Six Extinctions
A mass extinction is defined by 75% or more of the Earth’s species being wiped out in a short period of geological time.
Six Extinctions delves into ‘The Big Five’ events which drastically reshaped life on Earth: the Ordovician, Devonian, Permian, Triassic and Cretaceous extinctions.
Each historical event was driven by geological and environmental factors like volcanic activity, meteor impacts and climate shifts. These extinction events devastated ecosystems but also paved the way for new evolutionary adaptations.
The exhibition, developed by Gondwana Studios, also examines the ongoing Holocene extinction event—the Sixth Extinction in which we now live—driven largely by human activities such as habitat destruction, climate change and pollution.
Yet, Six Extinctions also offers hope. Through highlighting conservation success stories, the exhibition demonstrates that concerted human effort can still make a difference in preserving biodiversity and restoring Earth’s ecosystems.
In the exhibition, you'll explore these extinction events over 485 million years of Earth’s history through an incredible collection of replica fossils. Come face-to-face with some of the most formidable predators of each era, including Dunkleosteus, the giant armoured fish that ruled the seas, Inostrancevia, a sabre-toothed predator as fierce as any tiger, Postosuchus, a towering crocodile-like hunter, and a life-sized replica of the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found.
This is a journey through deep time you won’t want to miss.
Museum at Inveresk
Opening 15 March 2025 — 17 August 2025
Exclusively on display in Tasmania at QVMAG.
Purchase tickets online
Online booking fees apply.
General information
Is there an entry charge to the exhibition?
Yes, Six Extinctions is a ticketed exhibition. General admission prices are:
- Adult - $5
- Child aged 2-17 years old - $5
- Infant (under 2 years old) - Free of charge
- Companion Card holder - Free of charge*
QVMAG Friends membership pricing:
* Valid ID must be presented on arrival.
You can purchase tickets online from 12pm on 5 March 2025, or in-person at the Museum at Inveresk from 15 March 2025. Booking fees apply for online bookings.
Purchase tickets online
Please note: ticket sales for a particular day will close at 3pm on the day (one hour before the Museum closes).
Where is this exhibition on display?
Six Extinctions is showing exclusively in Tasmania at the Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston. For details on parking and public transport, please visit:
Travel update: Roadworks are currently in progress at the Tamar Street and Lindsay Street intersection, which may affect travel time. We recommend allowing a little extra time for your arrival and departure.
Purchase tickets online
What dates will this exhibition be on display?
Six Extinctions will open from Saturday 15 March 2025 to Sunday 17 August 2025.
The Museum at Inveresk is open daily from 10am to 4pm, except on the Good Friday public holiday on Friday 18 April 2025.
Will this exhibition be available elsewhere in Tasmania?
No. Six Extinctions is exclusively on display at QVMAG in Tasmania.
Purchase tickets online
What ages are best suited for this exhibition?
Six Extinctions is suitable for all ages. Children must be supervised by an adult while exploring the exhibition.
Does this exhibition have flashing or flickering lights, or loud noises?
No. There are no flashing or flickering lights in Six Extinctions.
Booking information
Is there an entry charge to the exhibition?
Yes, Six Extinctions is a ticketed exhibition. General admission prices are as follows:
- Adult - $5
- Child aged 2-17 years old - $5
- Infant (under 2 years old) - Free of charge
- Companion Card holder - Free of charge*
QVMAG Friends membership pricing:
* Valid ID must be presented on arrival.
You can purchase tickets online from 12pm on 5 March 2025 or in-person at the Museum at Inveresk from 15 March 2025. Booking fees apply for online bookings.
Purchase tickets online
Please note: online ticket sales for a particular day will close at 3pm on the day (one hour before the Museum closes).
When will tickets be available?
Tickets for Six Extinctions will be available for online purchase from Wednesday 5 March 2025. A booking fee applies for online bookings.
From 15 March 2025, tickets will also be available to purchase on-site at the Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, for entry on the day.
Purchase tickets online
Can I purchase tickets to this exhibition online?
Yes. Ticket sales will be available online from 12pm on 5 March 2025. Please note booking fees apply to online bookings.
Tickets on-site can also be purchased from 15 March 2025 at the Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston.
Purchase tickets online
Can I pre-book my tickets?
Yes. Tickets for Six Extinctions will be available for pre-purchase on our website from 12pm on 5 March 2025. A booking fee applies to online bookings.
If purchasing online, please bring your ticket (printed or on your phone) to the Museum at Inveresk and present it at the Welcome Desk to receive your entry wristband. If you've purchased Friends membership ticket or a Companion Card ticket, please present valid ID upon arrival.
If you would like to purchase tickets in person (on-site at the Museum at Inveresk), they are available on the day of your visit. There are no booking fees for door sales tickets purchased on-site.
Can I book a group tour to this exhibition?
Yes. To enquire about group visits, please contact the QVMAG booking team:
Group bookings can be made from Wednesday 5 March onwards.
For school groups who would like to organise a booking, please head to the Six Extinctions section on our Information for Schools page.
Can I get a refund for a ticket purchase?
No. Tickets for Six Extinctions are non-refundable.
Does my ticket have timed entry?
No. Your ticket does not have timed entry, so you can arrive at any time on the date booked.
Once you have received your wristband from our team, you can exit and re-enter Six Extinctions as many times as you like on the day of your visit.
Purchase tickets online
On-site information
I've purchased my ticket online. How do I check-in on-site?
On the day of your ticket purchase, please arrive at the Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston.
- Proceed to the Welcome Desk near the entrance.
- Show your online ticket to our friendly team, as well as any valid IDs as required by your ticket purchase (e.g. Companion Card, Friends of QVMAG).
- Our team will issue a wristband for each ticket purchased.
- Head to the exhibition entrance wearing your wristband to gain entry to Six Extinctions.
Your wristband is valid all day, so please keep wearing it if you intend to leave and return to the exhibition.
Purchase tickets online
I want to buy my ticket in person. How can I do this?
To buy your ticket in-person on the day of your visit, please head to the Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston.
- Proceed to the Welcome Desk and advise our team that you wish to purchase tickets for Six Extinctions.
- Once you have paid for your ticket, you will be given a wristband for each ticket purchased. You will need to wear your wristband to gain entry to Six Extinctions.
- Your wristband is valid all day, so you are welcome to leave and return to the exhibition as you please.
Tickets for future dates can only be purchased online.
How do I get to the Museum at Inveresk?
Six Extinctions is showing at the Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston. For details on parking and public transport, please visit:
Travel update: Roadworks are currently in progress at the Tamar Street and Lindsay Street intersection, which may affect travel time. We recommend allowing a little extra time for your arrival and departure.
Purchase tickets online
What are my dining options at the Museum at Inveresk?
QVMAG does not have an on-site café at the Museum at Inveresk. However, we provide a designated dining area where visitors are welcome to enjoy their own meals. A vending machine with snacks is also available.
This dining space is located just outside the Object Gallery—please feel free to ask our friendly staff for directions.
For those looking for nearby dining options, several cafés are available within the Inveresk Precinct, including Blue Café & Bar and Loose Goose, both of which offer dine-in and takeaway services. Additionally, a variety of eateries can be found along Invermay Road, all within a short walking distance from the museum. You are welcome to bring food from these venues to enjoy in our designated dining area.
With your wristband, you may leave and re-enter Six Extinctions as often as you like on the day of your visit—so feel free to step out for a meal and return at your convenience.
Can I take photos of this exhibition?
Yes. Photography for personal use is permitted. However, flash photography, selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed.
Commercial photography is prohibited. For media requests, please contact our team at enquiries@qvmag.tas.gov.au.