Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park
Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park
Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The dinosaur trackways at the Dinosaur Stampede were formed 95 million years ago when outback Australia was a vastly different place. In stark contrast to the arid climate of today, the landscape was characterised by a great river plain, with towering conifers and lush vegetation interspersed with sandy channels, swamps and lakes brimming with freshwater mussels, lungfish and crocodiles. The climate was humid and cool with an average rainfall of over one metre. It was in this setting that a herd of at least 150 small, two-legged dinosaurs, including carnivorous coelurosaurs about the size of chickens and slightly larger plant-eating ornithopods, came to drink at the edge of a lake. What happened next is immortalised in stone! Over 3,300 footprints of these long-extinct dinosaurs are scattered over the rock face, stark evidence of the terror they must have experienced as they fled the scene upon the arrival of a large theropod. This snapshot of a few terrifying moments has been frozen in time, immortalising the event and making Lark Quarry Conservation Park home to the only known dinosaur stampede in the world. Truly an experience not to be missed!
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Curly2916 contributionsAmazing Sight to SeeWOW. This was amazing to see the footprints and hear the story of the stampede. Very informative guide who was eager to please. Had some great little walks at the Quarry and made you feel as if a dinosaur would come out at any minute. Worth the drive out with some parts of the road being dirt.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 November 2023
- Nicola ASydney, Australia42 contributionsInsightful, fascinating and educational.You may think not yet another drive, 110km to see some dinosaur prints, but the car journey out is so rememberable, feels like the true outback. The tour itself is only around 40mins and the prints are all undercover. My husband and I found it very educational, and mind blowing. Out 10 year old enjoyed it but wasn’t has interested in it as we were. After the tour, we did one of the small walks around the area and got some great photos. This actually was our favourite place on the entire 10 day trip.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 April 2024
- Wilco v90 contributionsAnother educational visitAn amazing experience, to look at these foot prints and hear the stories behind it. We came to this part of Queensland for the dinosaurs and it didn't dissapoint us. We had a very knowledgable guide. Definately worth going. Yes, the road is a dirt road but hey, it's called the Outback.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
511 reviews
Excellent
369
Very good
103
Average
28
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Brissy2
Hervey Bay, Australia8,186 contributions
May 2021
It’s unique, authentic and we loved it! Driving from Winton, some of the road is gravel and bitumen and took us about a 1.5hrs - but boy was it worth it. Great countryside along the way too. The complex had a shop, amenities and an outdoor seating area. We went on the 11am tour - duration was 45mins and cost $25 each for seniors. The preserved Dinosaur stampede trackway is inside an air-conditioned building and the viewing platform is above it. The mound in the middle of the display will never be uncovered to protect the footprints (from around 95 million years ago) in case the ones on display are damaged. You can go for a walk on the Spinifex trail outside also. One tip though .. look out for the flies! Man, oh man! Outside they were everywhere and so thick – suggest you pop a fly net over your hat. This stampede trackway is a must see which you won't see anywhere else in the world!
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melbourneros
Point Lonsdale, Australia391 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Long 110km drive over half unsealed road to get to the Dinosaur Stampede
Monument as it is now called. . Dramatic entrance and small display of fossils around cafe . Too small a space for adequate social distancing with 30+ people so we stayed outside . Enthusiastic staff member showed us to small theatrette for 15 min overview of the history of the site . Benches too crowded. I couldn’t see much scientific evidence. Curtains in theatre opened to reveal undercover footprints of three types of dinosaurs. Hard to hear the presenter in large space and laser pointer ineffective for large space and large group.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ragriff
Sydney, Australia161 contributions
Aug 2022
Most of the 210 km road out to this site is unsealed and in places very rough however If your mode of transport can handle it it is a must do. The information centre is a great respite from the sun(and heat) and there is a nice little cafe if you have time to spare. We had previously bought a composite ticket which is able to get access to all four dinosaur sites and greatly saved us the single day entry fee. The guide was incredibly informative with lots of information on what was going on on the mudflats in the possibly 2 to 5 minutes of the stampede that occurred 98 million years ago.
There are two walking tracks that are accessible through the cafe, one 750 meter walk to a lookout is worth the effort, the longer walk should only be done on cooler days or if you are well accustomed to walking in the heat.
