Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Australian Age of Dinosaurs
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is a museum focused on Australia’s evolutionary history, in particular the discovery, conservation, and research of Australia’s dinosaurs. It is a working museum – an education resource, research facility and tourist attraction. It features: • World’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils • Most productive fossil preparation laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere • Dinosaur Canyon walk with life-size bronze dinosaurs • Work on real, 95 million-year-old dinosaur bone fossils found in the Winton area • Spectacular views from the top of The Jump-Up (Australia's first International Dark-Sky Sanctuary) with striking rocky outcrops and canyons; walking trails; animal and bird life; it’s a photographer’s paradise!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Admission tickets
from
AU$38.00
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The area
Address
Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive The Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary, Winton, Queensland 4735 Australia
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See what travellers are saying
  • Megan A
    Brisbane, Australia58 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant outback experience, great staff and billions of years of history.
    Do not miss this opportunity to see what has been discovered in our backyard. Congratulations to the founders and the amazing work they have done to build such a magnificent museum. The 4 hour tour was incredible and the staff amazing. Definitely put this on your list of things to visit and do.
    Thanks again Bestiestouring! Hope to see you back again soon!
    Written 19 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 15 March 2024
  • AU LC
    33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience!
    Not gonna lie, when we saw the prices, we were a bit shocked but decided to do the Ultimate Dinosaur Tour because we're here already. But WOW, definitely worth the 4 hours experience we had there. We arrived at the reception for the check in and got our tickets and time for the day. We first went to the lab to see the fossil preparation and it was very fascinating! I was expecting a white coat temperature controlled lab environment but nope, it's in a shed with dedicated volunteers working on the fossils at different stages of unearthing these precious bones. You even get to touch the bones there. For collector, there is a penny press machine there so get your $2 ready or the staff can help you. We asked a few questions and got on back to the reception area for the collection room tour. Not much of a tour but more presentation and it was delivered excellently by Jon. He explained the different types of dinosaurs bones with enthusiasm and humour. Gold stars. I believe Banjo and Matilda are star crossed lovers with same ending as Romeo and Juliet. After this, we waited for our Canyon tour with the shuttle and this is the highlight for me. The canyon is so beautiful. The design of the building matched the landscape perfectly and after hearing the mammoth effort to relocate the tracks, I was even more impressed. The dinosaurs displays were also great. A lot of information was crammed in a few hours and I love it. The gift shops (with good items) and cafes are well priced too. A must see in my book.
    Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us Linda! We're thrilled to hear that you found our Ultimate Dinosaur tour worth the investment and that you enjoyed your four-hour adventure with us. It's fantastic to hear that you found the Fossil Preparation Laboratory fascinating and that you appreciated the hands-on experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again soon!
    Written 3 June 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 June 2024
  • Gabriella B
    75 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dinosaurs in our backyard
    This place was brilliant. Well worth going to if only for the incredible views! Same people also run Larks Quarry which is way out further so this is much more accessible. Great seeing details about life 95million year ago and knowing that our planet perpetually is changing. Was fascinating hearing about Matilda and Banjo and seeing their actual bones - not replicas. They also do a dark sky star gazing which would be awesome to do - maybe next trip!
    Thank you so much for your fantastic review, GabriellaB1962! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the views from The Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back!
    Written 24 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 July 2024
  • Maynessa L
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting day out
    I booked in advance for me and my husband. I'm glad, because I got the tours that I wanted. There were big queues on the day that I went, so some people weren't so lucky. Unfortunately, my husband was sick on the day, so I went on my own. It was very interesting and well presented. The views from the cafe were very pleasant. The whole experience made for an enjoyable and interesting day out
    Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, maynessal. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tours and found them interesting and well-presented. We're sorry to hear that your husband was unable to join you and hope he is feeling better now. We look forward to welcoming both of you back for another visit in the future!
    Written 27 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 26 July 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles994 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
161
Average
26
Poor
13
Terrible
6

