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WORLD-LEADING PALAEONTOLOGIST DR DEAN LOMAX TO MAKE FIRST EVER AUSTRALIAN VISIT FOR QUEENSLAND DINOSAUR WEEK 2026

Dinosaur Experiences Australia

WORLD-LEADING PALAEONTOLOGIST DR DEAN LOMAX TO MAKE FIRST EVER AUSTRALIAN VISIT FOR QUEENSLAND DINOSAUR WEEK 2026

Interviews available on request

Images HERE interviews HERE

 

Queensland Dinosaur Week is proud to announce that internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax will headline the 2026 statewide celebration, marking his first-ever visit to Australia.

 

Running 4–10 May 2026 (and including National Dinosaur Day on Thursday May 7) Queensland Dinosaur Week will welcome the multi-award-winning British scientist, author and science communicator, who is internationally recognised as a world authority on ichthyosaurs — the dolphin-shaped marine reptiles that dominated the world’s oceans during the age of dinosaurs. And Queensland has an extraordinary marine reptile story to tell.

 

Dr Lomax will travel across Queensland during Dinosaur Week, appearing at multiple venues in Winton, Richmond and Brisbane, meeting fossil fans, fellow palaeontologists and engaging with national media through television and radio interviews. Known globally for his groundbreaking research on ancient marine reptiles, Dr Lomax will deliver a series of public lectures sharing insights from his illustrious career — from describing new species to leading international fossil expeditions.

 

“This will be my first time visiting Australia, and I couldn’t be more excited,” Dr Lomax said. “Queensland preserves an extraordinary record of prehistoric life, particularly its ancient marine reptiles and dinosaurs. I’m very much looking forward to meeting Australian palaeontologists, collaborating with colleagues, and connecting with the fossil-loving public during Queensland Dinosaur Week.”

 

Dr Lomax has also just released his latest book, The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs, which explores new discoveries that are reshaping what we know about dinosaur behaviour and biology. The book includes recognition of Queensland’s remarkable ichthyosaur and crocodile discoveries — further highlighting the state’s significance in the global marine reptile story. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to meet Dr Lomax in person, attend his talks, have books signed and even join him in the field for hands-on marine fossil digs in Outback Queensland — an extraordinary chance to experience world-class palaeontology up close.

 

More than 100 million years ago, much of Outback Queensland lay beneath the vast Eromanga Sea, home to ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and giant marine predators. Fossil discoveries from Richmond, Boulia and surrounding regions have revealed one of Australia’s richest marine reptile records — placing Queensland firmly on the global palaeontological map.

 

By headlining the first Queensland Dinosaur Week, Dr Lomax strengthens the event’s commitment to world-class scientific engagement, international collaboration and accessible, inspiring storytelling. Dr Lomax’s unconventional journey to become a world-renowned award-winning palaeontologist will inspire people of all ages. Queensland Dinosaur Week is delivered by Dinosaur Experiences Australia, proudly supported by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), in partnership with participating destinations across the GREAT Queensland Dinosaur Trail and CQUniversity as Education Partner.

From walking where titanosaurs roamed to uncovering marine reptiles from the vanished Eromanga Sea, Queensland Dinosaur Week invites visitors of all ages to Unearth the Adventure.

 

QUEENSLAND DINOSAUR WEEK

Event Dates: 4–10 May 2026
National Dinosaur Day: Thursday 7 May 2026
Program & Bookings: www.dinosaurexperiences.com

Dean’s latest book “The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs” is available to buy at Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Kronosaurus Korner and Qld Museum. Get a signed copy!

"THE SECRET LIVES OF DINOSAURS"  "Fantastic, Engrossing & Funny." Slash, Guns N' Roses.

 

 

WHERE TO SEE AND HEAR DR DEAN LOMAX

Monday 4 May – 2pm

Australian Age of Dinosaurs - WINTON

Winton Community Talk – The Adventures of a Palaeontologist, the Secret Lives of Dinosaurs & the Impact of Palaeotourism with Dr Dean Lomax

Join Dr Dean Lomax for a special public presentation exploring the adventures of life as a palaeontologist and the hidden stories behind the dinosaurs and marine reptiles that once ruled our planet. Drawing on his international research and field experience, Dr Lomax will share fascinating insights into how fossil discoveries are made and what they reveal about the behaviour and “secret lives” of ancient animals. From field expeditions and museum collections to the science behind reconstructing prehistoric worlds, this engaging conversation offers a rare glimpse into the work of a modern palaeontologist.

This is a live streamed event. To join this talk, book via https://www.facebook.com/australianageofdinosaurs/events

The presentation will conclude with a live audience Q&A.

