Guide to Muttaburra Queensland Australia

Muttaburra is a town of fewer than a hundred people on the Thomson River, 120 kilometres north of Longreach. It lies close to the geographic centre of Queensland, and it gave its name to one of Australia’s best-known dinosaurs.

Known For

• The Muttaburrasaurus
• The centre of Queensland
• Camping and fishing on the Thomson River

Things To Do in Muttaburra

Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre

In 1963 a local grazier, Doug Langdon, found the bones of a large plant-eating dinosaur on the bank of the Thomson River. It was named Muttaburrasaurus langdoni, and it remains one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons found in Australia. A full-size replica stands in a striking rammed-earth building in the main street, with displays on the animal and its discovery. It is open all hours and is unstaffed.

Centre of Queensland

A monument in town marks the calculated geographic centre of the state.

Hospital and store museums

The Dr Arratta Memorial Museum, in the old hospital, shows bush medicine as it was, and Cassimatis Store is a general store preserved with its stock. Both open by arrangement with volunteers.

Thomson River

Broadwater and other waterholes near town are used for free camping, yellowbelly fishing and birdwatching.

Where To Stay

There is a council caravan park, a hotel with rooms and riverside bush camping.

Eat & Drink

The Exchange Hotel serves meals and the store has basics and fuel.

History

This is Iningai country. Bowen Downs, north of town, was the first station taken up in the district, in 1862, and the town was surveyed in the 1870s.

Getting to Muttaburra

A sealed road runs north from Longreach, about an hour and a quarter. Another links the town with Aramac, 85 kilometres east.