Australia’s Most Complete Ichthyosaur Unearthed in Outback Queensland
An extraordinary discovery has been made in Outback Queensland — a nearly complete 7.1-metre ichthyosaur (Platypterygius australis), one of the most remarkable marine reptile fossils ever found in Australia.
What makes this find especially exciting is its rare completeness: the specimen includes both hind flippers, an intact vertebral column, and an almost fully preserved skull. For paleontologists, this is like striking gold, as fossils of this scale and preservation are seldom uncovered, and even more rarely in such a complete state.
From the Cretaceous Seas to Toolebuc Station
The fossil was discovered in 2023 by keen fossil enthusiast Cassandra Prince while exploring Toolebuc Station, located about 100 km south of McKinlay. This site is part of the famed Toolebuc Formation, an ancient seabed dating back around 100 million years to the Early Cretaceous period. At that time, inland seas covered much of what is now Queensland, teeming with marine reptiles, ammonites, and other prehistoric life.
Ichthyosaurs, often described as the “dolphins of the dinosaur age,” were fast, powerful predators. With their streamlined bodies, long snouts filled with teeth, and strong flippers, they ruled the ancient seas. This specimen, measuring over seven metres, would have been a formidable hunter in its time.
Unearthed with Passion and Care
The discovery was not just luck. It was the result of dedication. Cassandra and her family carefully excavated the specimen over many months, a task requiring patience, teamwork, and immense care to protect fragile fossilised bones. Their efforts have been praised by experts for the precision and passion they brought to the project.
Thanks to the generosity of Sam Daniels, the fossil has been formally donated to the museum, ensuring it will be preserved for scientific study and public exhibition rather than being lost to private collections.
From Field to Museum: What Happens Next
The fossil’s journey is just beginning. Preparation officially started in September 2025, with volunteers invited to assist. The painstaking process involves cleaning, stabilising, and assembling each bone. An exhibition launch is anticipated for mid-2026 when the specimen is ready to be displayed.
“This find is a game-changer for science and for everyone who loves dinosaurs and marine reptiles,”
said David Elliott OAM, co-founder of the Museum.
“Cassandra and her family’s dedication made this possible, and we can’t wait to share this piece of Australia’s ancient oceans with visitors for years to come.”
Why This Discovery Matters
While ichthyosaur fossils have been found across the world, nearly complete specimens are exceptionally rare. This discovery provides an invaluable opportunity for scientists to study anatomy, evolution, and how these apex predators lived. It also places Outback Queensland firmly on the global map as one of the most important sites for marine reptile fossils.
For the public, it’s a chance to come face-to-face with one of Australia’s great prehistoric giants — a creature that once swam in the ancient seas where inland towns now stand.
Follow the Journey
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History will be documenting every stage of this fossil’s transformation on their facebook page — from preparation in the lab to its eventual unveiling as a centrepiece of the marine reptile gallery. This behind-the-scenes journey will highlight not only the science, but also the dedication of the community, volunteers, and enthusiasts who make discoveries like this possible.
Stay tuned — the story of Queensland’s 7-metre ichthyosaur is just beginning, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Photo ownership and credit – Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History
