This post covers the best things to do in Winton Qld. We loved our four-day stay in Winton on our way to Normanton and Karumba. We will be back to revisit Winton in our travels!
The town of Winton Qld has been on my bucket list for years and is in the heart of Matilda Country and part of the dinosaur trail in outback Queensland. The town epitomises life in the Australian outback, and if you want to experience the true outback, it’s a great place to visit.
Location – Where Is Winton Qld?
Historic Winton Qld is a beautiful, small, outback town located east of Boulia. Boulia to Winton is just under 400 kilometres.
Winton Map
Winton Queensland At A Glance
Here are some stats about Winton, including Winton weather.
| Population | According to the 2021 census there are 856 people living in Winton |
| Location | Shire of Winton Brisbane to Winton 1357 kms Longreach to Winton 177 kms Townsville to Winton 598 kms Cloncurry to Winton 348 kms Emerald to Winton 540 kms |
| Main Economy | Sheep, cattle and tourism |
| Climate | Hot, semi-arid |
| Summer Temperatures | 23 - 38℃ |
| Winter Temperatures | 9 - 25℃ |
| Average Rainy Days | 31.5 |
Things To Do In Winton
Winton is famous for its connections to Waltzing Matilda and QANTAS, together with the many dinosaur fossils that have been discovered.
There is plenty of things to do in Winton that are free and low cost too. First, we’ll look at the paid options.
1. Waltzing Matilda Centre
Waltzing Matilda Winton is the first museum in the world to be dedicated to a song! In 1895, iconic Australian poet and balladeer Banjo Patterson was staying at the nearby ‘Dagworth Station’ when he penned the now-famous Waltzing Matilda.
The original Matilda Centre Winton opened in April 1998 but sadly burnt down in 2015. Nearly all of the Centre’s collection was lost in the fire. Just like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, a spectacular new centre was built by the Winton Shire Council and re-opened in April 2018.
Although only a small museum, the displays on the show are some of the best you will see and are the perfect way to learn about and visualise life in the outback.
Waltzing Matilda Centre
| Opening Hours | March – October 9am - 5pm daily 9am-3pm public holidays November – February 9am – 5pm Mon-Fri 9am – 3pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays Closed Xmas, Boxing & New Year's Day |
|---|---|
| Phone | 07 4657 1466 |
| waltzing@matildacentre.com.au | |
| Address | 50 Elderslie St, Winton |
| Price | Adults: $36.00 each Family 2A & Up to 4K: $85.00 Concession: $32.50 Kids 5-11yrs: $16.00 |
Click here to book your tickets to Waltzing Matilda Centre
2. Australian Age Of Dinosaurs Winton
The area around Winton is world-famous for its many prehistoric fossil discoveries and dinosaurs. Winton is home to The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and the world’s most extensive collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.
The museum is located just a short drive from Winton along sealed roads. Here, you can enjoy guided tours of the dinosaur collection, fossil preparation area and Dinosaur Canyon. We found the tour fascinating. We even touched 95-million-year-old dinosaur bones!
The museum is open year-round, with reduced opening hours and tour times during summer. An Ultimate Dinosaur tour starts at $75.00 for adults and will take three to four hours to complete.
Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum
| Opening Hours | 1 April to 31 October 8.30am to 5pm daily 1 November to 31 March Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm Closed Sundays Closed 24,25,31 Dec | 1 Jan |
|---|---|
| Phone | 07 4657 0078 |
| info@aaod.com.au | |
| Address | Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive The Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary Winton |
| Price - Ultimate Dinosaur Tour | Adults: $75 Concession: $70 Kids 5-17 yrs: $45 Family 2A2K: $200 |
| Price - Winton Dinosaur Capital of Australia VIP pass | Adults: $100 Concession: $90 Kids: $60 Family 2A2K: $260 |
| Price - Australia's Dinosaur Trail pass, 4 in 1 | Adults: $115 Concession: $100 Kids 5-17 yrs: $65 Family 2A2K: $300 |
Click here to book your dinosaur tickets
3. Dinosaur Stampede Winton: Monument At Lark Quarry
In 1962, a fossilised dinosaur footprint was discovered at Cork Station near Opalton. Later, over 3,300 footprints were discovered, forming the only known dinosaur stampede in the world.
Located within the Lark Quarry Conservation Area, the Dinosaur Stampede Monument is a 110-kilometre drive from Winton. 65 kilometres of this road is unsealed, and no fuel is available, so make sure you fill up before leaving Winton.
