Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 6 . QUEENSLAND & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
On the Dinosaur Trail
Few people know that Steven Speilberg’s inspiration for a scene for
the blockbuster Jurassic Park was a fossil discovery in Outback Queensland
. . . the stampeding footprints of 150 terrified coelurosaurs and
ornithopods at Lark Quarry.
Lark Quarry is one of the most amazing fossil sites in the world,
recording a dramatic moment in time 95 million years ago, when the
hot, dusty area outside Winton was once a small prehistoric lake. A
large flesh-eating carnosaur trapped around 150 smaller coelurosaurs
and ornithopods at the lake edge, causing them to flee in panic.
It is the only surviving record of a dinosaur stampede on Earth. The
trackways were undiscovered until 1962, and are now part of the
Queensland Heritage Trails Network (see box p. 253). Recent multi-million-dollar
conservation works include a protective building over the
tracks to conserve the footprints by controlling the temperature,
humidity, and moisture levels, and an elevated walkway for best viewing
and photography of the tracks. A lookout offers panoramic views
over the vast Lark Quarry environmental park. There are also interpretive
displays, picnic tables, and toilets.
Lark Quarry is 110km (69 miles) southwest of Winton, on the
unsealed Jundah Road, about a 2-hour drive. Before setting out,
check road conditions and directions with Waltzing Matilda Centre
(& 07/4657 1466). The best way to get to the site is by guided tour.
Diamantina Outback Tours in Winton (& 07/4657 1309) offers full-day
tours, departing Winton at 8am and returning around 4pm for A$95
(US$62) per person. Outback Aussie Tours in Longreach (& 1300 787
890 in Australia, or 07/4658 3000; www.outbackaussietours.com.au)
runs a 12-hour day tour to Winton for A$125 (US$81) adults, A$89
(US$58) children 3 to 17 on Monday and Friday (Apr–Oct only). Groups
of five or more can charter a flight from Winton to Lark Quarry with
Queensland Outback Tour Services (& 07/4657 1340), for A$110
(US$72) per person.
For more information call the Winton Visitor Information Centre
(& 1800/247 966 in Australia, or 07/4657 1466). Lark Quarry is open
daily from 9am to 4pm. Admission is A$9 (US$5.85) adults, A$5
(US$3.25) school-age children, and A$22 (US$14) per family.
Longreach and Mt. Isa, stopping at Winton. The trip takes more than 8 hours
and costs A$81(US$53). Coach connections from Longreach to Winton are also
available to passengers on the Spirit of the Outback train (Queensland Rail Traveltrain
& 13 22 32).
VISITOR INFORMATION Waltzing Matilda Centre is at Elderslie Street,
Winton (& 07/4657 1466; fax 07/4567 1886; www.matildacentre.com.au). Or
try the Outback Queensland Tourism Authority (& 1800 247 966 in Australia,
or 07/3211 4877) for information before you arrive. If you’re planning to
spend a few days here, buy a “Shin Plaster” pass to Winton’s attractions for A$15