Best Things to do in Winton

Are you planning a trip to Winton? This article covers all the best things to do in Winton, including tourist attractions, activities and places to visit.

The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Koa Peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Winton region is situated.  We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country.  Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

Last comprehensively reviewed and updated: 9 November 2026.

Considered the dinosaur capital of Australia, it’s no surprise most people come to Winton to see dinosaurs!  This small outback town, 2 hours north of Longreach – certainly has plenty of dinosaur attractions – but there are a few other interesting things to do Winton offers as well.

If you’re wondering what to do in Winton besides seeing dinosaurs, this is the perfect guide for you. This guide covers all the best Winton attractions, tips on where to stay, and all the essential information such as locations, opening hours and ticket prices where necessary.  And yes, it covers all the dinosaur attractions too!

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to our disclaimer here for more information.

THINGS TO DO WINTON MAP

Before we start on all the Winton things to do, check out the map below to help you plan your itinerary.  This map shows the location of all the Winton tourist attractions covered in this guide.

I recommend you first make a list of all the things you want to do and then use this map to plan your day to day itinerary, so you’re not travelling back and forth all over town.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN WINTON

Below we cover the top things to see and do in Winton.

1 Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Following the discovery of ancient bones and fossilised dinosaur footprints in the region, Winton is now known as the dinosaur capital of Australia. Dinosaur experts and enthusiasts worldwide flock to the area to see these iconic artefacts and learn about Australia’s rich and fascinating history with dinosaurs. 

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is home to the most extensive collection of Australian dinosaur fossils on earth. The museum provides an incredible opportunity to gain insight into how Australia’s dinosaurs were excavated and recovered through a series of short guided tours. You’ll get to touch a real dinosaur fossil and view the only known specimens of the country’s largest carnivorous dinosaur, affectionately nicknamed ‘Banjo,’ and the most comprehensive sauropod, known as ‘Matilda.’

The Dinosaur Canyon experience brings Winton’s prehistoric landscape to life through outdoor galleries and expansive views from the Jump-Up. The museum is spread over a large site, with a shuttle connecting the main visitor area and Dinosaur Canyon.

Make sure you wear good walking shoes as the museum is spread over a large area and you will definitely get your steps in.

It’s a good idea to allow three to four hours to explore the attraction and aim to go early as it gets hot (especially at Dinosaur Canyon). Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, hat and water bottle.

A small cafe is available, serving coffee, drinks, ice cream and snacks so you can refuel between tours.

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is a world-class natural history museum in Winton that is not to be missed. It really is one of the best things to see in Winton. 

Location: Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive, The Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary, Winton 

Hours: The museum opens on selected days from 8.30 am to 5 pm. Book ahead and confirm the current calendar on the Australian Age of Dinosaurs website.

Cost: Ticket options vary depending on the museum experiences and attraction bundles selected. Check current prices and book ahead on the official website.

2 Dinosaur Stampede

The Dinosaur Stampede is another of those things to do at Winton that dinosaur lovers cannot afford to miss. This awe-inspiring attraction is a 90-minute drive from Winton but worth the journey. 

This remarkable monument preserves about 3,300 footprints made around 95 million years ago. They record numerous small dinosaurs moving across a mudflat while a much larger predator was nearby, creating the world’s only known site interpreted as a dinosaur stampede.

A 45-minute guided tour shows you the footprints and explains how they were perfectly preserved through time. It’s an opportunity to stand in the exact spot where dinosaurs once roamed the earth, which is unbelievable! 

Allow extra time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery around the centre. As detailed below, there are also some excellent hiking opportunities. 

Location: Lark Quarry Conservation Park

Hours: Guided access operates on selected days and the attraction closes during December and January. Confirm current tour times before making the 110 km journey from Winton.

Cost: Entry is by paid guided tour. Current tickets and multi-attraction passes are available through Australia’s Dinosaur Trail.

3 Spinifex Circuit Walk and the Jump Up Walk

Make the most of your time at Dinosaur Stampede by exploring the surrounding landscape.

The Spinifex Circuit is a 500-metre self-guided walking circuit around the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument. It’s graded as easy to moderate, and you can finish it in 15 to 30 minutes, so it’s easy to add to your visit. The track will take you to a lookout where you can enjoy expansive views of the Mitchell grass downs and channel country. 

The 3.5 km Jump Up Loop track is more challenging, taking approximately 90 minutes to complete. This hike branches off the Spinifex Circuit and skirts several gullies before climbing the western escarpment, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the rugged landscape. Queensland Parks advises against using this track from November through March because of high temperatures; check the current park alert before setting out.

Both tracks give you an opportunity to spot the local wildlife, including spinifex pigeons, singing honeyeaters, ring-tailed dragons and wallaroos.  

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, and bring water, a hat, sunscreen and your camera! 

