Flinders Discovery Centre and Museum - Hughenden
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 a 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.
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.
While wandering around the centre enjoy the video on Hughenden and district, with breath taking views of Porcupine Gorge (50 km from Hughendon) and telling the stories of how Hughenden came to be commencing 500 million years ago.
