Looking like a giant wombat, the massive Diprotodon optatum was the largest marsupial known to have ever lived and the last of the extinct herbivorous diprotodontids.

Diprotodon was widespread across Australia between 1.6 million and 45,000 years ago and was around when the first Indigenous people arrived, co-existing with them for thousands of years before becoming extinct.

Diprotodon is one of the most well-known megafaunas - which included oversized kangaroos and lizards – and is a close relative of wombats and koalas. Diprotodon remains have been found in many sites across Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. In 2019, the fossilised jaw of a juvenile Diprotodon was discovered nearby in the Monaro region of NSW.  

Special family events. See ‘The Great Dino Escape’ puppet performance at CMAG on 6, 7, 9, 10 March 2023, 4.30-5.15pm. Bookings essential.

Materials presented with the kind assistance of the Australian Museum, Sydney.

In association with the City Illuminations @ Enlighten Festival 3–19 March 2023.

Image: Diprotodon skull- five views, Courtesy of the Australian Museum, Sydney