Dinosaur Trackways Timeline

95M yrsA Carnosaur causes the stampede of two herds of dinosaurs
1962Fossilised footprints of a dinosaur stampede are discovered by Glen Seymour
1971The first footprints are excavated by the Queensland Museum, American Museum and Natural History Expedition
1976-1977Queensland Museum officers and volunteers carry out further diggings at the nearby Lark Quarry site
1978The approach road to Lark Quarry from the Jundah Road is constructed by the Winton Shire Council
1979A large roof is erected by Queensland Parks and Wildlife to provide protection to the Trackways from the sun and rain
1982The site and surrounding area is gazetted as Lark Quarry Conservation Park. A walkway was opened above the Trackways
1983-1984Preservation work is performed on the Trackways
2002Government funding of $2.5million is allocated in 2002 for the preservation and presentation of Lark Quarry as part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network initiative. The complex is officially opened on 18th August, 2002.
Oct 2002One of the internal rammed earth walls collapses, necessitating closure of the complex from 30th October 2002
Apr 2003The complex reopens 11th April 2003
Jul 2004Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways is inducted into Australia's National Heritage List
Aug 2004Australia's Dinosaur Trail is launched, of which the Dinosaur Trackways form an integral part
About Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways


Excavating the Trackways.


The original Queensland Parks and Wildife building erected.


The transition between the new and old buildings - notice the new rammed earth walls are standing, with the remaining steel posts and walkway from the old building.

The Trackways are an important and irreplaceable part of our cultural heritage. The fossilised footprints had been sealed underground and perfectly preserved for 95 million years. But once uncovered they began to deteriorate - water runoff, dust, temperature and humidity fluctuations, wildlife and people damaged the Trackways.

In 2002, a new conservation building, based on environmentally sustainable design principles (ESD) was built. The Lark Quarry redevelopment was one of 32 Queensland Heritage Trails Network projects. The Queensland Heritage Trails Network is a partnership between the Queensland Government, the Commonwealth Government, and local communities to celebrate the Centenary of Federation.

In July 2004, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways was one of the first three natural environment inductees into Australia’s National Heritage List.

Winton Shire Council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service jointly manage Lark Quarry Conservation Park and the Dinosaur Trackways. Queensland Museum provides ongoing Trackways scientific advice.



The new, ecologically sustainable complex, built in 2002.