Unearth the Adventure: Queensland Dinosaur Week 2026
Experience a land before time during Queensland Dinosaur Week (4–10 May 2026). From the rugged heart of the Outback to world-class museums, this statewide celebration invites you to explore the prehistoric wonders of Queensland — home to more than 80% of Australia’s dinosaur fossil discoveries. Whether you’re a family of budding palaeontologists, a grey nomad on a self-drive odyssey, or a passionate science enthusiast, Queensland Dinosaur Week connects you with the real people, places and discoveries that shape our ancient story.
Why You Can’t Miss Queensland Dinosaur Week 2026
Across seven unforgettable days, museums, fossil centres and communities will come alive with exclusive tours, expert talks, hands-on workshops, citizen science events, family activities and after-dark experiences. Meet internationally renowned palaeontologists, walk where dinosaurs once roamed, explore fossil labs and uncover the secrets of the ancient Eromanga Sea. Browse the program below and start planning your journey into deep time — the adventure is waiting to be unearthed.
Global Spotlight: Dr Dean Lomax Unearthed
The World Authority Arrives in Queensland
We are thrilled to announce that internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean R. Lomax will headline Queensland Dinosaur Week 2026, marking his first-ever visit to Australia!
A multi-award-winning British scientist, author, and world-renowned authority on ichthyosaurs (the dolphin-shaped marine reptiles of the ancient seas), Dr Lomax is crossing the globe to explore Queensland’s extraordinary prehistoric record. From the discovery of giant marine predators to the giants of the outback, Dr Lomax will bridge the gap between Queensland’s red dirt and the global scientific stage.
Exclusive Experiences: Get Hands-On with a Legend
This isn’t just a lecture, it’s an invitation to work alongside a master of the craft. Don’t miss these strictly limited opportunities:
- Mon 4 May – Australian Age of Dinosaurs – Winton Community Talk. “The Adventures of a Palaeontologist, the Secret Lives of Dinosaurs & the Impact of Palaeotourism.”
- Jurassic Park Under the Stars at The Royal Open-Air Cinema Winton – Introduced by Dr Dean Lomax
- Tue 5 May – Australian Age of Dinosaurs – Winton Collection Room Tour
- Wed 6 May – Australian Age of Dinosaurs – Winton. “The Science of Sea Dragons – The Mighty Ichthyosaurs”
- Thurs 7 May – Queensland: A Global Palaeo Conversation. An Industry breakfast with guest panel
- Fri 8 May – Kronosaurus Korner Richmond – Morning Tea with Dr Dean Lomax
- Sat 8 & 9 May – Digging at Dawn – Richmond: Join Dr Lomax in the field at Kronosaurus Korner for an early-morning fossil hunt. Search for ancient marine fossils left by the Eromanga Sea and help uncover the next big discovery.
Don't Miss Out—Tickets are Strictly Limited!
Events featuring Dr Lomax are expected to sell out rapidly. Secure your spot to meet one of the world’s leading scientific communicators.
Local Legend: Dr Scott Hocknull
Dr Scott Hocknull is a Principal Research Fellow in Applied Palaeontology & Palaeotourism at CQUniversity and is widely regarded as one of Queensland’s most influential palaeontologists. A driving force behind the state’s most significant fossil finds, Dr Hocknull has spent decades in research, fieldwork, and museum leadership.
His work uniquely bridges the gap between deep-time scientific research and regional development, helping to establish Queensland as Australia’s premier destination for palaeo tourism. From discovering the “Queensland BIG 7” to mentoring the next generation of scientists, Dr Hocknull brings the ancient world to life through accessible storytelling and innovation.
Queensland Dinosaur Week Events with Dr Hocknull
Join Dr Hocknull during Queensland Dinosaur Week for a series of live, online, and hands-on experiences across the state.
- Mon 4 May – Trilobites and Dinosaur Tracks – The BIG Palaeo Story of the Mt Morgan Region. Mount Morgan School of Arts Building.
- Thurs 7 May – Queensland: A Global Palaeo Conversation. An Industry breakfast. Qld Museum
- Saturday 9 May 10.30am and 2.30pm – Expert Insights with Dr Scott — Broadcast live at Eromanga Natural History Museum
- Sunday 10 May – Queensland’s BIG Palaeo Stories – Dinosaur Hunting and Deep-Time in Capricornia. James Lawrence Pavilion, Rockhampton Showgrounds
Get Hands-On Preparing Fossils
Have you ever wanted to work in a fossil research lab? Here’s your chance to try it out.
Be a Citizen Scientist
Participate in hosted fossil digs at Kronosaurus Korner or volunteer at the Eromanga Natural History Museum fossil labs.
Fossil Finders Chinchilla
Dig into history as Chinchilla Fossil Finders returns for a massive day of discovery and fun.
Hunt Fossils with Travis
Join @trav_fossils on a fossil hunt at Kronosaurus Korner – Richmond
Art & Science
Artist Zev Landes leads a Palaeo Illustration Workshop on how to draw prehistoric animals using real fossil evidence and research.
Night at the Museum
Step inside Queensland Museum after hours for a prehistoric adventure unlike any other
Plan Your Prehistoric Road Trip
Queensland’s fossil-rich outback is best discovered the classic way — by road.
Gather your friends and family, pack the car, and follow one of these signature drive itineraries through ancient landscapes where dinosaurs once roamed and inland seas once shimmered. From world-class museums to hands-on dig experiences and remote outback towns, every stop reveals another chapter in Queensland’s deep-time story.
Adventure is waiting — all you have to do is hit the road. Click on the Road Trip to download.
Few drives combine palaeontology, geology, astronomy and outback engineering in one seamless journey.
It’s where science, story and scenery meet – above and below ground.
A caravan-friendly dinosaur & outback heritage drive.
From reef to red dirt – dinosaurs, marine reptiles & deep time discoveries.
Your Passport to Prehistory: The GREAT Queensland Dinosaur Trail Pocket Guide 🦖
Your ultimate companion for an unforgettable outback adventure.
From the red earth of Winton to the World Heritage-listed fossil fields of Riversleigh, this guide connects you to the most extraordinary deep-time experiences on the planet.
What’s Inside Your Guide:
- The “BIG 7” Map: Discover exactly where to find Queensland’s iconic giants, including “Cooper,” Australia’s largest dinosaur, and “Banjo,” our most complete meat-eating theropod.
- Expert Itineraries: Choose your own adventure with detailed self-drive routes like The Overlanders Way, Dig the Tropics, and the Natural Sciences Loop.
- Top 5 “Must-Do’s”: Get the insider’s list for every major stop, from fossil-prep experiences in Eromanga to meeting “Hughie” the Muttaburrasaurus in Hughenden
Outback Essentials: Stay safe and prepared with expert tips on navigation, fuel stops, and driving in the wild heart of Queensland
Ready to Explore?
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Proudly supported by the Queensland Government Engaging Science Grants.