SElizW
Essex, UK21 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
I would really recommend the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgable. This activity was fun for all ages and the timetable is flexible if you have other places to be. The shop had a good selection of gifts, however the cafe had several items missing off the menu. I would have given this experience 5/5 were it not for two things: Firstly it is pricey. That said, we were there for 5 hours and so for what you get, the price is very reasonable. Secondly, and this is the big one: there is little shade on the tour. We visited in January and it was 40+ degrees. Our guide tried to keep us under cover for as long as possible and kept ushering us to the water fountain, however the tour involves walking the pathway to the overlook. The children's rubbing activities were on metal, which was scorching hot, understandably, and the railings were burning. I recommend, therefore, visiting out of the summer months. For Australian Age of Dinosaurs, I ask if it is possible to put shade over the walkways, even if it is a crude tarp just for the summer months. The young child and his father we were on the tour with were really struggling in the heat, and I feel like this experience would have been so much better if we weren't counting down the time to get out of the sun.
Written 15 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and leaving such an insightful review. It is hot in summer! Currently the Museum offers an early tour (8am) to visitors designed to "beat the heat" while walking around Dinosaur Canyon. I have passed your feedback and suggestions on to the Museum Management Team as they are currently working on different options to improve the visitor experience in summer. Happy travels :)
Written 16 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Richo1959
Townsville, Australia91 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Couples
Right from the car park the Age Of Dinosaurs delivers and amazes. The main building blends into the landscape by being the same mottled red/brown earth colour. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The short walk to the Fossil Lab has a guide to talk you through the area and why it is so rich in fossils. Our guide Nathan was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
The short film presentations at the administration centre were informative without being too heavy.
The walkway along the escapement show the geology of the Jump Up.
The Age Of Dinosaur is not static as there is a massive museum being built at the moment. All the staff have a good sense of humour as demonstrated by the fly level indicator.
Booking to tour and presentations is highly recommended as it get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review Richo1959! I am so glad you had a good time and enjoyed your visit. Happy travels!
Written 23 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

POLLYANNA57
Brisbane, Australia597 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
Excellent. We’d seen the big Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, Ab, Canada. It’s fantastic, because of the vast wealth of dinosaur fossils unearthed there. Ages of Dinosaurs, Winton, is as good, if not more enjoyable. We were closer to artefacts, the Tour Guides were knowledgeable and pleasant. The natural beauty of the terrain around the raised walkways was totally unexpected. Stunning. Going from arid desert like vistas before the complex to a green and lush oasis inside was as wonderful as the dinosaur exhibits. We hope to return when further planned work involving visitor access to the gardens is completed. Visually magnificent. All Staff were pleasant and knowledgeable but must commend Sarah and Peter, who conducted the walking tours. Exceptional. Make a day of it and sign up for all Tours and sights. The Gift Store had very good pricing on the best quality educational merchandise, books, stones and fossils. My Grandchildren have loved their loot and are encouraging their parents to work on taking them to the Museum.
Written 21 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you POLLYANNA57 for visiting and leaving such a wonderful review. I am so glad you had a good time and were able to see and do everything. I hope to see you all back again soon to see some of our planned additions. Happy travels :)
Written 22 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

James B
Newcastle, Australia640 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum is a quality attraction and a must-do for your visit to Winton.

It’s not cheap but we were there for more than 4 hours and were taken through 3 separate sections - so view it as 3 dinosaur experiences for the price of one.

First, we were taken into the fossil preparation room where we were shown how the bones are extracted from a dig site, stored for later restoration and then painstakingly removed from the surrounding rock. We observed volunteers doing this detailed work including a retired GP who spends 6 months a year volunteering at this place. Fascinating discussion!

Second, we viewed actual fossil remains of four dinosaurs found in the surrounding region, some of the most complete dinosaurs found in Australia.

And thirdly, we were taken to an excavated creek bed which revealed footprints of several different ancient species locked in the sediment of this watercourse. A captivating explanation of life at this watering spot, although the extinction of dinosaurs by an asteroid could more plausibly be explained by a global flood of the Genesis type.

Well worth a visit to this important national display.
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review P6881CKjamesb! It sounds like you had a wonderful time and experience. All the best on your travels :)
Written 15 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Suzanne2303
Labrador, Australia1,253 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2020 • Couples
We purchased a complete dinosaur attraction pass, giving us entry to Lark Quarry Dinosaur stampede, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, the display in Hughenden and the centre in Richmond. Definitely worth going to all four if you have the time. It’s also a bit of a saving, and there’s a Senior’s discount if you fall into that category 😉
The Australian Age of Dinosaur experience is in three parts. Get there at least 15 minutes before your time slot( book online) as you’ll need to walk a bit to get to the first exhibition. This was a talk by a professional at this fossil preparation laboratory. It’s also a museum with lots of bones and fossils on display. There are staff working of finds, and heaps of ‘finds’ in casts waiting to be worked on.
The next part of the experience is in a room with another lot of amazing bones with a story about them. Our speakers were all informative Nd passionate about their work.
The third part of the experience we all got into the little ‘train’ along to the other side of the canyon and saw more skeletons/ casts amidst lovely scenery and vegetation. There were ‘rubbing’ activities for the kids and a cooler to refill your water bottle.
Back to the main building for a last minute look at souvenirs. There is a canteen to buy water, coffee and some food items, overlooking the canyon.
Truly another great dinosaur expereince😊
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you for visiting and submitting such a positive review Suzanne2303. I think you have summed up everything really well! Hope to see you back again soon to see all of our new additions. Happy travels :)
Written 21 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ray M
Bundaberg, Australia23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2020 • Couples
What has been built here and the story of the dinosaurs is a credit to those who have a passion for what they do. The Museum is a works in progress with a Dark Sky Observatory due to open in 2021, and plans for a huge natural history museum due to open in a few years.

