In recent times, visitors to Richmond have unearthed some extrememly rare fossils of marine creatures. You might wonder what saltwater fish were doing in the outback of Australia. Well … around 110 million years ago, the area where Richmond now stands was part of an inland sea. In fact, it has been estimated that the water here would have been 40 metres deep! Creatures such as pliosaurs, plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, turtles, fish and giant squid ruled the Richmond Shire and beyond.
There are two designated fossicking areas just 12km from town and while you probably can’t expect to find a complete skeletal structure, the chances are good that you’ll uncover the fossil of a small fish or marine reptile, a tooth, or squid.
Get your hands dirty and look for your own prehistoric souvenirs at one of the area’s two designated fossicking areas just 12km from town. While you probably can’t expect to find a complete skeletal structure, the chances are good that you’ll uncover the fossil of a small fish or marine reptile, a tooth, or squid. A specimen guide can be collected at Kronosaurus Korner and anything you find you can take back to Kronosaurus Korner and the team will try to help you identify your find. If you don’t want to fossick on your own, time your visit to coincide with a one-day fossil hunting adventure. Learn to identify fossils from Kronosaurus Korner curator Dr Tim Holland.
Richmond is not just about marine fossils. The town’s pastoral and indigenous heritage can be discovered through a number of free attractions including the Interpretive Historical Walk through the main street, the Bush Tucker Garden and the Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre. Constructed from flagstone rock, the building is a replica of the original Cambridge Downs homestead built in the 1860s. Outside, a garden has been created with tea roses, lawn chamomile, lavender, white jasmine, climbing roses, mandarin tree, rosemary, nasturtiums, evening primroses and about half a dozen types of herbs.
The Bush Tucker Gardens showcases plants used by Aborigines for culinary and medicinal purposes. The plants are all native to the region and have labels to explain their traditional uses. A waterfall is one of the features of the area, and gidgee stones and moonrocks can also be seen there.
For more history, wander through the Pioneer Cemetery with graves dating from 1886 to the early 1920s.
A unique feature of the Richmond Shire is the prevalence of moonrocks – spherical rocks which sometimes have the fossilised remains of fish, shells and trees in their cores. They come in a variety of sizes, from golf-ball size to boulders weighing several tonnes! And while they’re getting difficult to find ‘in the rough’ these days, you’ll still see them blended into the landscape of Richmond. See some at the Lions Park, along with a restored Cobb and Co coach and local memorabilia.
The pet friendly Mud Hut Hotel offers comfortable accommodation for travellers wishing to spend some time in the area. There are 36 self-contained rooms, with configurations including family, queen and king singles, all with en suite. The rooms have air-conditioning, TV, microwave, bar fridge and tea and coffee. You are also welcome to use the free Wi-Fi. The motel has pet friendly rooms, but availability will need to be confirmed at the time of booking. With 24 hour reception, there will always be someone on hand to assist you with bookings and other queries.
Kronosaurus Korner
Phone (within Australia) 07 4741 9390
Welcome to Travel Action Matilda Country!
We are passionate about promoting the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Outback Queensland. Our website is designed to provide you with all the essential information, insider tips, and exciting experiences to make your journey an unforgettable adventure.
