World's largest Tyrannosaurus rex coming soon to QVMAG

Image: Courtesy of Gondwana Studios.

Six Extinctions – an exhibition tracing the five mass extinctions on Earth and the sixth extinction that is now underway – will open to the public on Saturday 15 March, exclusively in Launceston at QVMAG. 

The blockbuster exhibition features a life-size replica of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever found, known as ‘Scotty’. The skeleton is 13 metres long by 4 metres high and recreates the most complete fossil of its kind, discovered in 1991 by palaeontologists in Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Visitors to the Museum at Inveresk will come face-to-face with top predators from the past and travel through 485 million years of Earth's history, exploring the major events that wiped out species and shaped the world we live in. 

Six Extinctions also considers the impact of climate change and how the current extinction crisis is the first to be caused by a single species – humans. 

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said hosting this exciting experience in Launceston is a major win for the local community. 

"It's an absolute must-see for families from northern Tasmania and across the state," Mayor Garwood said. "It will be open across two school holiday periods, allowing everyone to visit. 

"Whether you're a dinosaur enthusiast or keen to protect the planet, I encourage everyone to get online and book or visit the Museum in person for this show." 

Developed by Tasmania's Gondwana Studios, Six Extinctions features an incredible collection of replica fossils, including Dunkleosteus, the giant armoured fish that ruled the seas, Inostrancevia, a fierce sabre-toothed predator, Postosuchus, a towering crocodile-like hunter. 

Gondwana Studios Director Peter Norton said he can't wait to see the response from visitors to the exhibition. 

"This is going to be a great show," he said. "It brings together an amazing collection of fossils, life-like models, and large artworks to tell an important story. 

"The death of the dinosaurs might be the most famous extinction, but it is only one of five that has decimated life on the planet. They have paved the way for new life forms to emerge, and without them, we would not be here today. With Six Extinctions, we want to leave visitors with a message of hope for the future," said Norton. 

QVMAG Director Shane Fitzgerald said the institution is delighted to work with a local producer to bring this incredible experience to life. 

"Following a successful tour of New Zealand, Tasmania is the next stop for Six Extinctions," said Fitzgerald. “Visitors will love it. The scale and quality of the display is first-class, and there's a surprise around every corner." 

Six Extinctions is on exclusive display in Tasmania at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk (2 Invermay Road, Launceston) from 15 March 2025 — 17 August 2025. Open 10am - 4pm daily (closed Easter Friday). 

All tickets are $5 - adults at children's prices. Free entry for children under two years. Each ticket covers entry for the full day - re-entry on the same day is included. 

To book online, visit www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/Six-Extinctions. Online booking fees apply. 

Issued 7 March 2025.