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The Dinosaur Stampede trackways building at Lark Quarry near Winton

Outback Queensland

Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways

On the shore of a lake 95 million years ago, panicked dinosaurs left more than 4,000 muddy footprints as a larger dinosaur tromped among them looking for a meal. Today Lark Quarry Conservation Park, south-west of Winton, protects what Queensland Parks calls the world's only known dinosaur stampede site.

Photo: Philarazzi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

By the Outback Now editorial team · Updated · 3 min read

The stampede

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) tells the story in one word: stampede. Panicked dinosaurs left more than 4,000 muddy footprints on the shores of a lake 95 million years ago, when a larger dinosaur tromped among them in search of a meal.

The ancient rocks bearing the trackways formed over millions of years. Erosion has since exposed them, creating a striking landscape of jump-up country, with flat-topped hills (mesas), gullies and steep, broken escarpments.

The trackways building

The footprints are protected inside a solar-powered shelter built using ecologically sustainable methods. QPWS says the park's infrastructure uses:

  • solar energy
  • rainwater collection
  • minimal-impact construction.

The trackways building is wheelchair accessible. The site is known as the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument.

Tours and fees

Free:

  • entry to the conservation park
  • its two walking tracks
  • the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument visitor information centre.

Paid: access to the dinosaur trackways is by guided tour only, and a fee applies.

QPWS directs visitors to Dinosaur Trackways for tour details and bookings, through the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton, at 50 Elderslie Street. Phone (07) 4657 1466 or 1300 665 115.

Who manages Lark Quarry

Lark Quarry is jointly managed by QPWS and Winton Shire Council. The Queensland Museum provides scientific advice on protecting the trackways.

Walks

QPWS says it's not just the trackways that will amaze you. Two walking tracks explore the spinifex-dominated jump-up country of the 400-hectare park.

Spinifex circuit: 500 m, allow 30 minutes (Grade 3). The walk starts at the trackways building and returns to the car park. A lookout gives views of the Mitchell grass downs to the east and the Channel Country to the west. It's steep in places, so take care at the lookout's edges.

Jump Up loop: 3.5 km, allow 90 minutes (Grade 4). This loop branches off the Spinifex circuit.

  • It's an unformed cross-country track with subtle markers.
  • The route skirts several gullies and climbs along the western escarpment before rejoining the circuit.
  • QPWS says only well-prepared, experienced walkers should attempt it.
  • Look for wallaroos snoozing under the cliffs, and lizards (maybe a snake) basking in sunny spots.

When walking, wear sun protection and sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water.

Picnic area and wildlife

There's a picnic area with a non-flush toilet and a sheltered picnic table.

Birds. Commonly seen species include:

  • spinifex pigeons and painted finches
  • crimson chats and singing honeyeaters
  • spinifex birds and little woodswallows.

Reptiles and mammals. Ring-tailed dragons sun themselves on rocks, and wallaroos are common.

Getting there

Lark Quarry is 110 km south-west of Winton.

  • Vehicle. QPWS says you can reach it in a conventional vehicle, but a 4WD is recommended.
  • Directions. Stop in Winton for directions and the latest road conditions.
  • Travel time. Allow two hours for the rough, partly unsealed road.

Rain. Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable. QPWS advises carrying at least two weeks' worth of extra supplies in case you're stranded.

Before you go, check:

  • Queensland Traffic or the council for road conditions
  • the park alerts page
  • the Bureau of Meteorology.

Staying safe

The park is semi-remote, and QPWS says rangers may not be there to help. Its advice:

  • Water. Carry at least 7 litres per person per day, plus emergency food and water for two weeks.
  • Cooking. Bring a portable fuel stove, because fires aren't permitted.
  • Vehicle spares. Pack spare tyres, oil, coolant and recovery gear.
  • Communication. Mobile coverage is poor in the park, so consider a UHF radio, satellite phone or personal locator beacon.
  • Breakdowns. Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down.

Fuel and supplies are in Winton, 110 km away.

When to go

Opening. The park is open all year, but it may close at times for extreme weather or management operations.

Best time. QPWS recommends April to September, since summer temperatures reach over 40°C and summer rain often causes flooding.

Rules

  • No camping and no campfires.
  • No domestic animals.
  • Take all your rubbish with you, because no bins are provided.
  • Leave everything as you find it.

Nearby:

Frequently asked questions

Is the road from Winton to Lark Quarry sealed?

Not entirely. QPWS describes it as a rough, partly unsealed road and says to allow two hours for the 110 km trip from Winton. You can reach the park in a conventional vehicle, but a 4WD is recommended. Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable, so check road conditions in Winton first.

How much does it cost to visit Lark Quarry?

Entry to the conservation park, its two walking tracks and the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument visitor information centre is free. Access to the dinosaur trackways themselves is by guided tour only, and a fee applies. Book through Dinosaur Trackways, contacted through the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton.

Can you camp at Lark Quarry?

No. QPWS says camping is not permitted at Lark Quarry Conservation Park, and campfires are not allowed. There's a range of accommodation in and around Winton, 110 km away.

What is the biggest dinosaur experience in Australia?

It's hard to rank, but Lark Quarry is unique. QPWS describes it as the world's only known dinosaur stampede site, with more than 4,000 footprints. It's part of a cluster of dinosaur attractions in Queensland's Central West, which our Australian Dinosaur Trail guide covers.

When is the best time to visit Lark Quarry?

QPWS recommends April to September. Summer daytime temperatures exceed 40°C, and summer rain often causes flooding. Flooding can occur up to two weeks after rain falls elsewhere in the catchment, causing unexpected creek rises and road closures.

Sources and further reading

Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.

  1. Lark Quarry Conservation Park — Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
  2. About Lark Quarry — Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
  3. Things to do, Lark Quarry Conservation Park — Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
  4. Visiting safely, Lark Quarry Conservation Park — Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
  5. Queensland Traffic — Queensland Government

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