The Monument is open for tours year-round, with reduced tour times and opening times during summer. Tour prices start at $30.00 for adults.
We did both tours and thoroughly enjoyed them. You can purchase several tickets that encompass a single tour, both tours or several tours in Winton Hughenden and Richmond.
Dinosaur Stampede Lark Quarry
| Opening Hours | 1 April to 31 October 8.30am to 5pm daily 1 November to 31 March Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm Closed Sundays Closed 24,25,31 Dec | 1 Jan |
|---|---|
| Phone | (07) 4657 0078 |
| info@aaod.com.au | |
| Address | Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive The Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary Winton |
| Price | Adults: $30 Concession: $25 Kids 5-17 yrs: $18 Family 2A2K: $70 |
| Price - Winton Dinosaur Capital of Australia VIP pass | Adults: $100 Concession: $90 Kids: $60 Family 2A2K: $260 |
| Price - Australia's Dinosaur Trail pass, 4 in 1 | Adults: $115 Concession: $100 Kids 5-17 yrs: $65 Family 2A2K: $300 |
Click here to book your dinosaur tickets
4. Horse and Carriage Tour
Whenever I find somewhere that has horse and carriage tours, I have to do one. For me, the Winton Horse and Wagon Tour run by Winton Adventure Tours was the perfect way to see more of the town at a much slower pace. The commentary was very interesting and I learnt a lot about the town and its history. It’s such a relaxing way to take in the sights.
5. Helicopter Flight Winton: Outback From Above
Witnessing the jump-up on the ground is an incredible experience. You see a different perspective from the air.
Elite Aviation Services offers three types of tours, including 20, 30 and 90-minute tours of Winton’s greater area.
See the township of Winton, Age of Dinosaurs, from the air. On the 90-minute flight, watch the sunset and see Bladensburg National Park as you sip a beer or glass of wine.
Outback From Above Tours
| Flight | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | Winton township Australian Age of Dinosaurs | $249 pp |
| 30 min | Rangelands Australian Age of Dinosaurs Winton township | $349 pp |
| 90min | Winton Rangelands Australian Age of Dinosaurs Bladensburg National Park. With sunset and drinks | $499 pp |
Click here to book this truly unique experience.
6. Diamantina Heritage Truck & Machinery Museum
Trucking enthusiasts have created this museum with a keen interest in preserving the local trucking history of Winton.
A wide selection of working trucks and prime movers are displayed. Dates range from the 1930s through to the late 1980s.
The museum houses old machinery on loan, mostly from private owners. Out the back, you’ll see the old relics from the past.
Winton's Heritage Truck & Machinery Museum
| Opening Hours | 9am – 4pm daily |
|---|---|
| Price | Adults: $12 Concession: $10 Kids 6-15yrs: $5 |
Click here to book your ticket to the truck museum
Low Cost and Best Free Things To Do In Winton
If you are looking at what to do in Winton on a budget, there are quite a few things to do.
7. Visit The Pelican Waterhole: Landmark Winton
Winton’s was first named the Pelican Waterhole. Situated around one and a half kilometres from central Winton, the settlement moved due to flooding in 1876.
Robert Allen, the local postmaster during that period, renamed Pelican Waterhole to Winton after his home suburb of Bournemouth, U.K.
He reportedly changed the name as he believed Pelican Waterhole was too long for postage stamps.
Remnants of the settlement still exist at the site.
Pelican Waterhole Winton
| Address | Jundah Road, Pelican Waterhole, Winton |
|---|---|
| GPS Coordinates | Lat: -22.394452 Long: 143.040532 |
| Cost | Free |
8. Winton Main Street
No visit to Winton would be complete without a stroll down Elderslie Street – Winton’s historic main street.
A large, grassed island divides the street in two and here you will find sculptures that commemorate the first public performance of Waltzing Matilda.
At the side of the library, you will find some dinosaur murals and information on the Guinness Book of Records Longest Road Train, which was achieved at the 1995 Outback Festival.
9. Jolly Swagman Statue
Just across the road from the Waltzing Matilda Centre, you will find the Jolly Swagman statue. Created in 1959 by sculptor Daphne Mayo, it is dedicated to Banjo Paterson and the many swagmen who lie in unmarked graves across the country.
Jolly Swagman Statue Winton
| Address | 45 Elderslie St, Winton |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
10. Arno’s Wall Winton
One of the things I love most about travelling in Australia is all the quirky things you find, especially in smaller towns. Arno’s Wall is one of those quirky things.
