BEYOND the doorway of the old Corfield and Fitzmaurice building in the main street of Winton awaits the nation’s most comprehensive display of Australian dinosaur fossils.
As you enter, pause for a moment to consider that geographically, you’re on the back doorstep of where the fossilised bones of Australia’s biggest dinosaur were discovered. Then go in and find out for yourself why fossil fever has gripped some of the people in this town for years.
The first bones of “Elliot” were found on a Winton property in 1999. Elliot is thought to have been a sauropod and is the largest dinosaur yet found in Australia – believed to be between 16m and 22m long.
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs (AAOD) Display is scientifically accredited, featuring fossilised bones and other remnants of the ancient environment. Over the past six years, the Queensland Museum and AAOD Inc have excavated the extensive bone bed near Winton, and many of these outstanding fossils from massive sauropods and other prehistoric creatures that roamed western Queensland nearly a hundred million years ago are now displayed in the old building.
In the not-too-distant future, AAOD could have even greater finds - for extinct though its attractions may be, this society itself is very much alive and getting bigger and busier.
For a snapshot view of what the world might have been like back then, see the life-size diorama of the Lark Quarry Dinosaur Stampede. This National Heritage monument near Winton is the best example of running dinosaur tracks in the world and a life-size stampede scene has been recreated in the Corfield and Fitzmaurice building showing where small dinosaurs fled in terror from a 10m carnosaur.
Complementing the dinosaur display are a number of smaller ones; some delicate Australian fossil ferns, a meteorite display and an exhibition of local opal, with mining and gemstone information from the Opalton Progress Association.
The Corfield and Fitzmaurice building itself is Heritage listed and is the oldest building in Winton. An intriguing graphic display of eight floating panels depicts its history, including the foundation of the town of Winton.
Within the complex is Combo Crafts, which sells handmade craft of a great variety.
You can purchase a Shin Plaster in Winton and this gives you a discounted pass into Winton’s major attractions including the Corfield and Fitzmaurice display.
Note: The dream for a multi-million-dollar museum is a little closer this year after the donation of a 1500ha property not far from Winton. This mesa country is the perfect place to tell the story of Australia’s long distant past.
Matilda Motel
20 Oondooroo Street, Winton Qld 4735
Phone/Fax (07) 4657 1433 Fax (07) 4657 1623
Air-conditioned units, meals, BBQ area, laundromat
Email: matilda1@dodo.com.au |
