THIS YEAR, the Toronto Krono is coming home to Richmond. The fossil, Kronosaurus queenslandicus, is the most complete example of a kronosaur ever found and it will have pride of place at the BHP Billiton Cannington Gallery One while on a 12-month loan from the Queensland Museum.

The gallery wll be officially reopened during the Richmond Fossil Festival, to be staged from April 29 to May 3 this year.

The kronosaur lived about 110 million years ago when this area was part of a vast inland sea. The fossil of this huge marine reptile was found at Toronto Park north of Richmond and was collected in 1979.

Richmond is a star attraction on Australia’s Dinosaur Trail because some of the best marine fossils in the world have been found in the region. Kronosaurus Korner is the place to marvel at it all, as the complex combines an accredited visitor information centre with a working laboratory and the marine reptile centre. The museum has a bright new look. Self-guided, self-paced hand-held audio guides are available and a theatrette provides a unique introduction to prehistoric life. Buy a souvenir at the visitor information centre and relax over refreshments at the cafe.

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.

And just to remind you that you are in kronosaurus country, Richmond now has colourful krono-themed rubbish bins.

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 and Co coach.

Stroll around the interesting historical heritage walk and discover the legacy of buildings that once lined the streets. Fittingly, the heritage walk starts at the Cobb and Co coach near the Jack Brown Lions Park. Ask for a map at the visitor information centre. For more history, visit the Pioneer Cemetery which dates back to the early 1900s.

One of Richmond’s most appreciated attractions is 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 (the lake is lit at night), is a favourite activity among visitors. Free barbecues and picnic tables are situated at the site. Something special to see while you’re there is the Richmond Community Bush Tucker Gardens, showcasing native plants used by Aborigines for both their culinary and medicinal uses. See the waterfall and other features including a 2m-high moonrock which encases a 100-year-old timber fossil.

Another attraction is the Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre, which was opened last year. One of the prize exhibits among the memorabilia from yesteryear is a fully restored Cobb and Co coach.

Richmond is a good stopping spot for people travelling between Townsville and Mount Isa, as it’s halfway between the two.