Picture this: the vast, dusty plains of outback Queensland stretching endlessly to the horizon, the heat rising in shimmering waves off the red earth. It’s a land that feels timeless, yet beneath its surface lies a past that stretches back millions of years—a time when some of the largest creatures ever to roam the Earth called this place home. Welcome to Eromanga, Australia’s most inland town and an unexpected treasure trove for dinosaur discoveries.
Eromanga’s rise as a paleontological hotspot didn’t begin with high-tech excavations or a team of scientists. It began in 2006, when Robyn Mackenzie and her husband Stuart were mustering cattle on their property near Eromanga, in southwest Queensland, and stumbled upon some fragments of dinosaur bones. At the time, those initial pieces gave no indication of the extraordinary discovery that would soon unfold.
These bones belonged to Australotitan cooperensis, affectionately named 'Cooper' after the nearby Cooper Creek, where it was discovered. This 30-meter-long sauropod, with its neck reaching towards the treetops, was a true giant. Cooper's discovery didn’t just capture attention—it revolutionised our understanding of Australia’s prehistoric past. After 15 years of meticulous excavation and research, the Eromanga Natural History Museum officially recognised the skeleton in 2021 as the largest dinosaur ever found in Australia.
Ranked among the top 15 largest dinosaurs in the world, Cooper's species is a member of the titanosaurs, a group of giant sauropods previously only found in South America. This discovery put Eromanga firmly on the map, marking it as a land of ancient giants and unlocking new chapters in the history of life on Earth. In Australia, Cooper stands as the largest creature ever to have walked the outback—imagine a dinosaur the size of a basketball court crossing the land.
But Cooper’s discovery is just the beginning. Over the years, the once-overlooked soil of Eromanga has yielded an astonishing array of fossils, with dozens of excavation sites still yet to be explored. These finds are making Eromanga an ongoing hub of discovery and wonder.
The discovery of Cooper has brought new life to Eromanga, boosting its reputation as a key destination for dinosaur-driven tourism.
At the heart of these groundbreaking discoveries stands the Eromanga Natural History Museum, where science and storytelling come together. The excavation and preparation of Cooper’s remains, carried out between 2005 and 2010 by the Queensland Museum and the Eromanga Natural History Museum, marked the beginning of an incredible journey. Today, the museum serves as a hub of research, education, and awe-inspiring exhibits.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with Cooper’s massive bones, alongside a growing collection of fossils unearthed from the local region. The museum offers more than just a display of fossils; it’s a window to the thrilling world of palaeontology. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about the excavation process and the meticulous work of identifying and cataloguing fossils.
The museum is not just preserving history—it’s actively making it. Ongoing digs and research projects mean that every visit offers a chance to witness science in action. The ancient past comes alive here, inviting you to explore the incredible stories hidden beneath the outback’s iconic red soil.
Whether you’re a budding paleontologist, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique adventure, the Eromanga Natural History Museum promises an unforgettable journey back in time. Come and experience the wonder of discovery in the heart of outback Queensland.
The Outback Trail
May 1
Eromanga
Images courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.