Adults and kids alike should enjoy a visit. Do take one of the guided tours to get a good experience and learn about the work being done here, highly recommended.
Written 16 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review 715raym! Hope to see you back out this way again soon :)
Written 16 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Se0301
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2020
The 3 hour tour was interesting and informative but if you are concerned about maintaining social distancing forget it. It was impossible to stay 1.5m away from others as there were so many people in our tour group. The lab and the theatre were too small for everyone to stay apart and still see and hear what was going on. On the trip out to the Dinosaur Canyon the vehicle was so full we had to sit 3 to a seat no wider than the back seat of a car, and were rubbing shoulders with other passengers.
Written 25 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Se0301 thank you for your review and for sharing your concerns about social distancing. The Museum adheres to the Queensland and Australian Government’s "Roadmap to easing restrictions", and has implemented a range of plans and procedures to ensure the highest level of cleanliness and social distancing is maintained. Some of the Museum's implemented documentation includes: - Tourism and Accommodation Industry Plan - Quality Tourism Cleaning Procedures - COVID-19 Risk Register - Queensland Government COVID Safe Checklist Restaurant and Cafes and - Queensland Government WHS plan for COVID-19 In addition the Museum passed an onsite COVID-19 safety audit conducted by a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspector on 28 July. Following this visit the inspector confirmed the Noble Express shuttle buses are classified as open vessels and are allowed to carry 25 people at a time. As we take the safety of visitors and staff very seriously we have been following the "Roadmap to easing restrictions" diligently and as it is updated. Thank you again for your visit. Happy travels :)
Written 16 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

hhx2_12
Cairns, Australia1,813 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
What an amazing place.
We booked the guided tours, meaning the lot.
Already the Trip to this place was stunning.
A few km south of Winton a winding road goes up the Hill to the Museum.

Everything was well organised and nicely explained.
Friendly staff in all areas.

First off was the Lab, where you have to walk to, appr 10 min with some stunning views.
Later a documentary movie was screening in the main building.
Followed by the Dinosaur canyon Tour by shuttle Bus. So much fun.
The whole expirience took a few hours but with short breaks in between.

You have to book in advance which we didnt know. Lucky we got a spot the next day.
Parking is heaps even for a Caravan or Camper.

Get a flynet over your head/ face, its Fly season....You will thank me for it.

There is a Cafe, however after our Tour we wanted to eat something and only one Sandwich was left.

Wouldnt it be fun to see Burgers or fries with names like Brontosaurus or T Rex burger ...give them a dramatic name...

They are building a new area, 2 big Dinasaurs can be already seen from the distance.
So in 1 or 2 years time we will make our way again to this amazing place.
Written 6 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and leaving a review hhx2_12. I absolutely love your ideas for the Cretaceous Café! Hope to see you again to see all of our additions, including those two big dinosaurs! Safe travels :)
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

RobynW
27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2021
In my opinion we did the best bit of the whole day last, the walk through the Dinosaur Canyon, with its remarkable rocks, beautiful trees, struggling cycads, 'rubbing' opportunities, statues of all kinds of dinosaurs and, most of all, a track suitable for wheelchairs! The morning started with a visit to the fossil preparation laboratory where Grace the guide, gave us an endearing look at the way dinosaur footprints are carefully prepared for storing until time can be devoted to their treatment, and we saw volunteers working painstakingly to prepare the footprints for future display. Then we went to the reception centre, located in a beautiful building totally sympathetic to the rocky area in which it is located. The second guide was almost as good as Grace, as she pointed to actual fossil bones that have been shaped into actual dinosaurs using wire where bones do not exist. Finally we went to the building that houses the greatest array of dinosaur footprints that we have seen. Then we did the canyon walk. It's no wonder I went to sleep in the bus on the way back to Longreach.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and leaving a review robynw1946! I am so glad you had a good time. Safe travels :)
Written 25 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mon55
Brisbane, Australia1,213 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
The museum is about a 20 minute drive from Winton and well worth visiting.Driving onto the "Jump Up" (mesa) offers amazing views of the area. The first part of our visit included a walk (10 minutes) along the rim of the Jump Up to the Laboratory where the bones are unearthed and sorted. Then we walked back to reception and went to the Collection room where some assembled dinosaurs are.This was followed by a visit to Dinosaur canyon which has a great boardwalk. A wonderful experience!!
Written 11 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to review the Museum Mon55! Your visit sounds absolutely wonderful. Happy travels and hope to see you back out this way again soon. :)
Written 21 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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