We’re actually opening up travel across many places in the world and that is a welcome sight for the world. One of the most fun things you could possibly do is pack your bags, grab some friends and do a road trip up Northwest Queensland, if you’re from around there. But before you go, we’re going to help you figure what to do in Queensland and we’ve got a pretty fun thing in mind for you.
Our friends at Tourism and Events Queensland have been kind enough to share some of the amazing stops or ‘big’ attractions that they think are worth the visit. Emphasis on the ‘big’ part of things, as they share 7 big things that you should definitely see on your next road trip. According to them, there are over 150 big things (and counting) in Australia, so these are just 7 of them.
READ MORE: Read our easy guide on what to pack for a short trip
So, as you get ready for your big road trip, remember to put all 7 of these big landmarks on your road trip route.
- Big Barramundi, Normanton
- Big Crocodile, Normanton
- Krono the Kronosaurus Queenslandicus & Wanda, Richmond
- Big Gilbert’s Dragon, Croydon
- Big Gold Nugget, Croydon
- Big Ammonite, Hughenden
- Hughie the Muttaburrasaurus, Hughenden
Before we jump straight into, why don’t we first understand why Northwest Queensland is an awesome place to visit.
Why Northwest Queensland
In one word; nature. The lure of the outback in Queensland’s northwest region begins is such an underrated area for locals and tourists alike. The entire area is packed with dinosaur fossils, amazing scenery and a unique mining history connected to Mount Isa.
Just wander over to the Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park where you can walk among the 25-million-year-old World Heritage-listed sites at Riversleigh. If that isn’t enough, there’s also the ancient underwater marine reptiles in Richmond and the fossil collections in Hughenden.
A couple of days probably aren’t enough to cover the region, with Porcupine National Park is situated in northwest Queensland, which is 60km north of the Hughenden. This is one of the main landmarks in Northwest Queensland and is actually millions of years old. Known as “Australia’s Miniature Grand Canyon” it is a must-visit for anyone going to that area.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the 7 big landmarks in Northwest Queensland:
1. Big Barramundi, Normanton
Home to just 1,250 people, the Big Barra certainly knows how to make a splash in Normanton! In 1995, local barramundi angler, Billy Miller, came up with this big idea to promote his caravan park and constructed the six-metre structure in his friend’s shed.
Nowadays, the Big Barramundi symbolises the town’s fishing culture – with barramundi one of the most common species of fish found in the Norman River.
2. Big Crocodile, Normanton
Arguably the better known of Normanton’s big things is Krys the Savannah King. Take a shot for Instagram in Krys’ jaws (don’t worry, he doesn’t bite!) and get a feel of the power of this giant 8.63m saltwater crocodile.
Unlike other “Big Crocodile” statues in Australia, Krys is a true-to-size model of the largest crocodile ever captured in the world, which was shot on the banks of the Norman River by Krystyna Pawlowski in 1957.
3. Krono the Kronosaurus Queenslandicus & Wanda, Richmond
Step back 110 million years and experience a life-size Kronosaurus at Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond. Once part of Australia’s Inland Sea, Kronosaurus Korner is best known for its marine fossil discoveries, such as Krono, the Kronosaurus Queenslandicus and Wanda, Australia’s largest fossilised fish.
A stop to the dinosaur town is a non-negotiable for any “big thing” enthusiast. While you’re there, be sure to apply for a permit to dig for your own dinosaur bones at the fossil hunting site and who knows, maybe you’ll find Australia’s next big relic!
4. Big Gilbert’s Dragon, Croydon
Keep your eyes peeled on your way into Croydon’s town centre from the east for a yellow entry sign bursting with outback charm – including the two-metre tall Big Gilbert’s Dragon, which was constructed in 2015.
The Gilbert’s Dragon (or Shaky Paws Lizard) is a reptile found in the local region, so you can brush up on the local wildlife knowledge at this iconic pitstop!
5. Big Gold Nugget, Croydon
You’ll be shouting “Eureka” in Croydon with the Big Gold Nugget! Once the fourth largest town in Queensland, Croydon was a booming Gold Rush town in the 1800s, home to 7,000 miners looking to strike rich.
The Big Gold Nugget outside of the Croydon Visitor Information Centre is a nod to the town’s rich history.
6. Big Ammonite, Hughenden
One of the rarer and unexpected finds is the Big Ammonite in Hughenden. An ammonite is part of a group of extinct marine mollusc animals, that are used as index fossils to link the rock layers to specific periods of time.
As part of North West Queensland’s dinosaur trail, you’re guaranteed to learn a thing or two about the incredible fossil finds in the region as you take a snap for the memory books.
7. Hughie the Muttaburrasaurus, Hughenden
Become friends with Hughie, a seven-metre statue cast from the bones of a Muttaburrasaurus, at the Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden. In his day, Hughie would have weighed approximately twenty-five tonnes – or the size of four elephants. Talk about a big thing!
At the Flinders Discovery Centre, continue the adventure and explore the impressive international fossil collection, interactive displays and Australian dinosaur bones found in the area from 1865 up until modern day digs.
