110 Million years ago - when dinosaurs walked the earth
True blue Aussie dinos
Although Australia shared many families of dinosaurs with other continents, it had its own range of unique dinosaurs. Some of the best preserved include the armoured Minmi and the beaked Muttaburrasaurus. These dinosaurs are named after places in outback Queensland Minmi Crossing and the township of Muttaburra near where the first skeletons of these Australian icons were discovered.
Snoot for a big hoot!
Muttaburrasaurus was a seven-metre-long, plant-eating dinosaur with very strong jaws and a beak suited to tearing tough vegetation. On top of its snout was a large hollow chamber probably used to amplify its calls to carry over long distances.
Muttaburrasaurus.
Illustration: A Musser © Australian Museum.
Muttaburrasuarus Skeleton/
Photo: B Cowell © Queensland Museum.
Super charged tank
Minmi was a three-metre-long, plant-eating armoured dinosaur. Like other armoured dinosaurs Minmi had hard plates in its skin, but it also had additional bony plates alongside its backbone that may have provided extra attachment sites for muscles. This extra muscle power may have helped Minmi to move faster than other kinds of armoured dinosaurs.
Minmi.
Illustration: A Musser © Australian Museum.
Fossilised Minmi.
Photo: B Cowell © Queensland Museum.
