Inflatable dinosaurs at Queensland Museum Kurilpa for the launch of Dinosaur Week.

Stomp, dig and discover: Queensland Dinosaur Week 2026 invites families to unearth the adventure!

Looking for an adventure that’s bigger than a T.REX? From fossil digs at sunrise to dinosaurs after dark at the museum, Queensland Dinosaur Week (4–10 May 2026) is set to deliver a week of hands-on prehistoric fun for families across the state.

Anchored by National Dinosaur Day on 7 May, this brand-new statewide celebration brings together Queensland’s dinosaur towns, museums and fossil centres for seven days of discovery, exploration and dino-themed experiences designed to ignite young imaginations.

And yes, you can actually dig for real fossils!

REAL FOSSILS. REAL ADVENTURE.

Queensland is Australia’s leading state for dinosaur fossil discoveries, and during Queensland Dinosaur Week families can experience that story up close.

Digging at Dawn – Richmond

Join early-morning fossil hunts at Kronosaurus Korner, where kids and parents can search for marine fossils left behind by the ancient Eromanga Sea. Who knows? You might help uncover the next big discovery.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Winton

Step inside the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Collection Room and see real dinosaur bones, including some of Australia’s most complete specimens. Learn how fossils are cleaned, studied and brought back to life.

Deep-Time Under the Stars

In Winton, families can connect dinosaurs to the cosmos with a special Deep-Time Astronomy experience under Outback skies.

Free Palaeo Art Workshops – Richmond

Kids can get creative with hands-on illustration workshops and learn how scientists and artists work together to reconstruct prehistoric life.

Chinchilla Fossil Finders (Free Community Event) – Chinchilla

Families can dig along the Condamine River for real fossils dating back millions of years, guided by palaeontologists and museum experts.

Dinosaurs After Dark – Brisbane

For families closer to the coast, Queensland Museum in Brisbane will host A Night at the Museum – Dinosaurs After Dark, giving children the chance to roam through Dinosaurs Unearthed and Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends after hours. Think towering skeletons, ancient marine reptiles and plenty of dino-themed fun — with prizes for best dinosaur dress-ups.

Meet a Real-Life Dino Expert

Internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax will make his first visit to Australia as part of Queensland Dinosaur Week. A world expert on ancient marine reptiles (ichthyosaurs), Dr Lomax will join field digs, host tours and meet families throughout the week.

“This will be my first time visiting Australia and I’m incredibly excited to meet Australian palaeontologists and the fossil-loving public,” Dr Lomax said. “Queensland has an extraordinary prehistoric story — especially its marine reptiles — and I can’t wait to share it with families during Dinosaur Week.”

ROAD TRIP READY

Queensland Dinosaur Week also marks the release of The GREAT Queensland Dinosaur Trail Pocket Guide & Map, helping families plan an unforgettable self-drive adventure through fossil-rich towns including Winton, Richmond, Hughenden, Eromanga, Mount Isa, Muttaburra, Boulia AND Isisford! With curated itineraries, kid-friendly stops and hands-on museum experiences, it’s the ultimate Outback family road trip.

Dinosaurs + real fossils + mud + museum sleepover vibes = the ultimate school holiday adventure.

Queensland Dinosaur Week is stomping into towns and cities across the state this May, and it’s packed with hands-on, screen-free, curiosity-fuelled fun.

Top 10 Things Kids Will Love

Digging for REAL Fossils at Sunrise

Kids can join Digging at Dawn in Richmond and hunt for genuine marine fossils left behind by a 100-million-year-old inland sea. It’s muddy, exciting — and yes, you might find something amazing.

Seeing Real Dinosaur Bones (Not Just Replicas)

At the Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton, families can step into the Collection Room and come face-to-face with Australia’s most complete dinosaur fossils – including “Banjo” the meat-eater and “Matilda” the giant long-neck.

Dinosaurs + Space Under Outback Skies

In Winton, kids can connect dinosaurs to the stars during a Deep-Time Astronomy experience. Think big skies, big stories and BIG imagination.

Free Dino Art Workshops

Budding artists can learn how scientists and illustrators bring prehistoric creatures back to life in free palaeo-illustration sessions in Richmond.

Dinosaurs After Dark (Brisbane)

At Queensland Museum’s Dinosaurs After Dark, kids can roam through towering skeletons and ancient predators after hours — and even dress up in their best dino gear.

Fossil Hunting in Chinchilla (FREE!)

At Chinchilla Fossil Finders, families can dig along the Condamine River for fossils millions of years old — guided by real palaeontologists.

Meet Ancient “Sea Monsters”

Queensland’s Outback was once covered by the Eromanga Sea. Kids can discover giant marine reptiles, including ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, in Richmond and Boulia.

The Ultimate Dinosaur Road Trip

The launch of The GREAT Queensland Dinosaur Trail Pocket Guide & Map makes it easy for families to plan a dino-themed Outback adventure linking Winton, Richmond, Hughenden, Eromanga and more.

Meet a Real-Life Dino Scientist

International marine reptile expert Dr Dean Lomax will make his first-ever visit to Australia, joining digs, tours and talks. Kids can ask real questions and see how discoveries are made.

Discover That Science Is Actually Cool

From fossil prep labs to citizen science events, Queensland Dinosaur Week shows kids that science isn’t just something in textbooks — it’s hands-on, messy, adventurous and full of discovery.