Step back in time: Discover Queensland Dinosaur Week

There’s something about the outback that slows you down. The sky feels bigger. The land stretches endlessly, red earth meeting distant horizons. Standing there, it’s hard not to feel a deep connection to the past, as though the landscape itself is holding onto millions of years of stories beneath your feet. 

During Queensland Dinosaur Week 2026, that feeling becomes something more tangible. You’re no longer just travelling through outback Queensland. You’re walking through a place where dinosaurs once roamed. Fossils, footprints, and ancient discoveries bring the past to life in ways you don’t often experience firsthand. 

If you’ve ever been curious about Australia’s prehistoric history, this is the perfect opportunity to explore it. 

What is Queensland Dinosaur Week?

Queensland Dinosaur Week is a new, annual state-wide celebration of prehistoric discovery, science and storytelling. Held each May and anchored by National Dinosaur Day, the event invites visitors to explore Queensland’s globally significant fossil heritage in the places where it was uncovered.

Across outback Queensland, fossil-rich communities including Longreach, Winton, Hughenden and Richmond come together with museums, researchers, tourism operators and educators to showcase the state’s extraordinary dinosaur, marine reptile and megafauna stories.

Throughout the week, visitors can take part in guided tours, hands-on fossil experiences, exhibitions and family-friendly events that go well beyond a traditional museum visit. Many experiences are immersive and on-site, allowing travellers to stand in the very landscapes where fossils continue to be discovered.

Queensland Dinosaur Week also marks the launch of The Great Queensland Dinosaur Trail, positioning Queensland as Australia’s leading destination for paleo tourism while supporting visitation, education and regional pride across the state.

For road trippers and outback explorers, Dinosaur Week adds a deeper layer to the journey, turning long drives and wide-open landscapes into a meaningful connection with Australia’s ancient past.

Browse the full 2026 Dinosaur Experiences programme

Dinosaur experiences worth the drive

Queensland Dinosaur Week showcases some of Australia’s most significant fossil sites, each revealing a different chapter of the region’s prehistoric past.

Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton

Set high on a mesa overlooking the surrounding plains, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs is one of the region’s standout attractions. 

Guided tours take you through working fossil laboratories, where you can see real dinosaur bones being prepared and studied. You’ll learn how discoveries are made, cleaned and preserved, gaining insight into the meticulous work behind each find. It is educational without feeling overwhelming and fascinating whether you’re a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast or simply curious.

Dinosaur Stampede National Monument

At the Dinosaur Stampede is one of the most dramatic fossil sites anywhere in the world. 

Here, hundreds of preserved footprints tell the story of a moment frozen in time. A herd of dinosaurs was moving quickly across soft ground, suddenly changing direction. Standing beside the tracks, it’s easy to imagine the scene unfolding millions of years ago. It’s a powerful reminder of just how alive this landscape once was. 

Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond

If you’re heading further afield, Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond is well worth the detour. 

Unlike the land-based fossils found elsewhere, Richmond’s discoveries come from an ancient inland sea. Expect impressive marine reptiles, massive fossil skeletons and exhibits that reveal a completely different chapter of Queensland’s prehistoric history. It’s an unexpected contrast that adds richness to the overall Dinosaur Week experience. 

Flinders Discovery Centre, Hughenden

In Hughenden, the Flinders Discover Centre brings dinosaur history to life through engaging displays and interactive exhibits. 

Home to “Hughie”, the famous Muttaburrasaurus, the Centre strikes a great balance between education and accessibility. It’s an ideal stop whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with younger companions who enjoy learning by seeing and doing. 

Make Longreach Tourist Park your basecamp

After a day of exploring outback roads and ancient sites, where you stay makes a real difference. 

At Longreach Tourist Park, everything is set up for a comfortable, easy-going base for Dinosaur Week adventures. With spacious powered sites, clean and well-maintained amenities, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s well suited to travellers planning a longer stay. 

Longreach isn’t just a stop along the way. It’s an ideal base for exploring the wider region. With plenty of things to do in Longreach, including local attractions, dining options and amenities, it offers the comfort and familiarity that makes extended travel easier.