Dry Enough for Dinosaurs
We rolled into Muttaburra with fingers crossed that the dirt road into the freedom camp was firm enough, it was…just. The ground was still drying out from recent rain, and there were enough tyre tracks to make us hesitate. But luck, and some good sunshine, were on our side, and we found ourselves set up on solid enough ground, within walking distance of town.
This tiny outback spot proudly claims a big title, the Home of the Muttaburrasaurus. Discovered just outside town in 1963, this plant-eating dinosaur has become the local hero, immortalised in a life-size statue and a tidy museum display. The cast model towered above us, all teeth and tail, as we read up on how this ancient creature once roamed the land beneath our feet.
The Muttaburrasaurus langdoni was discovered in 1963 by local grazier Doug Langdon, near the banks of the Thomson River close to Muttaburra, hence the name. The fossilised skeleton he stumbled upon turned out to be one of the most complete dinosaur finds in Australia at the time. The species was later named in his honour.
Belonging to the ornithopod group of dinosaurs, the Muttaburrasaurus is estimated to have lived around 100 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period, when much of inland Australia was covered in lush forest and floodplains. It’s thought to have been a herbivore, possibly feeding on tough vegetation with its strong, beak-like mouth. That distinctive, enlarged snout? Palaeontologists believe it may have been used for vocalisation, maybe a deep honk to communicate with others.
While the original fossils are housed in Queensland Museum collections, the life-size replica in town is a brilliant tribute to one of the country’s most iconic dinosaur discoveries and a reminder that even in the middle of Outback Queensland, history runs deep beneath your feet.
Just around the corner, we visited the Centre of Queensland sign, a quirky photo op and a fun claim to fame. It might not be the actual geometric centre, but it’s a solid symbolic one, and we couldn’t resist grabbing a snap.
Muttaburra wears its history with quiet pride. From the Dr Arratta Memorial Museum to the old hospital and creative sculptures scattered through town, it’s clear the locals care about preserving and sharing their stories. Unfortunately, the hospital museum was closed, but that gives us a reason to come back another time!
We didn’t need much more than a quiet camp, a bit of dinosaur wonder, and a town with heart. Muttaburra gave us all three. Oh, did we mention the locust plague in town and the hundreds of birds circling to catch them? A little spooky!
Exploring the unbeaten paths of Australia, one adventure at a time! 🌿 Follow along as we uncover hidden gems, tackle rugged terrains, and head Off the Main Road to embrace the thrill of exploring offbeat destinations. 🚙💨
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