This two-metre-high wall is made of concrete, rock and junk, including car parts, machinery, tools, household items and assorted scrap metal. Look carefully, and you might even find the kitchen sink!
Arno’s Wall Winton
| Address | 19 Oondooroo St, Winton |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
11. Birthplace of QANTAS
Whilst the town of Longreach is better known for its association with the beginning of QANTAS, Winton is its birthplace, with the company first being registered in Winton in November 1920.
Adjacent to the Musical Fence memorialises the first QANTAS Landing Ground used in those early days. It wasn’t until the late 1930s, when bigger planes needed to land, that a longer runway needed to be constructed.
Birthplace of Qantas Winton
| Address | 1 Colston Road, Winton |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
12. Musical Fence Winton
Another thing to do in Winton is visit Winton’s Musical Fence. It is yet another quirky attraction that the kids will have a lot of fun with.
A collection of mainly metal objects that would have been destined for the scrap heap have been turned into ‘musical instruments’. Grab a tubing piece and see what sounds you can create.
Musical Fence Winton
| Address | 1 Colston Road, Winton |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
13. The Opal Walk Winton
You can also visit the Opal Walk and discover the mining history at Opalton and the fascinating origins of opals, the dazzling precious gemstone.
You’ll also see some interesting exhibits of the daily life of the opal miners.
You’ll find the Royal Open Air Theatre Museum at the end of the Opal Walk.
Opal Walk and Museum
| Address | 73 Elderslie Street, Winton |
|---|---|
| Price – Museum | Adult: $10 |
| Price | Free fossicking for kids |
14. Royal Open Air Theatre and Museum
The Royal Open Air Theatre and Museum, built in 1918, still shows movies three nights per week today.
Like many other buildings in Winton, the theatre caught fire and burnt down. Although no one was hurt, the 1938 October fire started with moviegoers inside the theatre. It was rebuilt and opened on 21st December of the same year.
Royal Open Air Theatre Winton
| Address | 69 Elderslie Street, Winton |
|---|---|
| Movie Types | Royal Feature Sunday Classic Nostalgia Night |
| Price | Adult: $15 Kids 12–17yrs: $10 Kids 1-12: $5 |
15. North Gregory Hotel in Winton
If you are after a cold beer or something to eat then check out the historic North Gregory Hotel Winton, best known as being the location of the first performance of Waltzing Matilda.
We also saw poet Gregory North perform and tell stories of Banjo Patterson. Norman does three different stories, and all performances are free. He is fantastic, and we highly recommend seeing at least one of his performances.
North contests the location of Banjo’s first performance and states that Waltzing Matilda was first recited at the Blue Heeler Hotel in Kynuna.
North Gregory Hotel Winton
| Address | 67 Elderslie St, Winton |
|---|---|
| Price | Free entry |
16. The Crack Up Sisters House
You’ll find the Crack Up Sisters’ house at the end of Winton’s main street.
The house was just a house when they first bought it. They only bought half a house! The sisters then built the half-house into what you will see today with the help of the Winton community.
Born and bred in Winton, the sisters are known for their comedy, whip-cracking, acrobatics, clowning, fun and entertainment.
The Crack Up Sisters
| Address | 100 Elderslie St, Winton | |
|---|---|---|
| Play In Our Yard | Adults: $15 Kids 5-17: $10 Kids Under 5: Free Family 2A2K: $40 Couples 2A: $25 + Selfie to Facebook Concession: $13 + Show card and do a dance! | 3-5pm daily |
| Sleepover | Coming soon! |
17. Corfield and Fitzmaurice General Merchants
In 1878, partners Corfield and Fitzmaurice opened Winton’s inaugural general store, which faithfully catered to the needs of the township and pastoral properties until 1987.
The National Trust has recognised and listed this exceptional general store as a heritage site.
Today, a portion of the building is occupied by Combo Crafts, a store offering a wonderful selection of handmade crafts.
The other building section serves as a mini museum featuring the Dinosaur Diorama. The Diorama is an interpretation of the Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways dinosaur stampede.
Other exhibits include the story of Elliot from the Age of Dinosaurs, an Opalton mining display and a wool industry display.
And, of course, an account of the history of the Corfield and Fitzmorris general store.
Corfield and Fitzmorris General Store Winton
| Address | 63 Elderslie Street, Winton |
|---|---|
| Opening hours April to October | Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm |
| Opening hours November to 22nd December | Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm |
| Opening hours 23rd December to 1st Monday of March | Closed |
| Opening hours 1st Monday of March to 31st March | Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm |
| Price | Adult: $5 Concession: $3 Kids: $3 Family: $10 |
18. Winton Aquatic Centre
Recently renovated Winton now has three swimming pools in their aquatic centre.
