Winton: Dinosaur, Opal and Waltzing Matilda Country
WINTON is a small Outback Queensland town with an extraordinary amount of history.
This is dinosaur country, home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and, further afield, the famous dinosaur trackways at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. Winton also has a special place in Australian folklore as the town where Waltzing Matilda was first performed publicly at the North Gregory Hotel.
Then there’s Opalton, an historic opal-mining area about 125 kilometres south of Winton, where fossickers and miners still search for Queensland boulder opal.
I visited Winton in 2021. These photographs capture some of the places and characters I encountered along the way.
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The rugged Outback Queensland landscape surrounding the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum near Winton. Photos by Jocelyn Watts.
Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, about 25 kilometres from Winton, houses Australia’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.
Perched on a dramatic mesa overlooking the surrounding outback, the museum combines fossil preparation and research with exhibitions telling the story of the dinosaurs that once roamed this part of Queensland.
Visitors can see dinosaur fossils and watch technicians working in the fossil preparation laboratory. The museum also provides an intriguing glimpse into the painstaking process of uncovering, preparing and identifying remains that have survived for millions of years.
For anyone interested in Australia’s prehistoric past, it’s one of Winton’s standout attractions.
Lark Quarry Conservation Park
About 110 kilometres southwest of Winton, Lark Quarry Conservation Park protects thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back around 95 million years.
The trackways became famous as evidence of the world’s only known dinosaur stampede and helped establish Winton’s reputation as one of Australia’s great dinosaur destinations.
Scientists have since debated exactly what happened here. Research has challenged the original stampede interpretation, adding another fascinating chapter to the story of the footprints.
Whatever caused them, standing before tracks made by dinosaurs millions of years ago puts human history rather firmly into perspective.
Opalton
Opalton, about 125 kilometres south of Winton, is an historic Queensland boulder-opal mining area where people have searched for the colourful gemstone since the late 19th century.
It’s a very different experience from Winton’s museums and dinosaur attractions. Here, the landscape itself tells much of the story, dotted with evidence of generations of prospectors hoping to uncover opal beneath the outback earth.
Interest in the region has also been boosted by television programs such as Outback Opal Hunters, which follows miners working across Australia’s opal fields.
During my visit, I photographed local opal miners Joseph Taranto (left) and Stephen Tasic. Both mined at Opalton and elsewhere in the region and operated stores in Winton’s main street.
North Gregory Hotel, Winton
The North Gregory Hotel’s story is one of hardship and survival. It’s also the story of how this grand old Winton hotel became an Australian icon.
The original North Gregory Hotel burned down in 1899 and was quickly rebuilt. Tragedy struck again in 1916 when another fire swept through the building.
During World War II, yet another fire destroyed the hotel. With support from Winton Shire Council, construction of a modern replacement began in 1952. The new North Gregory Hotel opened in 1955 and still stands in the heart of Winton today.
Affectionately known as the Queen of the Outback, the North Gregory has become part of Winton’s folklore.
Its strongest claim to fame is its association with Waltzing Matilda. On 6 April 1895, the song was performed publicly for the first time at the North Gregory Hotel.
The piano pictured in the third photograph in this gallery commemorates that famous moment.
The hotel also has links to the beginnings of Qantas. In 1920, some of the discussions that helped shape the fledgling airline took place at the North Gregory. Qantas was subsequently registered in Winton as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited.
Another remarkable visitor arrived during World War II. In 1942, future US president Lyndon B. Johnson stayed at the North Gregory after the military aircraft carrying him made an emergency landing near Winton.
Explore more of regional Queensland: If Winton appeals to your adventurous side, head north with me to discover 11 things to do in Cooktown, where tropical landscapes meet another fascinating chapter of Australian history.
Planning an Outback Queensland adventure?
A trip to Winton can involve long distances and plenty of time on the road, so a little planning goes a long way.
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Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore Winton and the wider Outback Queensland region at your own pace. Avis Australia offers car hire from locations around Australia.
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Affiliate note: The links above are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through them, Jocelyn Magazine may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Jocelyn Watts