A VISIT to the Australian National Botanic Gardens during the first week of the school holidays will have an added element of excitement with a terrifying T-Rex, menacing raptors and flying pterosaurs lurking amongst the foliage.

For nine days only, from 2-10 July, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the National Dinosaur Museum are combining forces to delight, scare and enthral visitors with life-sized dinosaurs on display throughout the Gardens during Prehistoric Garden Week.

Dinosaurs will be found among the landscapes they once inhabited including ‘living fossil’ plants. There are also displays of plant and dinosaur fossils and large specimens of ancient petrified wood.

“Visitors can choose to see the dinosaurs in the light of day or test their courage with a night-time adventure during our public open nights or Gondwana night tours,” the Gardens’ event manager Jennifer Salkeld said.

“The surreal atmosphere created by illuminating the dinosaurs against the darkness will challenge the bravest of children.

“A self-guided dinosaur trail, dinosaur craft activities, fascinating ‘show & tell’ presentations by National Dinosaur Museum staff and school holiday workshops all come together to make Prehistoric Garden Week a special experience.

“With loads of free activities, as well as affordable tours and events, Prehistoric Garden Week is a must for families this school holidays.”

Bookings are required for most activities and can be made online at parksaustralia.gov.au

Event overview:

• 19 life-sized dinosaur displays in the Gardens from 2 – 10 July
• Self-guided dinosaur trail – Free – Booklets in the Visitor Centre
• Dinosaur craft activities – Free – Daily in the Visitor Centre
• Fossil Breakout Day – Free – Wed 6 July – Bookings required
• Public presentations – Free – 5 & 7 July – Bookings required
• Public Open Nights – $9.50 Adult, $7.50 Conc./Child – Sat 2 & 9 July – Bookings required
• Gondwana Night Tours – $22pp (Ages 8+) – 1, 6 & 8 July – Bookings required