Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry Conservation Park
Dinosaur Stampede National Monument is situated 110km southwest of Winton in Lark Quarry Conservation Park. The Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry are believed to be unique in the world in that they represent the most concentrated site and only definitive record of dinosaur stampede behaviour. The Stampede is also believed to date back to the Cretaceous Period, 95 million years ago. The footprints consist of three different dinosaurs: the Carnosaur which caused the stampede of the Coelurosaurs and Ornithopods. Approximately 3,300 fossilised dinosaur tracks can be viewed.
Interestingly, the stampede scene in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park was based on the evidence of these Trackways.
In 2002, a new ecologically sustainable building was erected to protect the Trackways and to provide interpretation of the site. In 2004, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways was one of the first three inductees into Australia’s National Heritage List as the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument.
The road from Winton to Lark Quarry Conservation Park is 55km unsealed and 55km sealed, but it is well maintained. Food and drinks are available at the cafe, with EFTPOS facilities available. Fuel is only available in Winton.
For more information about the Trackways, visit www.dinosaurtrackways.com.au, or direct enquiries to the Winton Visitor Information Centre 1300 665 115.