There are two walking tracks that are accessible through the cafe, one 750 meter walk to a lookout is worth the effort, the longer walk should only be done on cooler days or if you are well accustomed to walking in the heat.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KisuKali
Perth, Australia33 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
A 220km round trip from Winton and a $30 entry fee to look at dinosaur footprints, only available as ‘a tour’ at certain (fixed) times. While the significance of the find is clear, the video shown to those on the tour is abysmal, both for quality and content. Much money has been spent building a climate-controlled shed to protect the footprints, but I doubt if the video bill was much over $50. If it was, they should seek a refund. There is so much that could be done with computer graphics to explain both the excavation process, and the stampede itself. As for visiting this site - yes it might be the only ‘dinosaur stampede’ site in the world, but until the Lark Quarry management lift their game, I do not consider it worth the cost of admission or the (considerable) cost of fuel to get there and back. Give this one a miss, folks.
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salma56
Burleigh Heads, Australia234 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Travelling 110km to Lark Quarry, considering the road and weather conditions at the time of the journey means careful timing to arrive punctually is essential. Ample parking and toilets at the entrance were appreciated. The Centre has a wonderful, informative, covered walkway into the well covered and air conditioned “stampede” area.
Entering a small orientation area first, guides provide information and enjoyable audio visual displays which enhance the experience. Then, doors open and, there they are! Guides give detailed explanations of what scientifically the fossils suggest. Visitors stand around the safety barriers for this ( I forget the time but maybe 20 minutes) so it may be challenging for some people.
Outside, there is an opportunity to take two guided track walks through the area. Grandsons enjoyed “ walking where the dinosaurs walked.) Also as all covered picnic area which I suggest be taken with you. Be mindful of the distance of return travel. We enjoyed our unique experience.
Entering a small orientation area first, guides provide information and enjoyable audio visual displays which enhance the experience. Then, doors open and, there they are! Guides give detailed explanations of what scientifically the fossils suggest. Visitors stand around the safety barriers for this ( I forget the time but maybe 20 minutes) so it may be challenging for some people.
Outside, there is an opportunity to take two guided track walks through the area. Grandsons enjoyed “ walking where the dinosaurs walked.) Also as all covered picnic area which I suggest be taken with you. Be mindful of the distance of return travel. We enjoyed our unique experience.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tamara3445
Brisbane, Australia94 contributions
Jul 2020
I was a bit sceptical on the story told as a Kangaroos has 3 toes and I am not convinced it was as they said it was. I also saw other imprints, but I wasn't going to spoil it for others. The kids loved it, so the main thing. There are loads of walks around the centre I would highly recommend. Remember this is outback QLD, so make sure you eat before going or bring plenty snacks. Also take plenty water, but you can buy it at the centre. I would highly recommend they add more souvenir items to their shop area as we would have bought more to help them get more funding for the up keep.
I would have loved the opportunity to go dig for Opals, so who knows they might offer more activities in the future as it is a long drive for a 30mins show. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity of flying it and the staff were amazing and came and got us.
I would have loved the opportunity to go dig for Opals, so who knows they might offer more activities in the future as it is a long drive for a 30mins show. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity of flying it and the staff were amazing and came and got us.
Written 14 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JennyPG69
Noosaville, Australia96 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
It’s hard to write a 5 star review - the actual footprint exhibit deserves it but the lady on the till was brusque and officious so not off to a great start.
Plus the tour guide was cheesy, made droll irrelevant ad lib comments, and was extremely nervous which took away the credibility for us.
The Audio/Visual part of the tour, although informative, was very juvenile (the iPhone has the same software) and really needs to be more serious and professional given the gravity of the find. Needs some professional marketing people involved.
We had to wait over an hour for the next tour (book ahead for sure) so we went on a lovely and very easy trail walk. The setting is just stunning.
It’s $30 for the talk and the footprint viewing.
It’s a 90 minute ish drive from Winton - half unsealed road but very well graded. It was dry season so much easier.
Saw lots of wildlife on the way including emus and eagles.
No amenities en route, so pee before you leave :)
There is a tiny cafe there, with push button coffee.
So in summary, they could do so much better because the footprints are indeed pretty cool but the whole package just lacks tourist appeal. Thank you.
Plus the tour guide was cheesy, made droll irrelevant ad lib comments, and was extremely nervous which took away the credibility for us.
The Audio/Visual part of the tour, although informative, was very juvenile (the iPhone has the same software) and really needs to be more serious and professional given the gravity of the find. Needs some professional marketing people involved.
We had to wait over an hour for the next tour (book ahead for sure) so we went on a lovely and very easy trail walk. The setting is just stunning.
It’s $30 for the talk and the footprint viewing.
It’s a 90 minute ish drive from Winton - half unsealed road but very well graded. It was dry season so much easier.
Saw lots of wildlife on the way including emus and eagles.
No amenities en route, so pee before you leave :)
There is a tiny cafe there, with push button coffee.
So in summary, they could do so much better because the footprints are indeed pretty cool but the whole package just lacks tourist appeal. Thank you.
