Plan a roar-some Outback Escape this Dinosaur Day
Celebrate National Dinosaur Day with a dino-filled escape from the Gold Coast to Queensland’s prehistoric Outback.
What’s happening?
Queensland celebrates National Dinosaur Day on May 7, and it’s the perfect excuse to trade the beach for bones and explore one of the world’s richest dinosaur destinations. From ancient marine reptiles to stampeding herds, the Outback tells a 200-million-year-old story just waiting to be uncovered—and it starts only a road trip or short flight from the Gold Coast.
Why it matters
Queensland holds over 80% of Australia’s dinosaur fossil finds, including 10 of the world’s most significant dinosaur and megafauna discoveries. These aren’t fantasy creatures—they’re real fossils under your feet. “Dinosaurs were Earth’s OG rockstars—massive, fierce, and sometimes downright weird,” say Queensland tourism operators. And best of all? They lived right here.
Local Impact
More Gold Coast families are choosing regional getaways that combine learning with hands-on fun. National Dinosaur Day drives tourism to Outback towns like Winton, Richmond, Hughenden, and Eromanga, supporting museums, campsites, fossil dig experiences, and local businesses.
By the Numbers:
Cooper the Titanosaur, found in Eromanga, is Australia’s biggest dinosaur.
Kronosaurus queenslandicus from Richmond had banana-sized teeth—30cm long!
Lark Quarry near Winton preserves over 3,000 dinosaur footprints in the world’s only known stampede site.
Zoom In
Here’s where to go on your next Outback road trip or school holiday adventure:
Eromanga Natural History Museum – Explore fossil labs, meet palaeontologists, and see Cooper in the fossil flesh.
Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden – Home to Hughie the Muttaburrasaurus and fossils from the ancient inland sea.
Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond – Dive into Queensland’s marine past with Australia’s most complete marine reptile fossils.
Riversleigh Fossil Centre in Mount Isa – A UNESCO World Heritage site with rare fossil mammals like marsupial lions and giant platypuses.
Zoom Out
Can’t hit the road just yet? Celebrate from home:
🎨 Create your own dinosaur species with art and glitter.
📚 Read dino-themed books from the Gold Coast Library.
🎬 Host a movie marathon—Prehistoric Planet, Jurassic Park, or The Land Before Time.
🦴 Make salt dough fossils or dig up painted pasta bones.
📣 Join the #RoarLikeADino challenge online.
🎶 Play Dorothy the Dinosaur by The Wiggles and dance like it’s the Cretaceous.
What to Look for Next?
National Dinosaur Day is the perfect chance to plan your next Queensland adventure. Visit dinosaurexperiences.com and choose from scenic road trip routes like:
Whether you’re a parent planning school holidays, a grey nomad chasing new stories, or just a dino-obsessed traveller, this prehistoric trail is calling.