About Us

Kronosaurus Korner is Australia's premier marine fossil museum. It showcases nearly 1,150 unique fossil specimens from Richmond, Outback Queensland. Fossils from the area include the 100-115 million year old remains of extinct marine reptiles, fishes, ammonites and squids that once dominated Australia's ancient inland sea. While fossils of extinct marine reptiles were found in the area during the 1860s, the catalyst for developing the museum occurred in 1989 with the discovery of the spectacular 'Richmond Pliosaur' on a property called Marathon Station near Richmond. The 'Richmond Pliosaur' was recognised by palaeontologists for representing one of the best preserved Cretaceous marine reptile fossils in the world.

Three months after the excavation of the 'Richmond Pliosaur', the skeleton of Australia's most complete dinosaur, Kunbarrasaurus ieversi, was also found on Marathon Station. This discovery cemented Richmond as one of Australia's most prolific fossil localities and spurred an unprecedented amount of fossicking in the region. Over 150 local residents and high-profile palaeontologists held a meeting in Richmond to discuss the development of a museum to prepare, conserve and showcase the growing number of newly found fossils. The proposed museum would also serve as a research hub for visiting palaeontologists and a tourist attraction for the region. With approval from Richmond Shire Council, the Strand Theatre was selected as the site for the Richmond Marine Fossil Museum. The building had originally been used as a movie theatre, but had subsequently been converted into a storage area for animal feed. The museum opened in 1995 following major renovation work to the building. It was initially operated by a dedicated group of locals and a volunteer organisation called Friends of the Museum.

The museum was subsequently renamed Kronosaurus Korner Information Centre during a redevelopment phase known as 'Stage 1'. Funding for 'Stage 1' included $200,000 from the State Government and $300,000 from Richmond Shire Council. Kronosaurus Korner Information Centre was named after the iconic 11 metre long marine reptile Kronosaurus queenslandicus. A full-size replica of Kronosaurus queenslandicus was installed outside the museum. Expansions to the museum also included a new visitor information desk, gift shop and cafe.

Richmond Shire Council took over full management of Kronosaurus Korner Information Centre in 1999 and shortened the name of the museum to Kronosaurus Korner. Kronosaurus Korner is operated as an incorporated body, with a board of directors consisting of the local mayor, councillors and one town member. This new management system coincided with the expansion of several new galleries during a redevelopment phase known as 'Stage 2'. This included the opening of the Cannington Gallery in 2010 (funded by BHP Billiton) and the Rob Ievers Gallery in 2012, named after one of the founders of the museum.