Rockhampton Region prepares for ROAR-some Queensland Dinosaur Week

Published on 21 April 2026

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380 million years of history will be on display during two dino-mite events, when Queensland Dinosaur Week arrives in Rockhampton and Mount Morgan this May.

Supported by Rockhampton Regional Council, the free and interactive sessions will be delivered by Queensland dinosaur expert and palaeontologist, Dr Scott Hocknull, Principal Research Fellow in Applied Palaeontology & Palaeotourism at CQUniversity.

During the family-friendly events, Dr Scott will explore the Rockhampton Region’s significant role in Australia’s palaeontological story, from dinosaur tracks and trilobites, to technology and tourism. Attendees will discover how our region has shaped the prehistoric story of Queensland and Australia, and uncover true stories to inspire the next generation of young explorers and scientists...

Attendees are also encouraged to bring along their own fossils or palaeontology questions for Dr Scott’s expert analysis.

Whether it’s learning how Rockhampton’s School of Arts put Central Queensland on the scientific map, or Mount Morgan’s history as an ancient sea, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the lands which we call home today.

Events in Mount Morgan and Rockhampton are delivered in partnership with Queensland Dinosaur Week and CQUniversity.

For more information on Queensland Dinosaur Week, visit https://dinosaurexperiences.com/queensland-dinosaur-week/

Event Details:

  • Mount Morgan, Trilobites and Dinosaur Tracks – Monday 4 May, Mount Morgan School of Arts
  • Rockhampton, Dinosaur Hunting and Deep-Time in Capricornia – Sunday 10 May, James Lawrence Pavilion, Rockhampton Showgrounds
  • Sessions run 10am to 12pm
  • Free entry

 

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Division 5 Councillor, Cherie Rutherford

“Mount Morgan and the Rockhampton Region played a globally significant role in Queensland’s palaeontological story. Queensland Dinosaur Week is the perfect time to dig up that history and celebrate our remarkable prehistoric legacy.

“These free events aren’t just for the history buffs. If you’ve got old fossils at home, love dinosaurs and megafauna, or kids interested in a career in palaeontology or science, this is a unique opportunity to understand our Region’s fascinating history.

“With 380 million years of history waiting to be discovered, Queensland Dinosaur Week in Mount Morgan and Rockhampton offers fun, free and interactive activities for the whole family.”

 

Quotes attributable to CQUniversity Principal Research Fellow in Applied Palaeontology & Palaeotourism, “Dr Scott”

“When most Australians think of dinosaurs, they picture Hollywood blockbusters or far-flung fossil fields overseas. But if you want to stand where giants actually walked - or swam - you don’t need a passport.

“Queensland preserves one of the most extraordinary and diverse fossil records in Australia.

“From giant titanosaurs to marine reptiles and Ice Age megafauna, Queensland Dinosaur Week shows that it’s a statewide palaeo narrative written across the landscape.”

 

Quotes attributable to Dinosaurs Experiences Australia Executive Officer, Karen Hanna Miller

“The Rockhampton Region events are a key part of the Queensland Dinosaur Week Program, highlighting the strength of collaboration between research, education and tourism.

It’s through partnerships like this that we’re able to present a connected, statewide story and create meaningful experiences for visitors and local communities alike.”