Explore dinosaur trails less travelled

Looking for dinosaur trails in Australia that go beyond the usual tourist circuit? This Dinosaur Trails Australia road trip begins at Lightning Ridge in northern NSW, home to rare opalised dinosaur fossils from the Cretaceous period. From Lightning Ridge to Queensland’s dinosaur country, this is a prehistoric journey for curious travellers, grey nomads and lovers of regional Australia.

HAVE you ever wanted to take a journey in the footsteps of giants? One that is less travelled by man, and full of prehistoric wonder.

Well, now’s your chance because Australia’s dinosaur trails have opened up in this amazing world.

But if you’re already a dedicated traveller, there may be none of the well-known trails left in your repertoire.

So why not invent one of your own? May I suggest a slightly different trail?

If you’re a grey nomad or any other southern self-contained gadabout and you’re heading north to sunny Queensland, start your trail at Lightning Ridge in far northern NSW.

If you’re already in North Queensland, simply start at the other end.

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Lightning Ridge: Australia’s Opalised Dinosaur Fossils

Cretaceous Australia. Photo: Creative Commons

Lightning Ridge is the source of some of Australia’s most spectacular dinosaur fossils; spectacular because they are opalised.

The district is a productive sight for Australian opals, and that can add another dimension to your visit.

Most dinosaur discoveries at Lightning Ridge are from the Early to Mid Cretaceous periods, between 145 mya and 110 mya.

At this time central Australia was covered by a vast, relatively shallow, inland sea. Lightning Ridge would have been on the south-eastern shore of this sea.

These opal fields are the source of several important dinosaur fossil finds. Most recently, the small ornithopod dinosaur, Weewarrasaurus pobeni, was announced in 2019.

This dinosaur was small, approximately dog-sized and likely travelled in family groups or herds for protection. We know it from two fragments of a jawbone and some teeth.

Savour the Outback at Home

Before setting out on Dinosaur Trails Australia — or after you’ve returned from Lightning Ridge — savour a true taste of Australia. Kakadu plum grows wild in Australia’s remote regions and has long been valued for its natural properties. It’s a small but meaningful way to stay connected to the landscapes that shape our prehistoric story.

DISCOVER KAKADU PLUM

Dinosaur fossils found in an opal mine

Prior to that, fossils of what appears to be a herd of larger ornithopod dinosaurs were found deep underground in an opal mine.

This dinosaur, Fostoria dhimbangunmal, is related to the well-known Muttaburrasaurus from North-western Queensland.

Over 60 bones have been discovered for this species representing four individuals.

The species name is a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘sheepyard’ from the locality where the fossils were found.

Numerous other fragments and bones of extinct dinosaurs remain to be identified in the district. Perhaps the most tantalising of these is ‘Lightning Claw’.

This dinosaur is known from very little evidence and none sufficient to flesh it out or officially give it a name.

It is assumed to be a large theropod, a Megaraptor, perhaps the largest of a type of dinosaur rarely found in the Australian fossil record.

Lightning Claw. Photo: Creative Commons

Things to Do in Lightning Ridge (Opals, Fossils & Outback Experiences)

Lightning Ridge has several caravan parks. Check out the fossicking heaps at the Tourist Information Centre.

The John Murray Gallery is a must, and a good meal can be had at the Lightning Ridge Bowls Club.

Try the Car Door Tours; an economical, quaint way to see the sights.

When you get to Lightning Ridge, ask about the new Australian Opal Centre.

The Car Door Tours at Lighting Ridge are a must-see attraction. Photo: Jocelyn Watts

John Murray Gallery mural at Lightning Ridge. Photo: Jocelyn Watts

Travel Gear That Travels Well

If you’re upgrading luggage or packing tools for your next rail or road journey, choose lightweight pieces designed for regional travel.

BROWSE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Planning a Dinosaur Trail Road Trip in Australia

So you’re looking for a destination that’s off the beaten path, why not explore some of Australia’s lesser-known dinosaur trails?

These areas are home to prehistoric creatures that once roamed the earth, and offer an unforgettable experience for travellers of all ages.

Dinosaur Trails Australia: Sunset at Lightning Ridge

Travel Insurance for Regional Australia

For rail journeys and extended road trips, comprehensive cover provides peace of mind — especially for mature travellers.

COMPARE TRAVEL INSURANCE OPTIONS

If you go: Dinosaur Trails Australia – Lightning Ridge

Location: Lightning Ridge, northern New South Wales
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 720 km (8–9 hours by car)
Distance from Sydney: Approx. 770 km (around 9 hours by car)

Best time to visit: Autumn and winter (April–September) offer cooler, more comfortable conditions. Summers can be intensely hot.

Road access: Sealed highways lead into town. Suitable for caravans, motorhomes and self-contained travellers. Always check local road conditions after heavy rain.

Allow: 2–3 days to explore fossil displays, opal fields and outback attractions at a relaxed pace.

Highlights:

• Fossil displays at the Visitor Information Centre

• Opal fossicking areas

• The John Murray Gallery

• Car Door Tours

• Progress on the Australian Opal Centre

Map: View Lightning Ridge on Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lightning+Ridge+NSW

From here, your journey along Dinosaur Trails Australia continues north into Queensland’s prehistoric heartland. In Part Two, explore Winton, Hughenden and Muttaburra along the Queensland Dinosaur Trail — where some of Australia’s most significant fossil discoveries await.

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About the author

Peter Woodland is a contributor to Jocelyn Magazine. A former teacher and school librarian, his interests include computing, geography, palaeontology and good food.

*This piece was first published in Jocelyn Magazine in 2022. It has been lightly edited to update travel information.