Richmond is one of those little towns in the outback which now seem to depend on the seasonal flow of grey nomads for its very existence. Richmond is trying hard to become famous for its fossils, and its magnificent information centre, with a huge fibreglass replica of a ‘Kronosaurus’ outside, is its big draw-card.
‘Kronosaurus Korner’, as it’s called, may sound a bit er, korny, but it is actually well worth a visit. Inside, you can see examples of some of the amazing finds local people have been uncovering in this black soil country.
These give us insights into the life of the region 120 million or so years ago, when it was covered by a vast, shallow inland sea. Dinosaurs grazed on the shoreline, while huge Plesiosaurs thrashed about in the water, chasing shoals of primitive fish. When these animals died, their remains were buried in the deep sediments. These tangible fragments of deep time were preserved in the process of fossilization, and these are now displayed in Richmond.
Nearby, the council have provided a ($10 donation) RV park for self-contained travellers, with potable water available. You can stop here for up to three nights – plenty of time to explore the lake with its wildlife, and also visit the fossil centre, with their incredible finds from the local area.
