In Longreach we visited the Stockman's Hall of Fame and the Qantas Museum. Both highly recommended. The Qantas museum is a little exy if you want to do anything other than look at the museum. We opted for the tour of the 747 which was quite interesting. We also saw the first Qantas jet which only arrived at the museum a few days before we did.
Next we joined the Dinosaur Trail. Christina is very interested in these extinct beasts, so we visited every dinosaur related attraction between Longreach and Mt Isa. First stop Winton and the Lark Quarry. Check out the website as it is explained there much better than I can. Basically, dinosaur footprints were discovered during a routine geological survey. They are now protected and on display for anyone who can make it out to Winton.
Heading out to the Lark Quarry, we came across a snake. We always carry a snake book and we decided it was a black-headed python. As we were not completely confident with our identification, we stayed in the car. Later, in Alice Springs, we were able to confirm our ID. On our way back into town we were flagged down by the local constabulary. This was seriously right out in the middle of nowhere. You guessed it: RBT. Passed with flying colours and then had a chin-wag about the cost of housing in Sydney compared to Winton. It must get boring out there alone all day.
On to Hughenden for the Muttaburrasaurus and then to Richmond, the home of Kronosaurus Korner. It was very interesting as there were many dinosaurs that I had never heard of. Christina had a fabuolous time, checking out all the displays and topping up her personal dinosaur collection!
Last but not least, we visited the Riversleigh Collection at Mt Isa. Mark and I had been there before and there are fewer displays this time so we were a little disappointed. If you are seriously into fossils, you can go out to the Riversleigh fossil fields. We were out there about 10 yrs ago and found it very interesting. If you do go, you must drop in to Lawn Hill NP We didnt get there on this trip but it is a place we definitely plan to go back to.
