Telephone: +61 7 4657 0414
          Email: judy.elliott@aaod.com.au

Slideshow
The images above are from Craig Gauder, a participant and photographer during our 2010 dig. They give an idea of the wide range of participant experience on an AAOD dinosaur dig.  Visit the Gallery

Oh the experience!
When was the last time you dug for a dinosaur?

Few can casually answer “Oh, just the other day!” Well, here's your chance to do just that.

Our Dinosaur Discovery Weeks are an experience you'll not find anywhere else. They're a fascinating and scientifically important look into Australia’s ancient past and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of Australian history as it unfolds.

Taking place in the vast, rolling Mitchell grass downs country of the Winton district, these digs have produced the greatest hoard of dinosaur bones in Australia, all new to science and never been seen before. Many are from gigantic sauropods that were common in the Winton district 95 million years ago. Can you imagine an animal 20 metres long and 4 metres high, weighing as much as five fully-grown African elephants? Imagine it… no!
Why not come out and discover it!

Over the past eight years many people from all walks of life have come together on these digs to share an unforgettable experience. From all corners of Australia and beyond, dedicated folk have climbed out of their comfort zones and headed to the bush to take part in a dinosaur excavation… and loved it!    Why not you?

    "It’s an incredible feeling to be out in the
     field, away from the hustle and bustle of
     city life with a group of friendly, down to
     earth, like-minded people all sharing a
     common goal."

What to expect
Digs are fully catered and participants enjoy excellent home-cooked meals, including hot breakfasts and scrumptious morning and afternoon tea breaks. You will eat well!

Twin share rooms are clean and comfortable. Accommodation facilities include flushing toilets, showers and a washing machine. This is a comfortable outback experience.

A day as a dinosaur dig team member can be as full-on or as casual as you like; pick your spot with the guidance of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs (AAOD) team and start digging.

The site we are currently excavating was found in 2006 and has provided a bounty of fossil material; massive sauropod bones, teeth, smaller bones from crocodiles and perhaps flying reptiles, and more. Look around and enjoy the thrill of the find, either yours or that of a fellow digger; be the first to see dinosaurs emerge again into the sun after 95 million years! Have a go at plastering the specimen you have dug out and get it ready for the trip to the Dinosaur Laboratory.

At the end of a perfect day, relax with your fellow diggers and talk about the days finds, then, after a delicious dinner, retire to a comfortable bed and dream of the big discoveries you and your team will make tomorrow. Wake in the morning to the welcome smell of breakfast cooking and the excitement of fellow dig team members.

Midway through the week, enjoy an excursion to the Dinosaur Laboratory and see first hand what will happen to your finds in the future. There you can help prepare specimens by cleaning the rock off to make them ready for scientific study and display. Afterward, explore the site of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum; 1,650 acres of rugged Jump-Up country with spectacular views and nature walks. Revel in the glorious sunset then, after a luxurious hot shower, join everyone once again for happy hour. Soak up the atmosphere and admire the beauty of a vast western Queensland starlit sky!

Intellectual property (IP)
Photos, video, audio, and digital recordings of volunteers may be used to publicise AAOD programs.

Media representatives may be present at times and if there are any concerns about this please advise the Volunteer Supervisor.

Participants are able to take photos, however these are to be for personal use only. Photo’s cannot be published without the consent of AAOD Management.

No previous experience in palaeontology is required but applicants must be over 18 to apply.

Working on a dinosaur dig involves patience, a good eye, a steady hand, and the ability to share close quarters with people of diverse age and background.

The weather is generally dry and windy. Expect cold nights and cool to warm days. Bring warm clothes as an option.

Private cars can be taken to the accommodation site. The dig site is about 60 kilometres from Winton in outback Queensland.

   What's included?

• 7 day experience ex Winton; 5-6 days dinosaur digging; 6 nights on site
  
  
• AAOD and Queensland Museum palaeontology staff will be in attendance
  
  
• A day trip to the AAOD Preparation Laboratory and Museum site
  
  
• Visit Lark Quarry Dinosaur Stampede (optional)
  
  
• All meals and twin share accommodation
  
  
• Pre-dinner drinks (each evening)
  
  
• Catered morning and afternoon tea breaks
  
  
• Transport from Winton to dig site and return

What we supply

• All bedding
  

• Towels

• Safety equipment
  

• Dig tools
  

• A good time

What to bring

• A wide-brim hat

• Sunscreen

• Work clothes

• Boots or similar sturdy footwear
  

• Water bottle
  

• Sense of humor

Optional items
These items are not always needed and can be purchased from the dig site if required

• Fly veil
• Gaiters to protect socks from grass seeds

Volunteer and public liability insurance
During your dig with the AAOD Museum, you will be covered by our Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Insurance Policy.

If you have concerns or reservations about the safety of tasks you are asked to carry out, please bring this to the attention of the Supervisor. Our intention is to ensure you have a safe working environment.

You must notify the Supervisor or a member of AAOD Management immediately if any injury occurs whilst acting as a volunteer for the AAOD Museum. An incident report must be completed as soon as possible after the incident has occurred.

Medical conditions
Please note that the dig site is over 60 km from Medical assistance so any health issues, however minor, must be brought to the attention of AAOD staff immediately so that the condition can be monitored and acted on if necessary.