Winton Swimming Pool
| Address | 45 Elderslie St, Winton |
|---|---|
| Opening hours Seasonal | Monday to Friday 6am – 9am & 2pm – 6pm Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm |
| Entry fee | Adults: $2.50 Kids: $1 |
19. Winton Skate park
Shady skate park with toilets. Suitable for skateboards, bikes and blades.
There is also drinking water and a dump point near the park.
Winton Skate Park
| Address | 118 Vindex St, Winton |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
20. The Spinifex Circuit
The Spinifex Circuit encompasses a self-guided walking circuit around the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument.
From a lookout point at Lark Quarry Conservation Park, you can enjoy breathtaking views of rolling Mitchell grass downs, bordered by distinctive red earth Jump-Ups.
At Dinosaur Stampede, you can find a recyclable flyer that interprets the local ecosystem during the walk.
Spinifex Circuit
| Time (depending on fitness level) | 15 - 30 mins |
|---|---|
| Distance | 500 metres |
| Cost | Free |
Day Trips From Winton
21. Red Dirt Tours
Based in Winton, Red Dirt Tours specialises in small group tours. They will show you the history and all the significant attractions around Winton.
The range of tours includes day tours and longer tours and packages.
Why not sit back and relax and let someone else do the driving?
Red Dirt Tours Winton
| Address | 90 Elderslie St, Winton |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1800 568 968 |
| Tours | Several |
| Price | Various depending on the tour selected |
Click here for more information and to book Red Dirt Tours
22. Bladensburg National Park
Bladensburg National Park is approximately 20 km from the centre of Winton—an easy 20-minute drive.
Made up of almost 85,000 hectares, the sandstone ranges offer spectacular scenery, unique wildlife, birdlife, and plants. You can hike, walk throughout the park, and look out to enjoy the vast scenery from above.
You will find the ranger office and information centre in the restored homestead. You will find a nod to the past pastoral history throughout the park.
If you have a camper trailer or tent, you can camp at the National Park and have a campfire under certain conditions.
Winton Attractions At Night
There are some interesting and unique things to do in Winton at night.
23. Rangeland Rifts and Sunset Tour
On this tour, you will explore the jump-up region of Rangelands Station and discover the fascinating rift formations (narrow channels) caused by erosion.
Then, you’ll take in the breathtaking views from the sunset lookout. Beer, wine and nibbles are provided.
Rangeland Rifts and Sunset tour Winton
| Operator | Red Dirt Tours |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours approximately |
| Departs | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday |
| Price | Adult: $75 Concession: $70 Kids: $55 Family 2A2K: $220 |
Click here for more information and to book the rifts and sunset tour.
24. Dinner and Sheep Show Winton
Delve into the rich history of the sheep industry in Winton, which includes intriguing insights about the shearers’ strike and how the town was established “on the sheep’s back”.
Experience an engaging live demonstration featuring sheep and an Australian Kelpie, accompanied by a fascinating background on working dogs. Additionally, enjoy the art of campfire cooking during the presentation.
Gain a distinctive perspective on the sheep industry through captivating visuals showcasing the operations of a working sheep station.
Click here for more information and to book the dinner and sheep show.
Dinner and Sheep Show Winton
| Venue | Australian Hotel |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Elderslie Street, Winton |
| Duration | 2 hours approximately |
| Price | Adults: $10 Concession: $10 Kids: $5 |
25. Gondwana Stars
Enjoy the night sky from Australia’s first Dark-Sky Sanctuary at the Age of Dinosaurs jump-up. Due to the lack of population and light pollution, Gondwana is the perfect location to admire the Milky Way and stargaze.
Enjoy return transfers from Winton and a small group experience in this Dark-Sky Sanctuary.
This tour is on my list for the next time we visit. It was booked out when we visited Winton.
Gondwana Stars Observatory Winton
| Address | Pick up at your location |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours approxiamtely |
| Price | Adults: $70 Concession: $65 Kids 10-17 yrs: $50 |
Click here for more information and to book Gondwana Stars.
Winton Events
Love festivals? Winton hosts several annual festivals throughout the year.
26. Winton Outback Festival
The Winton Outback Festival is held yearly in September, and in 2022 it is the 50th anniversary of the Festival. Running from Friday until Sunday, you can enjoy music, market stalls, bush poetry, or attend the Gala Anniversary dinner under the stars. Most events are free except for the Gala dinner and the Bush Poets breakfast.
