The Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventure In All Of Australia, According To Bindi Irwin

A household name in the wildlife conservation landscape, Bindi Irwin is a proud guardian of her family's legacy. Following in her parents Steve and Terri Irwin's footsteps, the passionate environmentalist and zookeeper has dedicated her life to protecting Earth's most incredible creatures — working day in and out to promote conservation, education, and protect endangered species. All while inspiring the next generation of wildlife warriors to love nature, protect animals, and preserve ecosystems.

That said, it makes sense that Irwin would know her fair share about outdoor adventures and family activities — especially when it comes to her home, Australia. And, speaking to the BBC, the conservationist revealed that out of all the activities and destinations available in the country for families to enjoy, nothing beats her favorite kid-friendly outdoor adventure: The Dinosaur Trail in Queensland. A unique journey that combines a love of nature and adventure with a deep passion for paleontology, the trail is designed to bring travelers a little closer to the history of prehistoric life in Queensland (and beyond). "It takes you on a fascinating adventure, unlocking the secrets of our prehistoric past," Irwin told the BBC. "My best advice is to rent a good 4WD or pack up your own and make this a memorable road trip.

In terms of scale, the Dinosaur Trail covers a whopping 142 miles along the Queensland Outback, forming a sort of triangle between the towns of Richmond, Winton, and Hughenden. Easily broken up into a three-day itinerary, the road trip allows families to explore some of the world's best-preserved dinosaur fossils, participate in archaeological digs, and even come up close and personal with real-life evidence of prehistoric stampedes.

Especially if there are any budding palentologists in the family, this is an Australian bucket list adventure. "When my brother [conservationist and photographer Robert Irwin] was little, he adored learning about palaeontology," said Irwin. "My gorgeous mum would take us on yearly adventures to [the trail]."

Queensland's historic Dinosaur Trail kicks off in Hughenden. Once in town, start at the Flinders Discovery Centre so you and the kids can meet "Hughie" — a life-size Muttaburrasaurus skeleton replica — as well as check out more than 3,000 Cretaceous period fossils. Once you've finished your visit, it's time to get back on the road for the 70-mile drive to Richmond, which will set the scene for day two. This historic Outback town — once submerged under an ancient inland sea — now serves as a gateway to some pretty exciting prehistoric discoveries. Activities-wise, start your morning at the town's main attraction: The Kronosaurus Korner. There, visitors can explore one of the largest collections of marine fossils and prehistoric specimens, as well as join in on expert-led excavation expeditions at designated fossil sites just outside of town.

Other Richmond highlights include the town's Heritage Walk — which takes you around Richmond's historic buildings and monuments — and the Bush Tucker Gardens, where you'll find medicinal plants and edible flora native to the region. Lastly, once you and your kids have had your fill of dinosaurs and history, pop over to Lake Fred Tritton for an end-of-day treat. Featuring everything from picnic areas, fishing spots, and a water park, the lake's sandy shores and shaded pavilions provide the perfect backdrop for family relaxation. You can even hire boat to glide over the calm waters before the sun goes down.

Make an early start for the three-hour drive to Winton — aka, Australia's "Dinosaur Capital." One of Australia's lesser-known Insta-worthy destinations, Winton is tucked away in Queensland's rugged Outback, surrounded by rolling red plains. Upon your arrival, head straight to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, just 15 miles from town. Housing the world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils, the museum is popular with families for its interactive exhibits. As a pro tip, time your visit so you can join one of the hourly guided tours, where you can watch paleontologists do their thing in real-time.

The next leg of the trip will take you about 80 miles southwest to Lark Quarry Conservation Park, home to the world's only remaining evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Dating back almost 95 million years ago, the collection of more than 3,300 fossilized footprints paints a vivid picture of how a herd of small dinosaurs once fled from a larger predator. After your tour, head back to Winton for a late lunch before hitting the road one last time.

A little tired and a lot inspired, finish the Dinosaur Trail by driving the 133-mile journey back to where it all started in Hughenden. If possible, time your drive for a quick pitstop so you can catch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world at Mount Walker, where the sweeping views of the Outback serve as the perfect way to end your prehistoric adventure. If you've got an extra day to spare, consider a trip to Porcupine Gorge National Park. Known as "Australia's Little Grand Canyon", the park's towering sandstone cliffs and multi-colored rock date back millions of years. Plus, its crystal-clear waterholes offer the perfect escape from the heat.