Dr Dean Lomax's Australian Debut
Internationally acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax will make his first-ever visit to Australia to headline Queensland Dinosaur Week, running from 4 to 10 May 2026. This event includes National Dinosaur Day on 7 May.
Dr Lomax is globally recognised for his groundbreaking research on ichthyosaurs, marine reptiles that thrived during the age of dinosaurs. He is set to visit venues in Winton, Richmond, and Brisbane, engaging with fossil fans and fellow palaeontologists.
"This will be my first time visiting Australia, and I couldn’t be more excited," Dr Dean Lomax stated. "Queensland preserves an extraordinary record of prehistoric life, particularly its ancient marine reptiles and dinosaurs."
He will deliver public lectures and participate in fossil digs, sharing insights from his illustrious career, which includes describing new species and leading international fossil expeditions.
In addition to lectures, Queensland Dinosaur Week will feature hands-on fossil digs, museum experiences, and the launch of Dr Lomax’s latest book, "The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs." This book explores new discoveries about dinosaur behaviour and biology, including Queensland’s notable ichthyosaur and crocodile finds.
Queensland’s geological history is rich, with regions like Richmond and Boulia offering significant marine fossil records. Over 100 million years ago, much of Outback Queensland was submerged under the Eromanga Sea, a habitat for ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. Fossil discoveries from these areas have revealed one of Australia’s richest marine reptile records.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to meet Dr Lomax, attend his talks, have books signed, and even join him in field digs in Outback Queensland. This provides an extraordinary chance to experience world-class palaeontology up close.
More than 100 million years ago, the Eromanga Sea covered much of the region, home to ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and other marine predators. These conditions have made Queensland a hotspot for marine fossil discoveries, contributing significantly to our understanding of prehistoric marine life.
By headlining Queensland Dinosaur Week, Dr Lomax strengthens the event’s commitment to scientific engagement and international collaboration. The week promises to be a significant event for fossil enthusiasts and the scientific community alike.
Last updated: 6 April 2026, 11:04 pm