Location: Lark Quarry Conservation Park

Opening Hours: Always open

Cost: Free

4 Waltzing Matilda Centre

Banjo Paterson’s world-famous tune ‘Waltzing Matilda’ is considered by some to be Australia’s unofficial national anthem. Banjo actually wrote it while staying at Dagworth Station near Winton in 1895, and it was first performed at the North Gregory Hotel right here in Winton. 

To commemorate this iconic anthem and its Winton roots, the Waltzing Matilda Centre celebrates the song’s rich history (visitors can even see the piano that it was first performed on at the North Gregory Hotel). The Waltzing Matilda Centre is thought to be the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to a song.

Set in an award-winning, architecturally designed building, the centre is more than just a museum about a song. There is an exhibition about World War I and a gallery of outback art displays. 

After a lunch break in the on-site cafe, you can continue learning at the fascinating Qantilda Museum, which is accessed through the Waltzing Matilda Centre. This museum showcases the history of Winton, with many mementos from the past, including domestic items, bottles and vintage equipment. It gives you a captivating glimpse into Winton’s past. 

Location: 50 Elderslie Street, Winton

Hours: Generally 9 am to 5 pm daily, with reduced weekend and public-holiday hours from October to March. Confirm current hours with the Waltzing Matilda Centre.

Cost: Admission includes the Waltzing Matilda Museum, Outback Regional Gallery and Qantilda Museum precinct. Check the official website for current prices.

5 Musical Fence

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

The Musical Fence is a one-of-a-kind installation designed by Graeme Leak, a composer and percussionist. It’s the world’s first permanent installation of a musical fence, attracting visitors from all over who love to stop and play. 

The fence gained global recognition when its unique sounds were used in a track featured on Gotye’s 2013 Grammy Award-winning album.

It’s worth a stop for a strum and a bash! 

Location: Behind the Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum at Lot 2, Hughenden Road, Winton

Hours: Always open

Cost: Free

6 Arno’s Wall

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

Another quick stop for your Winton itinerary is visiting Arno’s Wall. This unique structure was built with a combination of concrete and rock sourced from Arno’s opal mine in Opalton.

The wall is an amalgamation of various industrial and household items such as motorbike parts, typewriters, ovens, wheels, televisions, boat propellers, sewing machines and even a kitchen sink!

Standing at two metres high and stretching over 70 metres, Arno’s Wall is an unusual and unique sight.

Location: 19 Oondooroo St, Winton

Hours: Always open

Cost: Free

7 Royal Winton Open Air Theatre

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

A visit to the Royal Winton Open Air Theatre will be a highlight of your Winton stay. It’s one of the best Winton attractions!

Kick back in a canvas sling chair and watch the stars twinkle above as you enjoy a movie in one of Australia’s last open-air picture theatres. Originally constructed in 1918 and rebuilt in 1938 following a devastating fire, this theatre offers a variety of movie experiences, such as Nostalgia Night, The Royal Feature and Sunday Classic. 

Be sure to check the listings beforehand so you can plan a movie night during your trip to Winton. It’s a truly magical outback experience that should not be missed!

Location: 69 Elderslie Street, Winton

Hours: The regular season runs from April to mid-October. The 2026 season has finished and the theatre reopens in April 2027. Check the current program before your visit.

Cost: Ticket prices vary by screening and event. Check the official ticket page.

8 Opal Walk

The Opal Walk introduces you to the region’s precious gemstone and offers a glimpse into opal mining with fascinating displays about the life of opal miners. Kids can also fossick for opals in a small wheelbarrow!

If you’re looking for a souvenir to take home from your Winton holiday, there is also a shop where you can buy opal jewellery.  

Location: Corner of Werna Street and Elderslie Street, Winton

Hours: Opening hours vary through the year. Confirm current access with the Winton Visitor Information Centre before visiting.

Cost: A small entry fee applies, with a separate charge for fossicking. Confirm current prices locally.

9 Corfield and Fitzmaurice Building

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

This impressive National Trust, heritage listed property was opened by partners Corfield and Fitzmaurice in 1878 as Winton’s first general store. You can still go inside the building to look around and imagine what life would have been like for locals shopping there almost 150 years ago. 

Today, half of this beautiful old building is a craft store called Combo Crafts, and the rest is a museum that includes an interpretation of the dinosaur stampede. 

Location: Next to the North Gregory Hotel – Elderslie Street, Winton

Hours: The building generally opens during the main visitor season from March to September. Confirm current volunteer opening hours before visiting.

Cost: Entry to Combo Crafts is free, while a small fee applies to the museum displays. Confirm current prices on arrival.

10 Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum

For truck enthusiasts, the Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum is a must-visit attraction in Winton.

The museum showcases heritage trucks, tractors and machinery, each lovingly and carefully restored by a team of dedicated volunteers. 