 

Tuesday 5 May – time 9am (public tour)

Australian Age of Dinosaurs - WINTON

Collection Room Tour with Dr Dean Lomax

Join Dr Dean Lomax for a guided experience through the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Collection Room — home to some of Australia’s most extraordinary fossil discoveries. Here you’ll see the only known specimens of:

• Australovenator wintonensis (“Banjo”) – Australia’s most complete carnivorous dinosaur
• Diamantinasaurus matildae (“Matilda”) – one of Australia’s most complete sauropods
• Savannasaurus elliottorum (“Wade”)

Learn how these remarkable dinosaurs are scientifically and geologically linked, and discover how fossils are prepared, reconstructed, and interpreted. Enjoy excerpts from the documentary Monsters in the Outback and gain insight into the process of bringing ancient giants back to life.

Visitors can book the Ultimate Dinosaur Tour and join Dr Dean Lomax via www.australianageofdinosurs.com

 

Tuesday 5 May – 6:30pm

Australian Age of Dinosaurs - WINTON

Deep-Time Astronomy Tour – Gondwana Stars Observatory

Dr Dean Lomax as he joins this Deep-Time Astronomy experience under Winton’s outback skies. Explore the connection between the cosmos and prehistoric Earth, tracing the origins of life through deep time — from ancient marine reptiles to the formation of the universe itself.

Bookings essential via www.australianageofdinosurs.com

 

Wednesday 6 May – 8:30am

Australian Age of Dinosaurs - WINTON

Global Virtual Classroom – Ichthyosaurs Around the World

“The Science of Sea Dragons – The Mighty Ichthyosaurs” with Dr Dean Lomax

Join internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax for an exciting global virtual classroom exploring the remarkable world of ichthyosaurs — the powerful marine reptiles that dominated Earth’s oceans during the age of dinosaurs. Drawing on his international research and fieldwork, Dr Lomax will share stories from his adventures studying, excavating and helping discover new species of these incredible “sea dragons.” From fossil digs and museum collections to the science that reveals how these animals lived, hunted and evolved, this engaging session offers students a rare glimpse into the life of a working palaeontologist.

To join this excursion, book via https://www.facebook.com/australianageofdinosaurs/events

 

Thursday 7 May – 7am

Qld Museum – BRISBANE

Queensland: A Global Palaeo Conversation

An Industry breakfast with a panel including Dr Dean Lomax, Dr Espen Knutsen, Dr Scott Hocknull and other guests. The morning will begin with a keynote presentation from internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax, who will share insights from his career, global field adventures, research on ancient marine reptiles and his new book, while reflecting on how Queensland’s remarkable fossil record fits within the international palaeo story. 

The presentation will conclude with a book signing with Dr Dean Lomax.

Bookings will open soon.

 

Friday 8 May | 10:30am

Kronosaurus Korner - RICHMOND

Morning Tea with a Palaeontologist

Internationally renowned palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax will host a special morning tea meet-and-greet and talk at Kronosaurus Korner during Queensland Dinosaur Week, sharing fascinating insights from his work uncovering ancient marine reptiles. Drawing on his global research, field adventures and scientific discoveries, Dr Lomax will reflect on his career journey, discuss his new book, and explore how Queensland’s remarkable marine fossils fit into the broader international palaeo story — all while celebrating the spirit of Queensland Dinosaur Week.

FREE - Bookings essential via www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

 

 

 

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May | 8:00am

Kronosaurus Korner - RICHMOND

Digging at Dawn with Dr Dean Lomax

Experience the thrill of hunting for your own fossils in the field during Digging at Dawn — a hands-on, early-morning adventure shaped by millions of years of natural history. Join fellow fossil hunters in search of prehistoric marine remains left behind by the ancient inland sea that once covered this region. Hosted by internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax, this special experience offers rare insight into the discovery, excavation and reconstruction of Australia’s prehistoric marine reptiles, bringing the “real-life monsters” of the Early Cretaceous back to life.

Bookings essential via www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

 

QUEENSLAND DINOSAUR WEEK

Event Dates: 4–10 May 2026
National Dinosaur Day: Thursday 7 May 2026
Program & Information: www.dinosaurexperiences.com

 

The GREAT Queensland Dinosaur Trail Pocket Guide is available at participating destinations statewide and online at:  www.dinosaurexperiences.com

 

Queensland Dinosaur Week, anchored by National Dinosaur Day on 7 May, features fossil digs, museum experiences, family-friendly activities, citizen science events and special guest appearances across the state. Whether it’s brushing dust from a 95-million-year-old bone, walking where titanosaurs once roamed, exploring marine reptiles from the vanished Eromanga Sea, or roaming beneath giant skeletons after dark at Queensland Museum—Queensland Dinosaur Week invites visitors of all ages to Unearth the Adventure.

 

Queensland Dinosaur Week is proudly supported by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), delivered in partnership with participating destinations across the GREAT Queensland Dinosaur Trail, and strengthened by CQUniversity as the official Education Partner, connecting deep-time discovery with future STEM pathways and research leadership. Proudly supported by the Queensland Government—Engaging Science Grants.

 

 

Contact details:

For ROARSOME media opportunities, interviews, imagery and more, please contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]