A tourism organization in Mount Morgan is intensifying efforts to reopen a series of caverns known for their unique dinosaur footprints, having released a feasibility study aimed at increasing visitor numbers to the area.
The caverns, which were closed in 2011 due to safety issues, contain a significant paleontological treasure that has remained untouched for over ten years.
Located in central Queensland, the Fireclay Caverns in Mount Morgan feature 195-million-year-old dinosaur footprints on the ceiling, making it a one-of-a-kind site in Australia.
John Steinberger, the president of Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc., expressed optimism that the caverns could serve as a major attraction to draw tourists to the town. “The prints are from early Jurassic theropods,” he noted. “As you approach, you’ll see around 50 of them right in front of you. If you venture further in, there are another 100 or so, creating a maze-like experience.”
Steinberger recently published a tourism feasibility study that outlines strategies to transform the town from a brief stop for visitors to a “stay and play” destination. Prior to the closure of the site, he led tours through the caves and recalls the positive reactions of tourists. “I could tell they were thrilled at the end of the tour, and I only received one negative review out of nearly 10,000,” he shared.
Kerrilyn Page, a local café and newsagent owner, echoed Steinberger’s sentiments, highlighting the absurdity of having such a significant tourist attraction inaccessible. “It’s incredibly frustrating that we have these caverns filled with dinosaur footprints and yet cannot utilize them,” she remarked.
The dinosaur tracks were discovered by miners in 1952 while they were excavating an area that was once a Jurassic lake. Palaeontologist Anthony Romilio, who has researched the footprints, explained the importance of the fossilization process, noting the presence of two distinct fossilized layers. “At Mount Morgan, we find ‘outies,’ which are impressions left by the footprints,” he elaborated.
Dr. Romilio emphasized that reopening the caverns would greatly enhance research opportunities. “Since the closure in 2011, we have developed new tools and methods to assess and document these footprints. We can create 3D models and offer virtual tours to complement on-site visits,” he stated.
The community of Mount Morgan has experienced economic and social challenges since the local gold mine shut down in 1990. Heritage Minerals, the company responsible for rehabilitating the mine, is expected to conduct its first gold pour later this year.
The entrance to the caverns is located on the mine property but is distinct from the mining lease. Mary Carroll, CEO of Capricorn Enterprise, noted that tourism in the area has suffered since the caverns were closed, along with the tour group that used to operate there. “Before the closure, around 20,000 visitors participated in the tours annually,” she said. “We need to resolve both tenure and financial issues to explore alternative access to the Fireclay Caverns.”
Carroll has been advocating for the reopening of the caverns for over ten years, although discussions remain in the preliminary phase. “We aim to persuade the state government that this initiative extends beyond just tourism; it also involves the preservation of a unique historical and paleontological site,” she emphasized. “This could be the transformative experience that Mount Morgan needs, and it is a narrative that is currently lacking.”
The site is also subject to a registered native title claim by the Gaangulu Nation People, but it falls under state government jurisdiction. The tourism department of the state government has indicated support for the feasibility study.
The Department of Natural Resources and Mines has stated that the site is still deemed unsafe due to potential ground stability risks. “Any future usage of the site will hinge on properly addressing these risks and establishing appropriate land tenure arrangements,” a spokesperson commented.
A representative of the Rockhampton Regional Council confirmed receipt of the feasibility report and mentioned that they are currently evaluating their response.