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravellingQldlanders
Morayfield, Australia951 contributions
May 2021
We are extremely lucky as a nation to have this internationally unique site. Firstly, to have a stampede of dinosaurs 95 million years ago, the by chance finding of the site and finally the preservation of the site. There are foot imprints of 3 types of dinosaurs a large theropod, who it is believed started the stampede amongst the chicken-sized theropods called coelurosaurs and ornithipods emu-sized. On site you can clearly see the 3 different footprints. The tour was well presented with a video initially then a walk above the stampede area. 110 km from Winton about 45% on reasonable dirt road, my 2 wheel drive did it easily - it is well worth the trip. You need to book ahead.
I haven't included any of the site photos because of copyright.
I haven't included any of the site photos because of copyright.
Written 3 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bev H
Brisbane, Australia221 contributions
Apr 2021
Loved it!
It's hard to believe you are standing where dinosaurs once roamed and the only evidence of a dinosaur stampede in the world. Incredible.
Our guide was informative and happy to answer lots of questions.
The day was too hot to walk too far to check out the countryside but the view was stunning nonetheless
I drove from Longreach to Lark Quarry which I would not recommend. It is 2 hours to Winton then over an hour along a dirt road to the quarry. It was a very long day.
Would highly recommend visiting if you are into history or just into dinosaurs.
It's hard to believe you are standing where dinosaurs once roamed and the only evidence of a dinosaur stampede in the world. Incredible.
Our guide was informative and happy to answer lots of questions.
The day was too hot to walk too far to check out the countryside but the view was stunning nonetheless
I drove from Longreach to Lark Quarry which I would not recommend. It is 2 hours to Winton then over an hour along a dirt road to the quarry. It was a very long day.
Would highly recommend visiting if you are into history or just into dinosaurs.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobynW
27 contributions
Jul 2021
Vicki Jones of Red Dirt Tours picked us up at our motel and before we turned our minds to what she was offering for the day, we thanked her for the Rangelands Rifts and Sunset Tour she gave us the night before in which she told us how the rocks in this area were formed and then showed us how they deteriorate. We watched the sun go down while nibbling on a plate of cheese and biscuits and other goodies, and with wine to suit both red and wine pallets. The tour today included a tour of Carisbrooke Station (where Lyndon B. Johnson once found himself, by accident, or almost accident) before we got to Lark Quarry and the dinosaur stampede. The 'tour' started with a short film and explanation about the dinosaur footprints and how it is thought that they came about, then a curtain was pulled back and we could view the well-preserved footprints. Some of us did a short walk in the area before the 'tour'. Afterwards Vicki served delicious fruit salad for afternoon tea.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Planning a trip to outback QLD and going to Winton and out to Lark Quarry late July/early August and was wondering what the road is like driving out there? Trying to hire a car from Longreach and all that we can get is a Camry - even booking now (January). So, I guess my question is - will the Camry be ok or should we just plan a different holiday!
Written 22 January 2024
Road to Lark from Winton is fine for "normal' vehicle - a bit of dirt - just drive to conditions - but mainly black top as I recall - a good map will show you if sealed etc.
Written 24 January 2024
Can we take our small white dog with us on the Lark quarry tour. If not, is there any dog sitting places we can leave her?.
Regards
Anne
Written 29 June 2023
Can you explore on your own or do you have to join a tour?
Written 23 January 2022
It is not an explorer on own thing . The stampede is enclosed in a building and the rangers do tours to explain what is happening and how it was all formed .
Written 24 January 2022
Is WINTON the only place to stay if you’re not camping?
Written 12 May 2019
If you are not camping, there are motels and hotels in both Winton and Longreach and they seem quite reasonable, but not having stayed at any of them I cannot really comment on the standards - perhaps best to read reviews from those who have stayed in one or other of the hotels/motels. Winton id the closer town to Lark Quarry and there are several accommodation options in the town,
Written 14 May 2019
Hi Dimity!
If you had to choose, would it be the Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry or the Dinosaur Centre in Winton? We are on time constraints.
Written 25 April 2016
It depends on a number of things:
- if you have kids and how old they are
- what time you are travelling through (both locations have show times)
- if you are driving yourself or with a tour (if by yourself the type of vehicle you have)
- which direction you are coming from. Age of the dinosaurs is on the road from Longreach so easy to call into. The stampede is maybe an hour out of Winton heading southish
- most of allot depends on what interests you. They are two extremely different experiences. If bones fascinate you go to the Age of the dinosaurs. If the fascination of 95 million year old foot prints (the only such stampede known on the planet) well head to the stampede ground.
I hope this response has been of some assistance.
Dimity
Written 25 April 2016
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