Marvel at the polished, gleaming bodywork as you take a nostalgic stroll around the vehicles. 

Location: Lot 2, Hughenden Road, Winton

Hours: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

Cost: $20 adults | $15 pensioner concession | $5 children aged 6–15 | children under 6 free. Tickets are available on arrival. Check the official ticket page before visiting.

11 Winton Historic Cemetery

For history buffs, Winton Historic Cemetery is an interesting visit. Established in 1876, it is the final resting place of many of the town’s pioneers. Take yourself on a self-guided walk to visit the historic graves and pay your respects.

Location: Cork Street, Winton

Hours: Always open

Cost: Free

12 The Opal Miner

Who doesn’t love taking home souvenirs to remind them of their holiday? The Opal Miner is an opportunity to explore the exquisite jewellery created by the Taranto family, who have been mining opals for two generations.

Choose from rings, bangles, cufflinks, earrings or pendants and take home a precious memento from your Winton holiday. 

Location: 73 Elderslie Street, Winton

Hours: Check current opening hours directly with The Opal Miner.

Cost: Free to browse

13 Rangelands Rifts 

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

The magnificent Rangelands Rifts are on Rangelands Station, about 10 km north of Winton. Natural erosion has formed dramatic channels and caves through the ancient landscape. The area was also used as a location for the 2005 film The Proposition, starring Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone and Emily Watson.

The rifts are on private property and access is by guided tour. The experience is currently included for guests staying at Rangelands Outback Camp, so confirm access before planning your visit. Click here to see what is available.

14 Take a scenic flight

Current local operators offer helicopter and fixed-wing flights over Winton, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Jump-Up, Bladensburg National Park and the surrounding channel country. Routes and departures vary, so compare the current options with Outback from Above or another Winton-based operator before booking.

15 Bladensburg National Park

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

If you love the outdoors, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the wild Outback Queensland landscape at Bladensburg National Park.

Here you’ll find plenty of Australia’s native wildlife, from kangaroos and wallabies to spiders, insects and skinks. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see a kultarr – a tiny, mouse-like marsupial. It’s also a great place for bird watchers, from the 2m tall emus stomping through the grassland to the pretty spinifex pigeons with their tall pointed crests. 

This really is Wild West country, and the scenery won’t disappoint, with flat-topped ridges and plateaus, vast grassland plains, and river flats. 

You can explore lookouts, hike the trails, take scenic drives or even camp here to immerse yourself in the rugged outback Queensland landscape. 

Location: Bladensburg Access, Opalton

Access: Current alerts on 9 November 2026: the park is closed to the public from 9–18 November for pest management (weather permitting), and Bough Shed Waterhole camping and day-use area remains closed through 31 January 2027. Check the current park closure notice and Bough Shed closure update before visiting. Check current park alerts and Winton Shire road conditions before setting out. The 40 km Scrammy Drive requires a high-clearance vehicle, with 4WD recommended.

Cost: Free

16. Crackup Sisters

The Crackup Sisters have been travelling around Australia, cracking up audiences and sharing the spirit of Outback Australia. They incorporate stock whip cracking, knockabout acrobatics, circus, aerial acrobatics, dance, hula hoop, handstands, comedy, clowning, acting and animal training into their acts. And Winton is their home.

The Crackup Sisters’ home base is now part of the Crackup Corner arts precinct, which includes their house and yard, The Dustarena and seasonal performances. Tour and show dates vary, so check what is scheduled during your Winton stay.

Location: 100 Elderslie St, Winton QLD 4735

Hours: Seasonal tours and shows operate on selected dates. Check the Crackup Sisters website for the current program.

Cost: Prices vary by tour or performance. Check current tickets directly with the Crackup Sisters.

BEST TOURS OF WINTON

If you’re short on time or don’t have your own transport, a group tour is often the best way to see the highlights of Winton. Don’t spend time trying to figure out the best things to see in Winton; let somebody else guide you to all the best places. 

Winton Discovery Day Tour

If you’re staying in Longreach and want to explore Winton on an easy day tour, this gives you a great overview of the Winton tourist attractions. Your Winton day tour begins early so that you can make the two-hour journey to Winton in the air-conditioned coach. 

The first stop is the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, where you will learn more about the incredible creatures that once roamed the land in this part of the world. 

A visit to Winton Opal Gems follows, along with a visit to the legendary North Gregory Hotel for lunch, and then you can explore the Waltzing Matilda Centre. 

This tour is great if you’re short on time and want to be taken around the main Winton attractions.

Click here for information and to book your tour

WINTON DAY TRIPS

Below are suggestions for day trips from Winton. If you can explore in your own vehicle, it allows you to get out and enjoy the local towns and attractions. 

Longreach

Image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland

Longreach is around 180 km south-east of Winton and makes a worthwhile day trip if your Outback itinerary allows. For a less rushed visit, stay for several days and combine its major attractions and experiences.

