Spotlight on The Best Things to do in Winton QLD
I don’t know what it is about Outback QLD but the small towns really punch above their weight when it comes to things to do and Winton QLD is no exception!
Located in Outback QLD, Winton is considered to be the Dinosaur Capital of Australia. Combine that with the opportunity to fossick for opals and quirky attractions, and you have one unforgettable outback holiday.
Here are some of the fun things to do in Winton QLD.
Things to do in Winton QLD
Visit The Australian Age of Dinosaurs
One of the most popular things to do in Winton is to visit The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. Visitors can find it easily around 24km southwest of the town and the Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. Tour the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, Reception Centre, and the March of the Titanosaurs exhibition at Dinosaur Canyon.
Learn about the unique dinosaurs that lived 100 million years ago, including ”Banjo”, Australia’s greatest carnivorous dinosaur. Even if you are not a die-hard dino fan, you can still enjoy the location. It’s set on 1,800 hectares of spectacular mesa plateau with great scenery, walking trails and wildlife.
Tours go for around three hours and must be booked in advance, so make sure to book your ticket before you arrive.
Pssst.. Learn about other amazing places in Outback QLD to experience dinosaurs by checking out our post on the Dinosaur Trail!
Check Out The Amazing Dinosaur Stampede Near Winton QLD
Located around 110km from Winton is Lark Quarry, said to have inspired the dinosaur stampede scene in “Jurrasic Park”. Lark Quarry features real-life dinosaur footprints preserved in the amazing landscape. This means that families can stand in the very same spot that dinosaurs once roamed!
This fascinating site is protected from the elements by a large solar-powered shed using ecologically sustainable methods. Entry to see the dino footprints are by tour only, departing at various times daily. Book your ticket direct from the Dinosaur Trackways website in advance. This is one of the coolest things to see around Winton QLD!
Noodle for Boulder Opals at Opalton
Around 100km southwest of Winton QLD, try your luck noodling for Opals at Opalton. The word noodling basically means to search for opals in the remains left behind from miners.
Noodling is quite easy once you learn how. Bring along a spray bottle full of water and stroll among the pickings left behind from miners, spraying anything vaguely sparky with your spray bottle. If you see a flicker of colour when the water hits, there is a good chance you have found yourself a boulder opal!
Opalton is not really a town. It’s more of a campsite with running water and showers set up right next to the public fossicking area. The campsite works on an honesty box system for a few dollars per adult and a donation for the WiFi. There is a communal closed-in eating area here to escape the bugs.
Cool Down at The Waterpark in Winton QLD
Not many people are aware of this, but Winton actually has a cool little waterpark at the public pool right in town. There are slides, shady areas, a dumping bucket, water mushrooms and water jets that spray from the ground up. The only thing is, Winton’s water supply is bore water and trapped within the water is sulphur gas, so it has a very distinctive smell. Combine this with the smell of chlorine and it takes a little getting used to. It’s not overpowering but it is noticeable to visitors who are not used to the smell.
There is also a pool here for swimming and a snack shop with chips, lollies and drinks etc.
Play The Musical Fence
Winton’s musical fence is a lot of fun for families and is free to use for anyone who wishes to make some noise. Featuring plenty of percussion opportunities, it is said to be the first permanent musical fence installation in the world. You can find this music-making playground behind the Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum near the Industrial Estate.
For families into geocaching, there is one located here. I’m not telling where so don’t ask!
Explore Bladensburg National Park
Only 7km from Winton QLD, Bladensburg National Park was originally a grazing property. The property officially became a National Park in 1994 and now the public can view the station history at the old Homestead, Shearing Shed and surrounding buildings.
Bladensburg National Park has a fascinating landscape of around 85,000ha of Mitchell and Flinders grass downs and Channel Country, flat-topped mesas and plateaus. The bird watching is epic here.
Camping is available at Bough Shed Hole, a popular swimming spot with bush toilets.
Visit The Waltzing Matilda Centre
The Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton QLD is pretty awesome. Although there is a museum dedicated to the song (the first of its kind in the world), it’s also so much more. There is an exhibition space, a cafe, an art gallery, and the Qantilda Museum. The Quantilda Museum tells the story and history of the Winton Shire and the birth of QANTAS via an interactive display.
Stroll Through The Town of Winton QLD
Make some time to stroll through the town of Winton itself. There are plenty of opportunities to marvel over the opals, grab some gifts and of course, take advantage of the great bakery in town. Visiting small-town bakeries is probably one of my favourite things to do when road tripping in Outback QLD!
Catch a Flick at The Royal Theatre Open Air Picture Show
One of only two remaining open-air picture theatres in Australia that are still operating, The Royal Theatre Winton is not to be missed. The theatre was originally established in 1918 and is operated by a not-for-profit group.
This is a really unique experience to catch a flick under the Outback QLD sky.
Visit The Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum
I don’t know about you, but I really love checking out old vehicles. This Winton Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum features historic trucks, vehicles and machinery, as well as bits and pieces of transport memorabilia and photographs
Check Out Arno’s Wall
Arno’s Wall is one of the quirkier attractions in Winton QLD and is absolutely worth checking out. The wall reaches two metres high and extends for at least 70 metres but contains nearly every household item you can imagine… plus a bit more. Within the concrete and rock, you will also find typewriters, sewing machines, motorbikes, boat propellers, rusted lawnmower parts and who knows what else!
Time Your Visit to Experience One of Winton’s Fun Events
The Winton Outback Festival is a great time to visit Winton QLD. Held during the September school holidays, the festival goes for five days and ends with a hilarious event in the Quilton Australian Dunny Derby. There is great entertainment, lots of fun for the kids, and some gruelling sporting events to either watch or participate in.
Alternatively, head out around April for the Way Out West Festival to celebrate Australian music in the outback!
Looking For More Outback Queensland Inspiration?
For more information on great places and awesome activities in Outback Queensland, head on over to our Outback Queensland page. Likewise, head back to the home page for more inspiration around Australia and worldwide.
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