Sydney is SHAKING: DinoFest 2026 Returns – A Face-to-Face Encounter with Prehistoric Giants! Are you ready to step back 66 million years? This summer, the earth will shake once again as DinoFest Sydney 2026 stomps into the iconic Blaxland Riverside Park at Sydney Olympic Park. Following a record-breaking sell-out season in previous years, this prehistoric extravaganza is back—bigger, louder, and more “roar-some” than ever before.
Whether you have a “dino-obsessed” toddler or you’re a family looking for the ultimate school holiday activity in Sydney, DinoFest is the place to be. From the terrifying teeth of the T-Rex to the gentle giants of the Jurassic era, this immersive experience is designed to spark imagination and create memories that will last a lifetime.
1. When and Where: Save the Dates!
Mark your calendars because the dinosaurs won’t stay forever. DinoFest Sydney is a limited-time pop-up event perfect for the January heat.
- Dates: Saturday, 10 January – Sunday, 1 February 2026.
- Operating Days: Open daily (Note: The event is closed on 14, 20, and 26 January).
- Session Times: To ensure every guest gets a personal and safe experience, DinoFest runs in three 90-minute sessions daily:
- Morning Session: 10:30 AM
- Midday Session: 1:00 PM
- Afternoon Session: 3:00 PM
- Location: Blaxland Riverside Park, Jamieson St, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
The riverside setting provides a stunning backdrop, with lush greenery that makes you feel like you’ve actually stepped into a Cretaceous jungle.
2. Ticket Prices: Pre-Book Before They Go Extinct
If there’s one piece of advice we can give, it’s this: Pre-book your tickets online. DinoFest Sydney is notorious for selling out faster than a Velociraptor can run.
Standard Ticket Pricing:
| Ticket Type | Price (AUD) |
| Adult (13+ years) | $31.00 |
| Child (2–12 years) | $28.00 |
| Under 2 years | FREE |
| Family of 4 Pass | $107.00 (Great value!) |
Discounts are also available for seniors and individuals with a disability. Groups of 10+ can often access special rates by contacting the organizers directly.
3. The Experience: What Makes DinoFest Special?
DinoFest isn’t just a walk-through museum; it’s a high-energy, interactive dinosaur festival. The organisers have “upped the ante” for 2026 with more live-action dinosaurs and brand-new animatronics.
The 45-Minute Dinosaur Encounter
The heart of the event is the live Dinosaur Encounter. In a dedicated arena, expert Dino-Rangers introduce you to life-size, walking dinosaurs. You won’t just watch from a distance—these prehistoric beasts walk right up to the crowd.
- Pat a Dino: Kids (and brave adults) can reach out and touch the dinosaurs.
- Learn While You Roar: The show is educational, debunking Hollywood myths and explaining the evolution of the Tyrannosaur family from dog-sized creatures to apex predators.
The Dino Trail
After the encounter, wander through the Dino Trail featuring over 30 life-size dinosaurs hidden among the trees. For 2026, keep an eye out for the towering Brachiosaurus and the iconic Triceratops. It’s the ultimate photo op for your Instagram and TikTok feeds.
Hands-On Dino Activities
The fun doesn’t stop at watching. DinoFest is designed to get kids’ hands dirty (in the best way possible):
- Dino Dig: Grab a brush and join a sand-pit excavation to find hidden fossils.
- Feel a Fossil: Get up close with real dinosaur bones and learn about the science of paleontology.
- Arts & Crafts: Themed stations where kids can create their own prehistoric masterpieces.
4. Age Recommendation: Who Is It For?
While dinosaur fans of all ages are welcome, DinoFest is specifically curated for children aged 9 and under.
The “scare factor” is kept low. While the dinosaurs are large and roar, the environment is friendly and interactive rather than dark and frightening. It’s the perfect “first dinosaur experience” for toddlers and primary school students. For parents, there are plenty of shaded areas, and an essential coffee-and-ice-cream cart is on-site to keep the energy levels high.
5. Why DinoFest is the #1 Trend This Summer
In an age of screens and VR, DinoFest brings families back to the outdoors. It’s part of a growing trend in “Edu-tainment”—where kids learn about science and the environment while having the time of their lives.
With its focus on the Age of the Tyrannosaur, the 2026 event taps into the timeless fascination with the T-Rex while introducing new, lesser-known species. It’s a sensory experience: the sound of the roars, the texture of the “skin”, and the thrill of the “dig”.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit:
- Arrive Early: Get there 15 minutes before your session to find a good spot around the encounter arena.
- Sun Safety: Sydney in January is hot. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
- Check the Map: Blaxland Riverside Park is huge—make sure you head to the specific DinoFest entrance near the Jamieson St side.
DinoFest Sydney 2026 is more than just an event; it’s a journey into a lost world. Don’t miss your chance to meet the titans of the past in the heart of modern Sydney.
