🐊 CROC! Lost Giants to Living Legends at Queensland Museum — A Jaw-Dropping Day Out

The exhibition kicks off with stunning life-sized models of ancient crocodilians, including Sarcosuchus — a 130-million-year-old giant that makes today's saltwater crocs look modest. The fossil displays are dramatic and beautifully presented, giving kids (and adults) a real sense of just how massive these creatures were. Our boys stood beside these prehistoric giants with mouths literally hanging open.

Here's where Queensland Museum nailed it: this isn't a "look but don't touch" experience. The family map you receive at entry features crocodile paw print symbols showing what can be touched, and there's a lot. Interactive screens are strategically placed throughout, engaging younger visitors while delivering fascinating facts about croc biology, behaviour, and evolution. Little hands were busy, curious minds were activated, and attention spans held strong.

One of the most captivating sections shares real-life stories from croc encounters across Australia's history. We learned about a giant croc that once terrorized the Logan area south of Brisbane in the early 1900s, and about legendary Northern Territory crocs like Sweetie — the gargantuan rulers of the billabongs. These documented accounts bring the power and presence of these animals into sharp focus.

The exhibition beautifully weaves together science and culture, featuring bold First Nations artworks that share deep connections to Sea Country, alongside global perspectives on crocodiles in design, tradition, and storytelling.

Our youngest loved trying on the replica Roman crocodile skin armour, a ceremonial helmet and cuirass from 3rd-century Roman Egypt, worn by soldiers and priests in rituals honouring the crocodile god Sobek. It's the kind of hands-on moment that makes history tangible.

Throughout the exhibition, interactive challenges test your knowledge of life in croc country. The boys loved the gameplay elements and quizzes, while the adults were fascinated by the real-world tools used by crocodile researchers and conservationists. Video footage of modern-day crocodiles in the wild shows how scientists study these incredible animals today, bridging ancient history with current conservation efforts.

The final section brings the crocodile story right into our everyday lives in ways that'll make you look at familiar brands completely differently. From luxury fashion houses featuring crocodile skin handbags to the iconic Lacoste logo (that tennis player on the polo shirt? It's a croc), this animal has embedded itself deep in modern culture. Sports teams worldwide have claimed the crocodile as their mascot for its power and ferocity.

And then there's the delightful irony: those foam shoes we all wear? They're literally called Crocs. The exhibition traces how this ancient predator became a symbol of everything from luxury and status to comfort and practicality — showing kids that the crocodile's influence extends far beyond the billabong and into the world they navigate every day.

We spent just over an hour exploring the exhibition, though honestly, the adults could have easily spent longer diving into the details. The kids were engaged the entire time and could have happily gone back around for a second loop, but they were eager to explore Queensland Museum's permanent exhibits (which, if you haven't been lately, are also excellent).

Plan for at least an hour in CROC!, but allow a full afternoon if you're making the most of the entire museum. It's genuinely a great day out.

Timing matters: We attended Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm and found it comfortably uncrowded. Weekday sessions or later afternoon slots might offer a more relaxed experience during school holidays.

Engage with the map: The crocodile paw print symbols show what's touchable — use this to guide younger kids to the most interactive elements first.

Let kids lead: The exhibition is designed for self-paced exploration. Follow your children's curiosity rather than rushing through in order.

Combine with the museum: Don't skip Queensland Museum's permanent exhibits — you're already there, and they're worth the visit.

All ages welcome: This truly works for pre schoolers through adults. The layered content means everyone finds something at their level.

Travel by CityCat or Train: It costs just 50 cents per trip and the kids will love the journey! Bonus for you, no stress about finding a park and then the high fees. 

CROC! Lost Giants to Living Legends succeeds because it respects both the science and the storytelling. Created by experts from Queensland Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, it's thoroughly researched without being dry. It's interactive without being gimmicky. It engages kids without talking down to them.

The exhibition asks a compelling question: where does legend and myth meet reality when it comes to crocodiles? By the time you leave, you'll have answers — but also a deeper appreciation for these ancient survivors that outlasted the dinosaurs, influenced countless cultures, and somehow ended up on everything from designer handbags to the shoes in your closet.

Whether your kids are dino-obsessed, animal-mad, or just need something different from the usual weekend routine, this exhibition delivers. The warm welcome from staff, the thoughtful design, the perfect balance of education and entertainment it all adds up to a genuinely memorable family experience.

Queensland Museum has created something special here, and it's only here for a limited time. Don't sleep on it.

If the exhibition sparked a crocodile obsession in your house (and let's be honest, it probably did), here's the good news: Australia's home to incredible opportunities to meet these ancient predators in real life.

Real crocodile encounters near you:

Australian Reptile Park (Central Coast, NSW) – Meet Elvis, Australia's crankiest saltwater croc, during daily feeding demonstrations. The park's crocodile conservation program offers close encounters and keeper talks that bring the science from the museum to life.

Australia Zoo (Sunshine Coast, QLD) – The Irwin family's legendary Crocoseum hosts thrilling crocodile shows and feeding demonstrations. See conservation in action at the same facility featured in the CROC! exhibition's Lasting Legacy tribute.

Crocosaurus Cove (Darwin, NT) – For the brave: the Cage of Death lets you get face-to-face with massive saltwater crocs in their underwater habitat. Not for the faint-hearted, but unforgettable.

Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas (Far North QLD) – Wetlands exhibit with crocodile feeding experiences in a naturalistic tropical setting.

Explore all crocodile encounters and wildlife experiences on SPARK POP →

Whether you want a gentle introduction for younger kids or an adrenaline-pumping encounter for brave teens, there's a croc experience that matches your family's comfort level. And after visiting the exhibition, you'll appreciate these living legends even more.