Sea Monster Field School

Location: Winton QLD, Australia

Season: November 3, 2026 to November 1, 2026

Session Dates: Group one: 3 to 17 November 2026 Group two: 17 November to 1 December 2026

Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: http://www.australianageofdinosaurs.com

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History

Project Director:
David Elliott

Project Description:

The Sea Monster Field School, run by the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Winton, Queensland, offers participants the chance to help prepare a remarkable Australian ichthyosaur. Discovered by Tom and Sharon Hurley and acquired by the Museum in 2021 from their extensive collection, this specimen is part of a trove exceeding 40 pallet crates and over 15 tons of fossils.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in fossil preparation, working alongside Museum staff in the Southern Hemisphere’s most productive Fossil Preparation Laboratory and the newly built Exhibition Development Facility. This guided program blends science, adventure and the unique Outback Queensland experience, with the ichthyosaur destined for permanent exhibition once preparation is complete.

Period(s) of Occupation: Cretaceous Period

Notes:
Open to citizen scientists 18 years and older. No prior fossil experience required. Limited to small groups to ensure hands-on training. Meals and accommodation included onsite at the Maloney Lodge Precinct.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Two weeks

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Included – onsite accommodation at Maloney Lodge Precinct with all meals provided

Academic Credit:
Not offered