Points of interest
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 of a Muttaburrasaurus, which has been cast from the original bones of a 110 million year old dinosaur. He is a very daunting figure as your enter the museum.
An amazing ‘Light and Sound’ show takes you back over 500 million years to the beginning of the formation of the Porcupine Gorge National Park.
‘Shearing the Stragglers’ tells the story of the demise of the sheep industry throughout the Finders Shire, telling of hardship and change. Props are made from the original shed, thought to be over 100 years old. Incorporated is also a small display from the local Historical Society which includes memorabilia from the first Hughenden Races and a range of historical photos.
Located in the middle of Stansfield Street, Hughenden - pronounced mutt-ah-buhr-ah-sawr-us, the name means ‘Muttaburra Lizard’. The Muttaburrasaurus was first discovered in 1963 in the channel country of the Thompson River about 5km south-east of the town of Muttaburra. It roamed the Australian landscape about 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. It was a herbivore, eating such plants as ferns, cycads or conifers but many have also eaten some meat. It grew up to 7 metres long, was 2.2 metres tall at the hips and weighed up to 1-4 tonnes. Muttaburrasaurus could most likely walk on two or four legs and lived in herds that were a way of defending itself.
The Federation Rotunda dominates the streetscape of Brodie Street. This Rotunda is made from two 20' windmills brought into Hughenden from a property south of Prairie. You can relax under the curved roof while sitting on original bush furniture. All artwork had been created by local artists.
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.
The Flinders River rises near Reedy Springs, approximately 161 kilometres north-east of Hughenden and empties into the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is over 840 kilometres in length and covers thousands of square kilometres of country whilst in flood. Major tributaries include Galah Creek, Walkers Creek and Dutton River. It was named by Lt Stokes of the Beagle in 1841 after Matthew Flinders. The Shire of Flinders takes its name from the River, being the major watercourse in the area.
The Historical Coolabah Tree is situated past the causeway on the right as you head to the Hughenden Showground. It is of immense historical importance as it is linked to two relief expeditions searching for the Burke and Wills Expedition. It is believed that both expeditions blazed the tree on the banks of what is now Station Creek. These relief expeditions led people to become aware of the fertility and wealth of the plains adjacent to the Flinders River. Truly this tree should be preserved as a memorial to the brave explorers of this land.
Hughenden has become home to many impressive sculptural pieces adorning buildings and garden areas throughout the town.
The first sculpture ‘Darby the Dinosaur’ is a scrap metal sculpture on the wall of our local Library. Darby was made and designed by Sam Brown and Terry Lindsay and represents the Muttaburrasaurus Dinosaur which Hughenden is well known for. Sam and Terry have been responsible for nearly all of the sculptures around the town. The largest of these - the Windmill Rotunda in Brodie Street is one of five sculptures erected to celebrate the Centenary of Federation in 2002. This magnificent sculpture features two 20' blade windmills making a very impressive Rotunda to walk through and rest under. In the Rotunda are samples of bush furniture from another local artist, Toby Rogers.
Other sculptures include a large Ammonite made from windmills, fish along the Flinders River, surveyor’s peg at the historic Coolabah Tree, small windmill and tank panel as well as a panel representing the prehistoric Cooyoo fish. Perched on the roof of the Flinders Discovery Centre and adjoining park are representations of the flying Pterosaur.
The southern boundary of Porcupine Gorge is approximately 45km north of Hughenden. The Gorge Lookout is 63km north of Hughenden and the Pyramid Lookout, camping ground and Gorge Walk are another 11km further north. The unsealed Kennedy Developmental Road from Hughenden to Lyndhurst runs parallel to the western edge of the Gorge and when dry, is accessible to all vehicle types with care. However, travellers should expect to encounter bulldust, corrugations, exposed rocks, creek crossings, other vehicles, native wildlife, cattle and road trains. After storms, the road may be temporarily closed or inaccessible to conventional vehicles and caravans. Please check road conditions at the Flinders Discovery Centre before travelling to Porcupine Gorge.
Mount Walker is approximately 8km south of Hughenden and boasts six spectacular lookouts scanning the district over 360o and stands 478m above sea level. Named by William Landsborough in 1862 after fellow explorer Frederick Walker, today Mount Walker has become a popular place at sunset and is a photographer’s delight.
This road has a 16% incline and is not recommended for large motorhomes, buses or vehicles towing. The first 1.7km from the main road is a dirt road connecting to a sealed road to go up the top of the hill. This runs for 600m until you hit the top and then back onto dirt again.
