South Australia's favourite fossil festival on 15 - 21 April 2013
Immerse yourself in the amazing world of fossils and hold millions of years of history in the palm of your hand.
Explore life in the past and discover how fossils can give clues for the future.
The South Australian Museum's Fossil Fest (previously known as Palaeontology Week) is a week-long program bursting with free events, displays and activities for all ages. It showcases South Australia's rich fossil heritage and uncovers fascinating research and discoveries.
Enjoy a program bursting with lots to see and do!
Download the full program here. 
Fossil Fest 2013 Timetable
Fossil Fest 2013 is supported by Beach Energy, Environment Institute at the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and Splash Adelaide.
Weeklong Activities (15 - 21 April)
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 15-21 April 10am - 5pm |
| Where: | Fossils Gallery, Level 3 |
Dig Pits
Dress up as a fossil hunter and dig for fossils in the ever-popular dig pits. Suited to children under 16 years.
Fossils Up Close
Some fossils are tiny! Use microscopes to study fossils that are so small they're hard to see with the naked eye. Suited to children 5+ years.
Prehistoric Playpen
Enjoy a special program for children under 5 years and their families. Make a dinosaur stampede out of modelling clay, dress up, read books and play with prehistoric soft toys while relaxing on bean bags!
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | Dinosaurs Down Under 15-19 April, 11.30am & 2.30pm 20 & 21 April, 10.30am (30 min duration) The Bone Detectives 20 & 21 April, 1.30pm (30 min duration) |
| Where: | Main Foyer, Ground floor |
Singalong Performances
Dinosaurs Down Under: Professor Flint performs tracks from his CD with a focus on Australian dinosaurs.
The Bone Detectives: Join singing palaeontologist Professor Flint and Carey Burke in a scientific, musical adventure as they uncover the mysteries of Australia's megafauna.
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 11am - 4pm weekdays 11am - 3pm weekends |
| Where: | Information Centre, Level 1 |
Fossil ID
Bring in your own fossils for identification. Sort and study fossils, and try the game Fossil or Not?
Weekday Activities (15 - 19 April)
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 15 & 16 April, 10am - 3pm |
| Where: | Main Foyer, Ground floor |
Owl Pellet Dissection and Bone Sorting
Dissect regurgitated owl pellets to explore the biodiversity of our outback wildlife. Suited to 6+ years.
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 15-19 April, 11.30am - 2.30pm 20 & 21 April, 10am - 5pm |
| Where: | Front lawns |
Fossil Moulding
Fossils were made millions of years ago over time and pressure. Create your own replica to keep out of clay. Suited to 4+ years.
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 19 April 6.30pm & 7.30pm (45 min duration) |
| Where: | Meet in Main Foyer |
| Cost: | This session is now fully booked. |
Fossil Torchlight Tours
Explore the fossil gallery after dark with singing palaeontologist Professor Flint. Suited to 8+ years. Bookings essential on 8207 7090. This activity is part of Nights on North Terrace.
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 19 April, 5.30pm (30 min duration) |
| Where: | World Mammals Gallery, Ground floor |
| Cost: | This session is now fully booked. |
Tell Me a Bedtime Story
Put on your pyjamas and bring your snuggle rug for soothing bedtime stories with the animals. Then enjoy a light supper in the Museum. This activity is part of Nights on North Terrace.
Weekend Activities (20 & 21 April)
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 10am - 2pm |
| Where: | Fossils Gallery, Level 3 |
Fossil Rubbings
Study fossils up close and create your own fossil rubbings. Suited to 3+ years.
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 10am - 5pm |
| Where: | Front lawns |
Fossil Preparation
See what normally happens behind-the-scenes in the fossils lab and how fossils are prepared with a micro-jack. Use the tools of the trade to prepare fossils.
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 2pm - 4pm |
| Where: | Fossils Gallery, Level 3 |
Drawing Megafauna
Unlock your inner artist! Join Claire Richards as she guides you to draw these large animals from the past. Suited to 6+ years.
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 21 April, 1.45pm (45min duration) |
| Where: | Meet in Main Foyer |
| Cost: | Free |
Walk & Talk
Journey back in time on this guided tour with Palaeontologist Dr Mike Lee. Suited to 8+ years.
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 11.30am & 2.30pm 3x10 minute talks per session |
| Where: | Mawson Gallery, Level 3 |
Short Talks (TEN)
Be inspired by the world of science and discovery in these short 10 minute talks. Suited to 8+ years.
Saturday 20 April, 11.30am
A Walk Through Time: From Megafauna to Stromatolites
Tree Kangaroos of the Treeless Plain
Dr Gavin Prideaux, Flinders University
Kangaroo Island Fossil Animals: So Close in Space Yet So Far in Time
Dr Diego C. Garcia-Bellido, University of Adelaide
Planet Earth: A Stinky, Smelly Place
Jenny Worthy, South Australian Museum
Saturday 20 April, 2.30pm
Fossil Finds: Revealing Creatures of the Past
The Oldest Bottom Feeding Animals on Earth
Dr Jim Gehling, South Australian Museum
Dwarf Giants of Kangaroo Island
Dr Gavin Prideaux, Flinders University
The Peculiar World of Dinosaurs
Professor Flint, the singing palaeontologist
Sunday 21 April, 11.30am
Past Animals and their Environments
We are all Fishes
Professor John Long, Flinders University
Kangaroo Island Fossil Animals: So Close in Space Yet So Far in Time
Dr Diego C. Garcia-Bellido, University of Adelaide
What's In a Cave?
Ian Lewis, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
Sunday 21 April, 2.30pm
Creatures of the Past: the Strange, Bizarre and Peculiar
The Strange Side of Megafauna
Carey Burke, Flinders University
The Bizarre World of Prehistoric Sharks
Professor John Long, Flinders University
The Peculiar World of Dinosaurs
Professor Flint, the singing palaeontologist
| EVENT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| When: | 20 & 21 April 12pm & 3pm (30 min duration) |
| Where: | Fossils Gallery, Level 3 |
Meet and Greet
Meet and talk to our special guests. Ask fossil questions and hear about their latest research in the Palaeo Lounge.
Saturday 20 April, 12pm
Dr Gavin Prideaux, Dr Diego Garcia-Bellido and Jenny Worthy
Saturday 20 April, 3pm
Dr Jim Gehling, Dr Gavin Prideaux, Professor Flint
Sunday 21 April, 12pm
Professor John Long, Dr Diego Garcia-Bellido and Ian Lewis
Sunday 21 April, 3pm
Carey Burke, Professor John Long, Professor Flint
Special Guests:
Professor John A Long
Strategic Professor in Palaeontology
School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University
Dr Diego C Garcia-Bellido Capdevilla
Senior Research Fellow
Sprigg Geobiology Centre, University of Adelaide
Honorary Research Associate, South Australian Museum
Dr Gavin Prideaux
Senior Lecturer in Palaeontology
Flinders University
Ian Lewis
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
08 8207 7500
08 8203 9805
