If you’re looking for a genuinely great (and free) day out with kids in Brisbane, the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibition at the Queensland Museum is hard to beat.
Located on Level 2, this permanent gallery is immersive from the moment you walk in, with dramatic lighting and larger-than-life displays that pull you straight into prehistoric Queensland. Best of all, it’s completely free — easily one of the best-value activities in the city.
What sets it apart is its focus on Australia’s own ancient past. Instead of the usual overseas dinosaurs, it showcases creatures that once roamed right here in Queensland, giving it a strong sense of place that kids really connect with.
One of the highlights is Australovenator, often described as Queensland’s version of a velociraptor: fast, agile and built for hunting. Then there’s Megalania, the largest lizard ever to live, which always gets a big reaction once you see its scale.
The exhibition also layers in fossils, geological displays and interactive elements that explain how scientists uncover and reconstruct the past. It spans around 250 million years of history, from ancient seas to the age of megafauna, with just enough tech and hands-on elements to keep kids engaged.
It’s an easy one to add to a South Bank day — you can move through it quickly or take your time depending on attention spans. But what really sticks is the sense of wonder, and the realisation that these incredible creatures once lived right here in Queensland.
If you’ve got dinosaur-loving kids, it’s a must-visit. If not, it’s still well worth your time.
Need to know
Location: Queensland Museum, South Brisbane
Opening hours: Permanent exhibit, open daily during Museum hours, 9:30am — 5pm
Cost: Free exhibit! Tickets not required.
Further information: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/
