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| 2014 Big Dig Team (Kronosaurus) | 2015 Big Dig Team (Austrosaurus) | 2016 Big Dig Team (Ichthyosaur) | 2017 Big Dig Team (Elasmosaur) |
Unlock your inner-palaeontologist and explore Australia’s ancient marine past. Kronosaurus Korner is offering a 5 day field experience this winter in July. Participants will experience an authentic fossil dig with a professional palaeontologist who will teach adventurers how to find, identify, and excavate a large 100 million year old fossil.
WHEN: 5th - 9th of August 2019
DETAILS: Kronosaurus Korner is committed to educating and inspiring the minds of individuals who are enthusiastic about fossils. We invite you to join us in exploring the rich geo-heritage of northwest Queensland. Our expedition this year will focus on digging up two ancient marine reptiles (an ichthyosaur and elasmosaur)!
Your experience begins at Kronosaurus Korner with a tour learning about the palaeogeography of Richmond and the amazing prehistoric life that existed in the local area. The tour features the most complete marine reptile known from Australia (the Richmond polycotylid) along with other marine creatures of the Early Cretaceous Eromanga Seaway – from ichthyosaurs to ammonites and even the occasional pterosaur. Next the Kronosaurus Korner troop carrier will take you to the dig site, a 1.5 hour drive from Richmond’s town centre, where you will have the opportunity of exploring and excavating a 100 million year old sea floor.
ADMISSION FEES:
DIG ONLY: $1,250.00 per person per 5 day dig
(Includes morning tea & lunch)
PACKAGE: $2,250.00 per person or $3,500.00 per couple per 5 day dig
(Includes accommodation at Lakeview Caravan Park & all meals)
ONLY 14 AVAILABLE SPACES, BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.
FORMS:
PAYMENT ONLINE: Click here to book
THE ‘BIG DIG’ EXPEREINCE WILL INCLUDE:
- A tour of Kronosaurus Korner with palaeontologist Michelle Johnston
- Transportation to and from the dig site
- Five days of fossil excavation (digging tools and equipment will be supplied by museum)
- Lunch, snacks and beverages at the dig site
- Rainy day activities (palaeontology lectures and fossil preparation courses)
WHAT TO BRING:
- An enormous sense of adventure
- Bucketloads of enthusiasm
- A smile to rival the Cheshire Cat
- A backpack
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen & lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Work clothes - including some long sleeved shirts
- Rain gear
- Boots or similar sturdy footwear
- A fly veil
- Gaiters
- Notebook & pens
- Optional: Camera
*Note: Richmond is part of the Australian ‘Outback', temperatures during July can vary from 0°C–35°C. The 2017 dig season was quite warm - someone forgot to tell us it was actually winter! Please consider being prepared for various weather conditions when packing. For more information please visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW4101.latest.shtml
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Although Kronosaurus Korner puts no age limit on participants, we do encourage the dig for people over the age of 10. Children aged 10-16 years must be accompanied by a paying adult. This is because some of the tools and technique used in fossil preparation require dedicated focus and physical strength.
Participants are to meet at Kronosaurus Korner on the first day of their chosen week at 8:00 AM. Once here, the team will go over the program’s itinerary as well as a few ground rules and regulations. Participants are required to sign a personal injury waiver before the tour begins.
All participants must wear appropriate clothing and footwear (NO sandals or bare feet are allowed).
It is important to emphasize that any fossils found at the site must NOT BE RETAINED FOR PRIVATE COLLECTIONS. The state of Queensland has laws regarding vertebrate fossils and it is imperative that we follow these regulations.
If it is necessary for you to cancel your booking, we ask that you inform us as soon as possible. We are happy to provide refunds in this circumstance.
IN THE EVENT OF UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES:
Bookings with Kronosaurus Korner may need to be rescheduled or cancelled in very rare circumstances. Please be aware that any down-payments will be reimbursed in case of cancellation.
CONTACT:
Michelle Johnston
Curator and Interpretation Manager,
Kronosaurus Korner
91-93 Goldring Street / PO Box 93, Richmond QLD 4822
Phone: 07 47 193 390 / Toll Free: 1300 KRONOK
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