The entrance to the Gondwana Garden in Wonthaggi featuring Koolasuchus cleelandi, named for legendary local palaentologists Lesley Kool and Mike Cleeland.
CREATIVE designs for the $18 million first phase of the Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail have been released, showcasing six sites celebrating the polar dinosaurs that inhabited the region 125 million years ago.
The designs feature sculptures, gardens, a treetop walk and adventure playground, along with interactive experiences incorporating sensors, LED lighting, full-body tracking and immersive 3D animations.
The trail – so far unfinanced – is planned to open in 2026 and forecast to attract almost 100,000 extra visitors a year by 2035.
The designs feature sculptures, gardens, a treetop walk and adventure playground, along with interactive experiences incorporating sensors, LED lighting, full-body tracking and immersive 3D animations.
The trail – so far unfinanced – is planned to open in 2026 and forecast to attract almost 100,000 extra visitors a year by 2035.
Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan said the dinosaur trail would be a game-changer for the region, which is already known for its nature-based attractions.
“It will reinforce Bass Coast as a sustainable year-round tourism destination and provide an unparalleled attraction that draws upon the region’s heritage while connecting the next generation with science and education.”
“Not only will this project be a unique addition to our tourism offerings but it will support more than 400 jobs and significantly contribute to local tourism and expenditure in the region.”
The dinosaur trail is designed to interact with the State Government’s Yallock Bulluk Access and Infrastructure Plan incorporating a walking trail between San Remo and Inverloch.
Dinosaur Dreaming dig co-ordinator Lesley Kool, who has painstakingly searched for precious polar dinosaur fossils for almost 40 years, said the dinosaur trail would be a tourism boon for the region and a welcome learning tool for generations to come.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to put this impressive history on a global stage and acknowledge the dedicated research that has happened here for the past four decades, largely by volunteers who do it purely for the love and thrill of it.
“It will reinforce Bass Coast as a sustainable year-round tourism destination and provide an unparalleled attraction that draws upon the region’s heritage while connecting the next generation with science and education.”
“Not only will this project be a unique addition to our tourism offerings but it will support more than 400 jobs and significantly contribute to local tourism and expenditure in the region.”
The dinosaur trail is designed to interact with the State Government’s Yallock Bulluk Access and Infrastructure Plan incorporating a walking trail between San Remo and Inverloch.
Dinosaur Dreaming dig co-ordinator Lesley Kool, who has painstakingly searched for precious polar dinosaur fossils for almost 40 years, said the dinosaur trail would be a tourism boon for the region and a welcome learning tool for generations to come.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to put this impressive history on a global stage and acknowledge the dedicated research that has happened here for the past four decades, largely by volunteers who do it purely for the love and thrill of it.
Inverloch: The Dino Hunters Playground combines an adventure playground, art installation, outdoor learning space and hands-on exhibition.
The Caves: ‘Pocket palaentologists’ will teach visitors about real-life dinosaur hunters through animated characters voiced by the scientists who have studied the area for years.
A treetop walk in Wonthaggi's 7ha Gondwana Garden in Graham Street will take visitors on a journey from the beginning of Gondwanaland to its separation into continents and islands.
Kilcunda: A village green gathering place with a life-sized dinosaur inspired fence, and upgraded amenities including shelters, beach showers and barbecues.
 San Remo: A time machine sculpture replicates DNA and provides a vantage viewpoint of the ever-widening valley that separates Australia and Antarctica where polar dinosaurs once roamed. | “The Bass Coast is a unique environment and this is the only place in Australia where you can come and find evidence of early Cretaceous dinosaurs," Ms Kool said. “Many people aren’t even aware that dinosaurs existed here so the trail will highlight just how special the South Coast of Victoria really is.” The concept still requires high level funding support, with the council now investigating partnership opportunities to help bring the Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail to life. Planning is also underway for a future second phase of the project, which will include the Inverloch Cultural Discovery Centre. |