RICHMOND is a star attraction on Australia’s Dinosaur Trail and its marine life is one of its biggest tourist attractions. In fact, some of the best marine fossils in the world have been found in this region.
It may seem strange to find marine creatures so far from the ocean, but about 100 million years ago this area was part of an inland sea.
The multi-award-winning Queensland Heritage Trails Network attraction Kronosaurus Korner is home to one of Australia’s most exciting museums primarily dedicated to displaying marine reptiles, as well as a very special land-derived dinosaur named minmi, which is considered Australia’s best preserved dinosaur skeleton. Taking pride of place alongside minmi is the Richmond pliosaur - Australia’s best vertebrate fossil and one of the world’s best pliosaur skeletons. There are also fossilised remains of a kronosaurus, the woolugasaurus, a long necked pliosaur, ichthyosaurs, ancient turtles (notochelones), fossilised giant squids, ammonites, cooyoo victifers and ankylosaurs. Self-guided, self-paced hand-held audio guides are available. Don’t miss the themed theatrette which provides a unique introduction to life about 100 million years ago. Buy a souvenir at the visitor information centre and relax over refreshments at the cafe.
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BP Richmond Roadhouse
Flinders Highway, Richmond Qld 4822
Phone (07) 4741 3316 Fax (07) 4741 3404
Fuels includsing autogas, tyres and repairs seven days, meals
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Then try your hand at finding your own ancient treasures. Mud maps are available at the centre to guide you to selected free designated fossicking sites. You might find shark teeth, fish bones, belemnites, ammonites or various shells.
A unique feature of the Richmond Shire is the prevalence of moonrocks - spherical rocks which sometimes have the fossilised remnants of fish, shells and trees in their cores. They come in a large variety of sizes. Some are about the sizes of golf balls while others are so big that they weigh many tonnes! An excellent display of moonrocks and a commemorative cairn of moonrocks can be viewed at Lions Park. Also on display at the park are local memorabilia and a restored Cobb & Co coach.
Stroll around the interesting historical heritage walk and discover the legacy of buildings that once lined the streets, or visit the Pioneer Cemetery which dates back to the early 1900s.
Visit Lake Fred Tritton. The lake is actually within easy walking distance to all accommodation in Richmond, which offers caravan park, motels, backpacker units and outback pub accommodation. It provides year-round water sports, large sandy beach and children’s water park, paved walking track, jetty and boat ramp. A 2km stroll around the lake, day or night, is a favourite activity among visitors.
Richmond is a good stopping spot for people travelling between Townsville and Mount Isa, as it’s halfway between the two.
