Australia Main Attractions
Flinders Discovery Centre and Museum
This huge display area houses an amazing exhibition of dinosaur fossils from around the world, as well as an extensive and growing display of fossils from the local area. “Hughie” is the star attraction. A life size skeletal replica, this 7 metre Muttaburrasaurus was cast from the original bones of a 110 million year old dinosaur found in the Flinders Shire.
“Hughie” casts a daunting figure as you enter the display area, instantly putting things into perspective. Although this dinosaur is believed to have been an herbivore, you get the impression he is not someone that you would like to have met on a dark night!
Progressing past the imposing figure, prepare to take a step back in time. The hundreds of fossils are superbly displayed in many individual glass cabinets. Well labelled, these fossils range from crustaceous animals in rock to ammonites ranging in size, colour and shape from around the world. Several different dinosaur bones, vertebrae and other exciting fossils are included in the collection.
Come and witness the amazing light and sound show that takes you back over 500 million years ago to the beginning of the formation of Porcupine Gorge National Park.
The Bio Regions display, gives concise information about the four different bioregions in our shire, with the land types, flora and fauna. These Bio Regions include Einasleigh Uplands, Desert Uplands, Mitchell Grass Downs and Gulf Plains.
'Shearing the Stragglers' tells the story of the demise of the sheep industry throughout the Finders Shire. Tales of hardship and change are told through stories of men who lived this gruelling life from 1865 to present day times.
Enjoy the hands on area for kids with puzzles, books and dinosaur activities to entertain and educate all ages. Incorporated is also a small display from the local Historical Society, which includes memorabilia from the first Hughenden Races, glassware, shearing gear, etc, as well as a range of photos.
While wandering around the centre enjoy the video on Hughenden and district, with breath taking views of Porcupine Gorge and telling the stories of how Hughenden came to be. At the front of the centre is the accredited Information Centre, which holds an excellent array of information on local, regional and interstate holiday destinations. A large range of souvenirs is also available and helpful staff to ensure that your stay in Hughenden is an enjoyable one.
Entry fee to the display area is $5.00 per adult and children age from 5 – 12 are $2.00. Pre booked groups of 25 adults or more are a set price of $112.50.
Known as Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon” with its cool, clear, flowing creek, towering cliffs of vibrantly coloured sandstone and comparatively dense vegetation provides a striking contrast to the sparsely wooded, dry flat plains which surround it. This impressive canyon reveals strata of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years of geological history.
Hughenden is the access point for the Porcupine Gorge National Park - a canyon hidden away about an hours drive north. The road passes through flat woodlands of typical Australian Eucalypts and Acacias and gives no hint of the existence of the Gorge until one reaches it. The Gorge has been carved by Porcupine Creek out of a basalt lava-flow giving off the beautiful soft colours of the walls towering 150 metres over the water. The Gorge can be appreciated from two distinct areas. The first point is a lookout giving a view deep into the Gorge below. There is no access to the base of the Gorge from this point. The second point is a National Park campsite where basic facilities are provided. From this point there is a walking track that takes visitors to the bottom of the Gorge where the Pyramid formation can be viewed. There is also a swimming hole at the base of the Pyramid.
Camping is available at the Pyramid camping ground, 74km north of Hughenden. Camping Permits are required and fees apply. Campers should bring their own drinking water as the water supply is unreliable.
The camping ground is situated in the upper level of the Gorge; the camping ground is the starting point for the 1.2 kilometre walking track which leads down into the Gorge. There are twenty-two numbered sites, including nine e-permit sites (online booking at and follow the links to Camping and Vehicle Permits) and thirteen self-registration sites. Bookings can also by made by telephoning 13 13 04.
White Mountains National Park
White Mountains National Park is characterised by white sandstone formations and complex gorge systems and covers 108, 000ha of rugged terrain. For much of the year this vast area is an arid landscape but during the wet season it becomes a catchment for streams, eventually feeding into Lake Eyre in South Australia.
White Mountains encompasses a total of fourteen different regional ecosystems. During winter and early spring the park is transformed as native plants of all shapes, sizes and colour bloom across the landscape. Included are golden-orange, cream and red Grevilleas, Wattles of all shades of yellow, white clustered flowers of Ironbark and ground dwelling plants in shades of purple, white, yellow and red. The Park is also home to a variety of fauna.
White Mountains National Park is very remote and undeveloped and is only suitable for well-equipped, experienced bushwalkers. Before bushwalking you must contact the Ranger at Hughenden or Charters Towers and complete a Remote Bushwalking Form with details of your proposed trip plan and emergency contact details.
Camp Site Bookings can be made at or by telephoning 13 13 04. Bookings can also be made in person at the QPWS Reef and National Parks Information Centre in Townsville. There is no self registration at this camp area.
White Mountains National Park is 80km north-east of Hughenden and 140km south-west of Charters Towers. Visitor access at the south-eastern section of the park is from the Flinders Highway at Burra Range Lookout, where it crosses the Great Dividing Range.
Eco Walk on Flinders
Enjoy a walk along the diverse bioregions of the Flinders Shire at the Eco Walk on Flinders. These eco-systems have been replicated along the northern banks of the Flinders River with over 1.5km of walking tracks.
Throughout the Park there are picnic shelters, tables, viewing platforms and drinking fountains. Flora species from each different eco-system have been represented throughout. Along the pathway are local art pieces illustrating important historical events and various cultures of the Flinders Shire. Facilities include picnic shelters and drinking fountains.
Robert Gray Memorial Park and Flinders River
This Park area is dedicated to local characters and pioneers of the district. Plaques have been placed on the rocks scattered along the footpath winding through the park. Facilities include free BBQ’s and picnic areas along the northern banks of the Flinders River.
