Eromanga Natural History Museum
JULY 2023 ISSUE
FROM COLOSSAL prehistoric creatures to epic proportions of red dirt, Australia really is home to some big attractions.
Here are five must-see items in Outback Queensland to tick off your travel bucket list.
1 Make friends with Australia’s Biggest Dinosaur
Hit the GPS and head out west to Eromanga and get up close and personal with Australia’s largest dinosaur…well, its remaining skeleton.
The award-winning Eromanga Natural History Museum is home to ‘Cooper,’ a titanosaur that once measured 30 metres long.
Tourists travel far and wide to get up close to this fossil as it is one of the top 10 largest dinosaurs in the world.
2 Adventure to Big Red Sand Dune
Standing at more than 40 metres tall, there’s no way you’ll miss the famous Big Red Sand Dunes of the Simpson Desert.
No Outback adventure is complete without sandboarding down vibrant red slopes or embarking on a 4X4 off-road adventure.
If you’d rather keep both feet on the ground, enjoy champagne as the sun starts its descent or prepare for a stargazing experience like no other as the vast Outback sky reveals its celestial wonders.
For those who like big adventures, the Big Red Bash is the ideal Outback event, holding the title for the world’s most remote music festival.
3 Meet the Big Stockman
Feel the towering presence of the Big Stockman as you make your way across the road between The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum, a fitting tribute to the rugged pioneers who shaped the Outback’s heritage.
Walk in the footsteps of the stockmen and immerse yourself through displays and exhibitions that will transport you back in time.
4 Take a selfie with Krys the Croc
Stop at Karumba during your Outback adventure to visit a life-size statue of the largest saltwater crocodile ever caught.
Known by many as ‘Krys’, the statue is 8.64 metres long and visitors love to pose in between the jaws of this ancient reptile.
5 Walk The Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail
Dust off your hiking boots and walk along the scenic Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail in Aramac. Boasting open wide landscapes and encompassing 40 sculptures along the way (with more added every year), the landmark attraction is globally recognised as one of the largest, permanent outdoor exhibitions in the world.
Visitors can travel the 200km loop either way and take in historical animals and figures, including Outback Queensland’s very own hero, rugby league star Johnathan Thurston.
GET OUT AND SEE THIS GREAT COUNTRY
A NEW campaign has been launched aimed at encouraging more Aussies to explore one of this country’s most famous regions.
The ‘Greatopia’ promotion inspires visitors to explore the Great Ocean Road region of Victoria beyond the typical coastal route to deepen their experience of the area.
Initiated by Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism, the campaign brings attention to the region’s unique landscapes, friendly locals, delicious food, dining experiences and range of activities. It also showcases the special highlights that winter brings to the area.
Featured experiences include hiking, high ropes courses and mountain biking, deep sea fishing in Portland and attractions that only exist for the wild weather such as the Cape Otway Lightstation.
The Great Otway National Park is at its best in winter, with waterfalls such as Hopetoun Falls, Phantom Falls and Erskine Falls flowing at full force. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is another must-do regional Victorian experience.
“The Greatopia campaign is a national release aimed at inspiring visitors not only from Greater Melbourne, Geelong, and regional Victoria, but also from key interstate markets to discover and explore the Great Ocean Road region at their own pace during winter,” said Liz Price, General Manager of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism.
“Our charming towns, breweries, cultural experiences, wild and spectacular landscapes offer a range of activities to suit all tastes: from romantic getaways to family holidays or social outings for special occasions.”
