Richmond

ABOUT Richmond

Imagine being in a place so diverse, so vast, you feel an indescribable sense of freedom. From the plains of the downs country to the silvery shimmer of the sun shining on the gidgee trees in the forest country, Richmond is often referred to as an oasis in the Outback.

Crossing the rolling downs country of north west Queensland, originally opened to white settlement by the explorer William Landsborough in 1862, the township of Richmond is a welcome sight on the horizon. Situated on the Overlander’s Way halfway between Townsville and Mount Isa, the town is located on the bank of Queensland’s longest river, the Flinders, and is known for its recreational Lake Fred Tritton and bougainvillea-lined streets, parks and gardens.

Lake Fred Tritton is conveniently located at the edge of town. With a 1.2 kilometre circumference and a maximum depth of eight metres, Lake Fred Tritton allows visitors and locals the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of water sports.

As the home to the award-winning major attraction Kronosaurus Korner, this is the only museum in Australia primarily dedicated to displaying marine reptiles. Minmi, with impressions of its fossilised skin, is considered to be Australia’s best preserved dinosaur skeleton. Minmi takes pride of place alongside the Richmond Pliosaur skeletons. This fossil, found in 1989, has to be seen to be believed.

If you find that you are infected with ‘fossil fever’ after visiting Kronosaurus Korner, call at reception for a map to guide you through the region’s designated fossicking sites. If stepping back in time is more your scene, then take a heritage walk around the town, viewing the signs depicting yesteryear. Pay your respects to the pioneers that shaped this country at the Pioneer Cemetery, relax in the Lions Park, visit the Cambridge Ruins 40 kilometres out of town, or take a walk along the Flinders River.