Visiting Lark Quarry safely

Getting there and getting around

• Parks of the Diamantina Catchment—park maps (PDF, 230.8KB)

Lark Quarry Conservation Park is part of the Diamantina catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, it is vital that you read Parks of Central West Queensland.

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 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 and its two walking tracks is free, but access to Lark Quarry’s dinosaur trackways is by guided tour only and a fee applies. To arrange tours, contact Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre. Tours are available at 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm daily. Tours at 8.45am and 10.15am are reserved for wholesale groups (more than 10 adults). There are no tours on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Wheelchair accessibility

The trackways building is wheelchair accessible.

Staying safe

This park is 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.

In an emergency

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000) and if this fails try dialing 112. You could also contact the Winton Police Station on (07) 4657 1200, or try to make contact with other people on a UHF radio. At Lark Quarry there are no UHF channels where you will be reliably able to contact others.

Before you visit

Lark Quarry Conservation Park is some distance from Winton 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 seven litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at least seven days in case of stranding.
• Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
• UHF, satellite phone and/or an Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). Mobile phone coverage is poor and not generally available in Lark Quarry Conservation Park.
• Extra fuel and vehicle repairs. Frequent low gear and four-wheel-drive travel will use fuel more quickly. You should also bring vehicle repair tools, spare tyres, oil and engine coolant.
• Fuel stove. No fires are permitted in Lark Quarry Conservation Park.

Opening hours

Lark Quarry Conservation Park is open all year, however wet weather may cause temporary closures. Check park alerts or contact us for information on park conditions and closures. See the getting there and getting around section above for information about dinosaur trackways tour times.

Permits and fees

Commercial photography permits may be required if you intend to sell any photographs taken of Queensland’s parks and forests. Organised event permits may be required for organised group activities that may interfere with general public use. Contact us for further information.

Contact Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre for information about dinosaur trackways tour fees.

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 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.