Eromanga’s town claim is threefold: the furthest town from the sea, the only independently owned oil refinery in the country AND Australia’s largest dinosaur!
So if you are wondering what you can do here, I think you’ll be surprised. Eromanga is not just for for people who love dinosaurs. It is also on Queensland’s Natural Sciences Loop, is part of Australia’s largest oil producing region and has a wealth of history including the Cobb & Co.
However, if you do have a dinosaur lover in the family they will be in their element!
What you must do first, is walk the main street. Visit the pub and the dino next door, before your museum tour. You’ll find out why!
Royal Hotel
Stop in and support the pub. They had a pizza night when we were there, and you needed to book ahead. Heatley and I really enjoyed a cold one on the verandah. Built in 1885, the pub was once a Cobb & Co Staging Post.
“Face in the hole” dinosaur
Next to the pub, make sure you see the dinosaur! He is so tall, you have to climb steps for a photo!
Living History Centre
Visit the centre next to the Royal Hotel. It has free entry – you just collect a key from the pub or Eromanga Café. Take a self guided tour into the life of a 1900’s Country Women’s Association (CWA) member, more about the locals and region. There is also an introduction to the Eromanga Dinosaur Project.
Town Historical Walk
Walk around town and read the signs that are part of the town historical walk. You can learn about what buildings were there in the past.
Opalopolis Park
Opalopolis Park has a playground, BBQ, picnic table and playground. Great for families and pet owners. There are excellent showers and toilets in Eromanga Hall, where you can camp.
Make sure you check out the sign and the huge map! There is a boulder opal monument to opal miners “past, present and future”.
Eromanga Natural History Museum
A fascinating working museum. Hands down, the best museum experience we’ve had. Meet Cooper (or at least Cooper’s thighbone) – he is Australia’s largest dinosaur. Make sure you book your guided tour before you arrive in town.
The new facility is a few kilometres away, with the turnoff just west of town. Find out more about Eromanga Natural History Museum including programs and digs.
Watch the film (which is brilliant) and you’ll see why I said a walk down the main street or a beverage on the pub verandah is a must!
Knot-A-Saurus Park
On the west side of town, stop into the dinosaur sculptures in the Knot-A-Saurus Park, down from the hall. Take a photo in front of the sauropod and her two babies. 100 m lengths of twisted aluminium were used to create them! There’s a picnic shelter and gardens are planned. Next time, we’ll check out the Chinese garden heritage site and an early 1900s Chinese well.
Where to stay:
Camp at Eromanga Hall (check your CAMPS 11 book) or Eromanga Motel (Van Park) or stay in their accommodation (in our Caravan Park book). The cafe and tourist information are available here, too. Both are in the new CAMPS Pendium in the Queensland book (the new box set has state by state books) and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App – simply go to the map or list and search for the site name!
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
