Celebrate Queensland Dinosaur Week with a fun-filled day of fossil excavation, talks, and family activities in Toowoomba City.
Sunday 9 May 2027
9:00am - 8:00pm
27 Lindsay St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350, Australia
Free
Dive into the fascinating world of fossils at the Chinchilla Fossil Finders event, perfect for families and dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. Join Queensland Museum experts as they lead exciting excavation activities where you can help sift through sediment to uncover real fossils. The day is packed with engaging palaeontology talks, hands-on activities for kids, mini train rides, and wildlife shows that bring the prehistoric past to life.
Bring your own rocks or fossils to be identified by palaeontologists from Queensland Museum, The University of Queensland, and Griffith University. Food and drinks will be available, with proceeds supporting the Chinchilla Historical Society.
The fun continues into the evening with a free outdoor movie screening at Chinchilla Botanic Parkland, featuring two family-friendly films about fossils and history, complemented by food trucks and complimentary popcorn.
This community event runs on Saturday, 9 May 2026, with fossil excavation and activities from 09:00 to 13:00, and a free movie screening with food trucks from 17:00 to 20:00. The films include "Megafauna: What Killed Australia’s Giants" (PG, 60 mins) and "Night at the Museum" (PG, 108 mins), providing educational and entertaining experiences for the whole family.
The event is free to attend and no bookings are required, making it an accessible and enjoyable day out for parents and children interested in science, history, and nature.
Held at Queensland Museum Cobb+Co, located at 27 Lindsay St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350, the venue is easily accessible for families in the region. The evening movie screening takes place at the nearby Chinchilla Botanic Parkland, a lovely outdoor setting ideal for picnics and relaxed family fun.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip to Chinchilla to make the most of this unique geological area known for its rich fossil deposits from the Pliocene period.
Please note that the event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with activities designed to engage children and adults alike. Food and drinks are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting local heritage preservation.
Bring picnic blankets for the movie night and enjoy complimentary popcorn while watching the films under the stars. The event promotes citizen science, encouraging community involvement in fossil discovery and education.
Attendance is free and no prior booking is required, making it easy for families to drop in and enjoy the day at their leisure. Donations to support the Chinchilla Historical Society are welcomed during the event.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the natural history of the region while enjoying a day packed with fun, learning, and community spirit.
