Calling all budding palaeontologists! Dinosaurs of Patagonia, a new exhibition featuring the world’s largest dinosaur is stampeding into Queensland Museum from Friday 17 March 2023!
Dinosaurs of Patagonia is a roarsome exhibition 230 million years in the making. This perfect family day trip features 16 dinosaur skeletons ranging from the size of a pet dog to the length of a Boeing 747 and various real fossils from prehistoric giants that lived in South America throughout the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.
The scale of these dinosaurs is simply mind blowing! Even if you are not dino-obsessed, you simply must take your kids to see Dinosaurs of Patagonia so they can walk with the BIGGEST dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth. Read on for more details of what to expect and how to book.
What can families see at Dinosaurs of Patagonia?
Tyrannosaurus Rex is the biggest dinosaur right? We thought so too but it turns out scientists believe the colossal Patagotitan is the largest known land animal reaching 38 metres long and weighing in at 70 tonnes. That’s a LOT of dinosaur and it’s coming to Queensland Museum! According to Sir David Attenborough, “The Titanosaur [Patagotitan] is one of the most extraordinary finds in the history of palaeontology.” The giant Patagotitan skeleton which will be on display was discovered in 2013 and you get to see it as part of the Dinosaurs of Patagonia exhibition.
Tyrannotitan, a carnivorous 6 tonne beast which was one of the most ferocious predators of the Cretaceous period also makes an appearance with its razor-sharp teeth giving off serious Jurassic Park vibes. Visitors to Dinosaurs of Patagonia will also discover some of the smallest known dinosaurs (40 centimetres tall). Plus, kids can come face to face with Herrerasaurus, one of the world’s earliest dinosaurs.
What can families do at Dinosaurs of Patagonia?
During your visit to Dinosaurs of Patagonia you can explore the exhibition through the eyes of palaeontologists.
Expect to see 16 skeleton casts, 3D animations, videos of dinosaurs and digs, and get close to some of the world’s most remarkable real fossil finds, including a 2.4 metre Patagotitan femur! We love that this exhibit allows kids to get hands on!
All the useful information
- Dates: 17 March 2023 – 02 October 2023.
- Dinosaurs of Patagonia is recommended for all ages.
- Cost: Adult – $26 | Concession (upon presentation of a valid concession card) – $23 | Family (2 adults + 2 kids) – $72.
- Ticket prices vary on weekends, school holidays and public holidays. Tickets are sold for specific entry times.
For more information and to purchase your tickets to Dinosaurs of Patagonia visit the Queensland Museum website.
Where is Queensland Museum, exactly?
The cultural precinct begins at The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and then moves north past the Sciencentre, Museum (with its famous Whale Mall), Queensland Art Gallery, State Library of Queensland, and then GOMA at the end. Clear signage will direct you between venues and there are plenty of shaded rest stops if required. Lifts and ramps abound so pram, stroller, and wheelchair users will find their needs well catered for.
How do I get to the Queensland Museum?
Queensland Museum is located on the Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101. The museum is a short walk across the river from Brisbane’s CBD via the Victoria Bridge or the Kurpila Bridge. There are two main entrances located on Level 2 and Level 1 closest to the Cultural Centre Busway Station. A third entrance is located on Level 0 via Grey Street, beside the Dinosaur Garden.
If you drive in, the Queensland Cultural Centre Car Park is located underneath Queensland Museum. Entry is available via Stanley Place. For those hopping on a bus, the museum is in TransLink zone 1 within walking distance of the Cultural Centre Busway station. If you would prefer to take the train, the museum is within walking distance of South Brisbane railway station. Finally, why not try something different and take the ferry! The museum is within walking distance of South Bank CityCat and Ferry terminals.
What else can I see at Queensland Museum?
Museums are places where families can explore and learn together. Your family can enjoy a range of exhibitions, events and activities during your visit to Queensland Museum.
SparkLab
Ignite your imagination in SparkLab, an interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) space, ideal for 6 to 13 year olds! Explore 40 interactive exhibits across three zones and discover the wonder of STEM in your everyday world! See live experiments at the Science Bar and get hands-on to create and solve challenges at the Maker Space. You will need to buy a ticket to enter SparkLab and we recommend booking ahead online to avoid disappointment.
Dinosaur Garden
Step back in time in Brisbane’s iconic Dinosaur Garden which features life-size replicas of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. With plenty of covered space, the Dinosaur Garden is a great area to rest and have refreshments. After refuelling, burn off some energy playing, learning, dancing and singing. Don’t forget to snap a photograph with the T-rex or Triceratops.
Wild State
Wild State gallery will take you through five breathtaking environments — the arid outback, iconic eucalypt forest, tropical rainforest, sun-drenched coastal zones and teeming marine environments. Kids will love seeing the preserved animals and their habitats up close.
Navigating Queensland Museum with kids
Entry to Queensland Museum is free however you will need to book and pay to see special exhibitions such as Dinosaurs of Patagonia. During your visit you can also explore the Museum shop and fill up at Cafe Muse. The museum is open daily from 9:30am-5pm and is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It is partially closed on Anzac Day opening from 1:30pm-5pm.
The museum is accessible for parents bringing prams or strollers. Lifts are located in the centre of the building to enable access to all levels of the museum. Lift access is via the Anzac Legacy Gallery on Level 1.
There is a Family Room located on Level 2. A fold-down change table is also available in the toilets on Level 1 and inside SparkLab. Café Muse on Level 2 has child-friendly menu options. Highchairs are available upon request.
Roar-some fun awaits at Dinosaurs of Patagonia
You know what they say, Jurassic times call for Jurassic measures! This mammoth exhibition will capture your imagination and have the kids exploring for hours while learning along the way. Sounds like a win, win to us. Be sure to grab your tickets here.
