Visiting Lark Quarry safely
Getting there and getting around
Lark Quarry Conservation Park is part of the Diamantina catchment. To help you plan your outback adventure download the Central West Queensland visitor guide .
Lark Quarry is 110km south-west of Winton. It is possible to reach the park in a conventional vehicle, however a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Stop in Winton for directions and the latest road conditions. Allow two hours to travel the rough, partly unsealed road to the park.
Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable so always be prepared and have at least a week’s worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Check Queensland Traffic or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.
Entry to the park, its two walking tracks and the orientation centre is free, but access to Lark Quarry’s dinosaur trackways is by guided tour only and a fee applies. For details on tours and bookings visit dinosaurtrackways.
Wheelchair accessibility
The trackways building is wheelchair accessible.
Staying safe
This park is semi remote, and rangers may not be on park to help you. You must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.
It is vitally important that you read staying safe in Parks of Central West Queensland.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks, and drive with caution as road conditions can change quickly. Watch out for animals, they can appear on roads at any time of day though are generally more active at dusk and dawn.
- Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
- Carry drinking water, whether driving or walking. Boil, filter or treat water from streams, rivers or waterholes before drinking.
- Never jump or dive into water. It may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
- Watch your step on escarpments. Edges can be unstable due to natural weathering, so stay away from the edge and take care where you walk.
- Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear, not thongs.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be on the lookout for animals and insects that could scratch, sting or bite.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000). Mobile phone coverage is poor in the park. Consider taking a satellite phone, personal locator beacon (PLB) or another form of communication.
We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.
Before you visit
Lark Quarry Conservation Park is some distance from Winton (110km), and you must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.
Essentials to bring
Although not as remote as other Central West Queensland parks, unexpected rain and associated flooding can cut road access. We strongly suggest you take the following:
- Adequate water, food and emergency supplies. Carry at least 7 litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at a week in case of stranding.
- Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
- UHF, satellite phone and/or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
- Extra fuel and vehicle repairs. Frequent low gear and four-wheel-drive travel will use fuel more quickly. You should also bring extra spare tyres, oil and engine coolant and vehicle recovery gear.
- Fuel stove. Fires are not permitted in Lark Quarry Conservation Park.
Opening hours
Lark Quarry Conservation Park is open all year round. The park may be closed at times due to extreme weather or management operations, check park alerts for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.
See the getting there and getting around section above for information about dinosaur trackways.
Permits and fees
Various activities in Queensland parks and forests require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. Contact us for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Lark Quarry Conservation Park.
Climate and weather
Visiting is recommended from April to September as summer temperatures reach over 40°C during the day, and summer rains often cause flooding. Rain can fall at any time of year and flooding can occur up to two weeks after rain has fallen elsewhere in the catchment, resulting in unexpected creek rises and road closures.
- Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
The nearest fuel and supplies are in Winton, 110km away.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.