real fossils, and dive into Queensland’s marine past. Hughenden’s Flinders Discovery Centre adds context with inland sea displays and interactive exhibits.
Zoom Out
Queensland’s dino tourism links storytelling, science, and real-world discovery. At home, you can still celebrate by crafting salt dough fossils, reading dinosaur books, or joining the #RoarLikeADino challenge online. Want something bigger? Start planning a school holiday fossil adventure now.
What to Look for Next?
Head to dinosaurexperiences.com to plan your fossil trail drive. From Richmond to Mount Isa, the prehistoric past is waiting—just a road trip away from Townsville.