27. Way Out West Festival
Winton’s Way Out West Festival is held in March each year. It is a festival for professional bull riders and is the richest bull ride in the West.
The action-packed weekend also features live music and Bikes After Dark.
Camping is available at Winton Showgrounds for both powered and unpowered. Plus, there is a tent city adjacent to Eric Lenton Festival Grounds.
Click here for more information about the Way Out West Festival.
28. Winton Opal Festival
The Queensland Boulder Opal Association (QBOA) holds an annual festival in Elderslie Street, the main street of Winton. The street is cordoned off to traffic on Friday and Saturday of the festival.
The Winton festival is the first of the eastern state’s trade shows. At the festival, there are traders with jewellery, cut stones and rough parcels. There are also souvenirs and some surprises!
Opal Festival Winton
| Address | Elderslie Street, Winton |
|---|---|
| When | Annually in July |
| Price | Free entry |
Click here for more information about Winton’s Opal Festival.
29. Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival
With several Hollywood films being made in Winton, Winton is now known as Hollywood in the Outback.
The family-friendly festival supports and promotes the Australian and Queensland’s film industry. Running since 1918, the festival caters to all interests and age groups.
Often showcased are up-and-coming filmmakers and some of the best new Aussie films.
Many Aussie productions have been filmed, such as;
- The Proposition (2005)
- Mystery Road (2013)
- Gladstone (2016) – follow up to Mystery Road
- Total Control Drama Series (2019)
- Tim Tams and Qantas Commercial (recently)
- Texas Rising (Major Hollywood stars)
- Scouting – 3 production companies in 2022
While we had breakfast at the Tuckerbox Café at the Matilda Centre (June 2023), a film crew sat at the following table. They were filming in Winton at that time.
Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival
Click here for more information about the Outback Film Festival
Where to Stay in Winton
When you visit Winton, you will find accommodation to suit all budgets and styles. There are four
Free Camping Winton: Long Waterhole Winton
But the most popular choice for many is to free camp at the Long Waterhole. Located just over three kilometres from town, the camp area is around a manmade waterhole.
Most of the time, you will share the area with a mob of cattle, which can cause the edges to become very rutted. But you can still find plenty of level spots to pull up, and if you are lucky, you will be treated to some emu visitors and spectacular sunsets.
Low Cost Camping Winton
There are two hotels (pubs) where you can park up in the town of Winton. Plus the Winton Showgrounds.
Low Coast Camping Winton
| Winton Showgrounds | Vindex St, Winton |
|---|---|
| North Gregory Hotel | 67 Elderslie St, Winton |
| Tattersalls hotel | Cnr Werna & Elderslie Streets, Winton |
Accommodation Winton
You’ll find a variety of accommodations in Winton, including hotels, motels, and BnBs. Here are a few suggestions;
Accommodation Winton Qld
| North Gregory Hotel | |
|---|---|
| Australian Hotel Winton | |
| Cork On Cork – Muddy Cottage | |
| Rangelands Outback Camp |
Winton FAQs
What is the Dinosaur Trail Winton?
Known as Australia’s dinosaur capital, Winton has the most extensive collection of the biggest dinosaur fossils. You can witness dinosaur fossils and the largest dinosaur stampede in the world in Winton.
Winton is part of Australia’s dinosaur trail, along with Hughenden and Richmond.
What makes a Boulder Opal Winton unique and highly sought after in the gemstone market?
The most northern region of the Queensland opal mining fields in central outback Queensland is where you can find Winton Boulder Opals
Winton is renowned for its incredible boulder opals, which are thought to be the most outstanding quality of these opals. Remarkably, it stands as the sole region for boulder mining, where you can discover large, full-faced boulder opals with no ironstone present on the face of the opal.
Why is the Australian Hotel in Winton so Famous?
The original pub was built in 1897 when the main transportation was by horse. In 1924, the hotel was burnt to the ground.
It was rebuilt in 1925, and the main means of transportation was by car. The building is similar to the original hotel, except for the side verandahs.
Now, the hotel has sheep shows and campfire lessons.
With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
What about Winton Racetrack ? We spent a great day there , so much so that we didn’t get to see the dinosaurs !
Totally agree with all the above. It’s a magical place with so much to do and see. Lark Quarry is amazing as is the Dinosaur Museum and Red Dirt Tours. Been there a few times and will be back again.