At the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre in Mount Isa, you’ll find an exhibition of megafauna animal sculptures and natural history dioramas made by Natureworks. Megafauna are large animals that lived in the Pleistocene epoch. Now extinct, some of these animals are believed to have co-existed with Australia’s First Nations peoples for at least 30,00 years.
The Natureworks team designed the megafauna animal sculptures based on scientific research and evidence drawn from fossils. These sculptures sit alongside some of Riversleigh’s most unique fossil finds. Set in a reconstructed living landscape, the realistic sculptures help people appreciate the size and diversity of Australia’s animals, past and present.
New exhibits and megafauna animal sculptures
The discovery centre has evolved over the years, just like the natural world has! Approximately 25 years ago, the Mount Isa City Council commissioned Natureworks to create a range of dioramas for the Riversleigh Fossil exhibit at the new Mount Isa Visitor Information Centre. The dioramas featured extinct megafauna animal sculptures housed in displays with artificial rocks, caves and plants to set the scene.
More than twenty years later (in 2020), the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre was upgraded to include more interactive exhibits, refurbish the displays and reflect the latest fossil discoveries. The centre became part of the comprehensive Outback at Isa tourism complex. To support the centre’s upgrade, the council once again called upon Natureworks’ expertise in natural history displays.
For the upgraded centre, Natureworks refreshed older exhibits, created new megafauna animal sculptures, built a dramatic entry statement, and provided an attention-grabbing sculptural feature to promote the Visitor Centre.
Photo gallery – natural history exhibits
Photo gallery – Artificial rocks and caves
Thylacoleo – a leaping predator
As a way of bringing dynamic energy to the exhibit, Natureworks artisans sculpted a life-size leaping Thylacoleo Carnifex. Known as the largest carnivorous mammal to have lived in Australia, the Thylacoleo was widely distributed across the country during the Pleistocene era.
Standing at an impressive 1.8 metres tall, the sculpture seems to be leaping out into the exhibition space. It certainly catches visitors’ attention!
Photo gallery – Thylacoleo sculpture
Making a memorable entry statement
'Marsupial lions' greet visitors
In conjunction with the Thylacoleo sculpture inside the exhibit, Natureworks designed and built a magnificent entry statement to stand outside the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre.
At the entrance to the centre, sculptures of two ‘marsupial lions’, prominent carnivores of Australia’s megafauna era, proudly greet visitors. A Thylacoleo stands atop a 2.5-metre-tall limestone rock plinth beside the laser cut metal entrance sign. Next to the large plinth is a slightly smaller plinth with a Wakaleo schouteni sculpture.
The Thylacoleo is constructed from heavy-duty fibreglass with an internal steel armature, while the Wakaleo is made of glass-fibre reinforced concrete (GFC). Both have a realistic 2 Pac paint finish and are bolted securely onto metal plates embedded in the plinths.
The custom rock plinths add height and drama to the entry statement. They’re practical too. Constructed of light but robust GFC over a steel frame, the large plinth includes an internal access door for future servicing needs.
Photo gallery – Megafauna entry statement
Dramatic sculptures help to promote the Visitor Centre
For any tourism destination, the best sort of promotion comes from marketing that visitors do themselves, particularly through photographs and social media. As a case in point, the prominent entry statement at the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre provides a natural backdrop for visitors to have their photos taken. Strategically placed stepping stones in front of the plinths make it easy and safe to pose for photos.
Unusual or fierce-looking megafauna animal sculptures are a natural drawcard, especially for younger visitors. By taking and sharing selfies inside or outside the centre, visitors help to promote not only the fossil attraction but also Mount Isa as a tourism destination.
Look out for the Demon Ducks of Doom!
As another attention grabber, Natureworks created a “flock” of Dromornis murrayi (nicknamed ‘Demon Ducks of Doom’). The Dromornis was an enormous flightless bird (about 1.7m high) that lived in northern Australia between 5 and 24 million years ago.
Positioned in front of the main building adjacent to the street, these eye-catching megafauna animal sculptures draw people to the Visitor Centre. In doing so, they highlight the area’s significant megafauna connections and help to raise awareness of the region’s rich fossil heritage.
(Images: Mount Isa Tourism Association Inc)
Photo gallery – Making the Dromornis murrayi sculptures
Why not experience the fossil centre yourself?
The Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre in Mount Isa showcases fossils from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. Riversleigh is home to significant fossil deposits that tell a unique story of the evolution of Australia’s wildlife.
Go on a journey through time and discover the fascinating world of Australia’s ancient creatures at the Mount Isa Visitor Information Centre. This video from Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre gives a glimpse inside…
Project details
| Client | Mount Isa City Council – Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre |
| Project | Megafauna animal sculptures, entry statement, diorama exhibits, artificial caves, rocks and plants |
| Audience | Local community, tourists, educators/students, archaeologists, lovers of natural history |
| Location | Outback at Isa, 19 Marian St, Mount Isa, QLD 4825 (see map) |
| Date | 2021 |
| Related products | Thylacoleo walking, Demon Duck of Doom, Megafauna animals, Artificial rocks and caves |
| Related catalogues | Megafauna, Artificial Rocks, All things prehistoric |
| Similar projects | Megafauna sculptures at Botanic Gardens, Giant dugong at Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Riversleigh World Heritage Fossil D site |
Project case study – Megafauna at Mt Isa
Displaying marvellous megafauna
The remarkable sculptures of Thylacoleo and other animals Natureworks created for the centre at Mt Isa are part of Natureworks’ extensive megafauna animal sculpture collection. Designed for both indoor and outdoor display, they offer a unique opportunity for the public to experience the scale and diversity of prehistoric animals in a reconstructed living landscape.
As a way of educating people about biodiversity and natural history, megafauna animal sculptures can also be displayed in natural environments like parks and gardens. One example of this is the Australian National Botanic Gardens Megafauna exhibits in 2021-22. This display highlighted links between ancient megafauna animals, indigenous cultural stories, and native flora.
Ask about megafauna animal sculptures
Contact Natureworks to discuss how museum quality megafauna animal sculptures could support your project!