Some of the most popular Longreach attractions include the Stockman Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum. It’s also the place to have some amazing outback experiences, including a cruise down the Thomson River, a gallop through town in a Cobb & Co Stagecoach, hearing locals spin a yarn around the campfire and much more.

Click here for our full guide on things to do in Longreach.

Opalton

Opalton is famous for its boulder opal and is around 120 km south of Winton. Opal was discovered here in 1888, and the field became one of Queensland’s largest and most extensively worked during the 1890s. Today, visitors come for the designated fossicking area, winter camping and the remote frontier atmosphere.

Located about 124 km south-west of Winton, Opalton was one of Queensland’s largest and most extensively worked opal fields during the 1890s. It remains an active mining area as well as a designated fossicking location.

This is a remote drive on unsealed roads, and conditions can change quickly after rain. Check the latest Winton Shire road report, carry adequate water and fuel, and obtain the required fossicking licence or camping permit before setting out.

BEST HOTELS IN WINTON

Looking for somewhere to stay in Winton?  We recommend booking through Booking.com as they offer a wide range of room types, most with free cancellation, which is ideal for last-minute changes.

However, if you want our recommendation for a hotel, we’ve listed our top pick for a luxury hotel, family hotel, mid range and budget hotel below.

Best Luxury Hotel: Rangelands Outback Camp (adults only)

For an adults-only luxury stay, consider Rangelands Outback Camp. The six-tent camp is on a working cattle station about 10 km north of Winton and accommodates a maximum of 12 guests. Private vehicles cannot access the camp, with transfers arranged from Winton.

This property is at Rangelands Station – a working cattle property on a jump up, so you’ve got fantastic views of the outback landscape all around you.

Each spacious tent has a king bed, air conditioning and a private ensuite with an outback-view shower. Stays have a two-night minimum and include scheduled transfers between the camp and Winton.

Stays include chef-prepared breakfasts and dinners, selected wines and beers, sunset drinks and a cheese platter, plus one guided Rangelands Rifts walk. Check the current package inclusions when booking.

Click here for more information or to book

Best Family Hotel: Winton Outback Motel

The Winton Outback Motel is a great value, comfortable property is just a short stroll from everything Winton offers. 

The 25-room property offers Queen, King and Family rooms, plus accommodation within a converted house that includes a self-contained kitchen. Rooms have reverse-cycle air conditioning and smart TVs, with pet-friendly and accessible rooms available by contacting the motel directly.

While the family rooms can accommodate three or four guests (depending on the particular room choice), they have a family self contained Unit with access to extra bedrooms if you’re travelling with a larger group. 

The motel offers free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, undercover parking for most rooms and larger-vehicle parking. It is a level two-minute walk from local shops, pubs and places to eat.

This is a great base for your Winton holiday as it is convenient, clean and has everything you need.

Click here for more information or to book

Best Mid Range Hotel: Boulder Motel

The Boulder Opal Motor Inn is a centrally located 3.5-star self-rated motel with 26 rooms. Standard rooms have a queen bed, while adjoining rooms offer a queen and single bed. Rooms include reverse-cycle air conditioning, fans, a fridge, TV, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee facilities.

Facilities include onsite parking, laundry facilities, interconnecting and accessible rooms, and a swimming pool.

Click here for more information or to book

Best Budget Hotel: North Gregory Hotel

This grand old hotel in the heart of Winton is steeped in history as it was the location of the first live performance of Banjo Paterson’s iconic song, Waltzing Matilda.   And despite being one of the cheapest accommodation options in town – it’s arguably one of the best!

At the North Gregory Hotel, you can choose between single, queen, family (up to four guests) or twin rooms and you can upgrade from standard to deluxe options for a more spacious, modern room. 

Hotel rooms feature air conditioning, en suite bathroom, flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge. There are also powered van sites so you can book in your motorhome or caravan and enjoy the benefits of the hotel facilities. 

The on-site cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and snacks, and the Daphene Mayo Restaurant is open for dinner, so you don’t need to worry about cooking during your stay in Winton. 
Laundry facilities are available, which is handy when you’re travelling. In addition, guests can enjoy the outdoor artesian spa, which is a great place to relax between tours. 

A stay at the North Gregory Hotel is an opportunity to stay in a historic hotel that has been important to the Winton region since its establishment in 1879. It’s also very convenient and well-priced too!

Click here to find out more or to book

ENJOY WINTON!

Hopefully, this guide has given you lots of inspiration on things to do in Winton.

If you’re planning a trip to Winton, I highly recommend you check out our Outback Queensland guide, which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.

I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.

If you’re heading to Winton, you might also be interested in the following nearby destinations:

• Longreach and Winton 7 day itinerary
• Richmond (coming soon)
• Hughenden (coming soon)