Lightning Ridge, Australia
From series “Places Hiding Fossils of Dinosaurs”
The last of the incredible paleontological discoveries that have happened in Australia was in 2015. During operation, miners from Lightning Ridge town accidentally discovered the remains of a rare dinosaur. It was later called the Lightning Claw. This large predator reached 7 meters in length and featured long claws on the forelimbs. The length of the detected claw is 25 cm that completely eliminates its affiliation to any other type of reptile.
Carnivorous dinosaurs inhabited the continent in Cretaceous period, about 110 million years ago. After incredible finds, mine works continued. As a result, dozens of bone fragments were recovered, which allowed to collect the skeleton of a predatory lizard almost completely. That significant discovery shed light on the theory of the origin of Australian dinosaurs. Previously it was assumed that they were the ancestors of dinosaurs from South America and Africa. Remains of the Lightning Claw has allowed to develop a theory that some species of dinosaurs originated directly in the territory of Australia. 
Next - Patagonia
Queensland, Australia
Patagonia, Argentina
Back to the start “Places Hiding Fossils of Dinosaurs”
Re-use of this article is allowed. A valid link to www.orangesmile.com is obligatory.
Lightning Ridge - interactive map
Useful staff nearby
ATM bankomat: 'Westpac ATM' located in 23 km (
check the route on the map).
check the route on the map).
Fuel station: 'Caltex Lightning Ridge' in 22 km
Supermarket: 'Khan's SUPA IGA Plus Liquor Lightning Ridge' in 23 km
Apotheek: 'White's Pharmacy' in 22 km
Police station: 'Lightning Ridge Police Station' in 22 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'Morillas Cafe' in 22 km
Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit
252 km - Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
The rainforests of the east coast of Australia represent a grand natural landmark. They occupy a vast area that embraces about 50 nature reserves. Those are the most extensive subtropical forests in the world. The total area reaches about 370 thousand hectares. The …
From the series 'Famous Unesco Sites in Australia'
The rainforests of the east coast of Australia represent a grand natural landmark. They occupy a vast area that embraces about 50 nature reserves. Those are the most extensive subtropical forests in the world. The total area reaches about 370 thousand hectares. The …
470 km - Capertee
The largest canyon in Australia is Capertee. It has not only an impressive scale, but also a solid age. The valley was formed millions of years ago, so today its slopes don’t seem so steep. However, extreme land cliffs can be found there. Conquering them alone …
From the series 'The Deepest Canyons on the Planet'
The largest canyon in Australia is Capertee. It has not only an impressive scale, but also a solid age. The valley was formed millions of years ago, so today its slopes don’t seem so steep. However, extreme land cliffs can be found there. Conquering them alone …
515 km - Snake Ranch
Snakes are among the most prominent representatives of the Australian fauna. So it’s not surpising that a real Snake Ranch can be found in Australia. A total of 15 snake species are presented on a farm, most of which are pythons. Snake breeding is a very profitable …
From the series 'Top 10 Extraordinary Farms'
Snakes are among the most prominent representatives of the Australian fauna. So it’s not surpising that a real Snake Ranch can be found in Australia. A total of 15 snake species are presented on a farm, most of which are pythons. Snake breeding is a very profitable …
563 km - Wet'n'Wild Water World
The largest and top-notch water park of Australia can be found at Oxenford. Wet‘n’Wild has the same name with the famous water park of Orlando. It is in no way inferior to its American counterpart. This water park is the largest in Australia. It serves visitors all …
From the series 'The Greatest and Fanciest Water Parks'
The largest and top-notch water park of Australia can be found at Oxenford. Wet‘n’Wild has the same name with the famous water park of Orlando. It is in no way inferior to its American counterpart. This water park is the largest in Australia. It serves visitors all …
565 km - Tower of Terror II
Thrilling roller coaster that can claim to be the most impressive can be found in Australia. It is situated in the popular Gold Coast beach resort, in the Dreamworld Gold Coast amusement park. Opening of the dramatic ride called 'Tower of Terror' was held in …
From the series 'The Most Thrilling Roller Coasters in the World'
Thrilling roller coaster that can claim to be the most impressive can be found in Australia. It is situated in the popular Gold Coast beach resort, in the Dreamworld Gold Coast amusement park. Opening of the dramatic ride called 'Tower of Terror' was held in …
590 km - Great Synagogue in Sydney
The Great Synagogue is located in Sydney. It was consecrated in 1878. It has been the main synagogue in Australia since its construction. The unusual architecture is worth noting among its outstanding features. The synagogue is very similar to a classic Catholic …
From the series 'The most luxury and famous synagogues'
The Great Synagogue is located in Sydney. It was consecrated in 1878. It has been the main synagogue in Australia since its construction. The unusual architecture is worth noting among its outstanding features. The synagogue is very similar to a classic Catholic …
