Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Megaraptor Encounter ?

Each encounter runs for between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on requirements of the presenter and audience engagement. A break of at least 15 minutes is required between each encounter. A maximum of three encounters can be presented in a two-hour block.

How much space is needed?

Approximately 10m x 10m flat space (flexible depending on set up), and a minimum clearance of 2.5 metres height. Ellie the Australevenator is big! She is 3.6m long, stands 2.2m tall.

Can you perform outside?

Yes we can. We can present the encounter in lots of different spaces including outdoor areas with solid, level ground.
The encounter cannot take place in rain or excessive heat (over 25 degrees), or strong / dangerous winds, so this should be kept in mind when considering outdoor performances. For outdoors, a protected, covered or semi enclosed area is recommended 

Can you perform in our indoor venue?

Sure! We can perform in a range of venues – foyer spaces, indoor areas, halls and some stages will work fine. Megaraptor Encounter is designed for audiences who are standing and gathered around the enclosure, and doesn’t work as well for a traditional stage with a seated audience. Our set up is pretty flexible and does not require specific lighting. We supply our own sound, props and dinosaur enclosure. We just need a big enough space to set up! 

Let us know about your venue and what you need so we can work it out! 

Do you provide information about dinosaurs?

Yes. Our keeper provides plenty of facts and figures about dinosaurs during the presentation, especially about Australian dinosaurs. We also have links and resources on our website. If specific information or education resources are required let us know and we can tailor that to your needs.

Is the show educational?

Yes. The Megaraptor Encounter shares educational information about Australian dinosaurs. Our team has undertaken extensive research to understand how a dinosaur would behave in such an environment – our dinosaurs do not perform tricks, respond to commands, or behave in ways that a domesticated pet might. 

Our team at Dinosauria spend a lot of time researching dinosaurs and our understanding of how they behaved.

Is it like Jurassic Park?

The Jurassic Park movies are awesome and lots of fun, but Megaraptor Encounter does not use the story-lines, characters or ideas promoted by the Jurassic Park series.

Does the Megaraptor Encounter feature singing and dancing?

No. Megaraptor Encounter is more like a live dangerous animal demonstration you might experience at a zoo 

The behaviour of Ellie, the Megaraptor, is designed to replicate a real dinosaur’s behaviour, so she does not do tricks, understand human commands, or respond in a human way or the way a domesticated pet might.

Who will enjoy Megaraptor Encounter ?

There is something for everyone in Megaraptor Encounter! We think it is best for ages 10 and up, and more specifically:

Dinosaur lovers: Adults and children fascinated by dinosaurs (and near relatives – birds, reptiles etc.).

Adventure-seeking families: Families with primary and high school-aged children. May be frightening for young children and some people (show includes loud noises, fast movements).

Jurassic lovers: Fans of the universes of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World. Includes teens and adults, especially Millennials and Gen X.

Who will not enjoy the show?

Megaraptor Encounter may be frightening for young children and some people (show includes loud noises, fast movements).

The dinosaur behaves like a real animal with animal instincts. Its movements can be unpredictable and exciting. The dinosaur can get scared or agitated but also has periods where it is calm and docile. The dinosaur stays inside the barrier but is not trained to do tricks and does not respond to commands.

How long does it take to set up?

We take between 60 and 90 minutes from arrival to being ready for our first encounter, depending on ease of parking and access for our equipment.

What is the cost of Megaraptor Encounter?

The Megaraptor Encounter starts from $2,100 for three appearances, including set up, all staffing, equipment, and technical production. We can customise the Encounter to best suit your event and provide a quote to suit your needs.  

Is it scary?

Megaraptor Encounter may be frightening for young children and some people (show includes loud noises, fast movements).

The dinosaur behaves like a real animal with animal instincts. Its movements can be unpredictable and exciting. The dinosaur can get scared or agitated but also has periods where it is calm and docile. The dinosaur stays inside the barrier but is not trained to do tricks and does not respond to commands. 

 Do you supply marketing information?

Yes. A full marketing kit is supplied upon booking.

Does the audience need to be standing?

Standing makes it a much better experience for the audience. Of course people who are unable to stand may sit down, and we will help make space for that. However in general if the audience is standing the experience is far more engaging. 

Do you supply your own technical equipment? 

Yes we do! We have our own portable sound system and all the materials needed to set up. We have no need for specific lighting, so long as people can see us! 

Do you need a space to change / get ready?

That depends. We bring our own 6m x 3m Marquee which acts as the enclosure for Ellie the Megaraptor and usually sits in the performance space. The keeper can get changed and prepare in there. 

However if the marquee is not being used, we will need sufficient space for Ellie to be kept and the keeper to get changed. We can discuss those needs with you.

Do I need to supply any technical equipment?

No. We have our own portable sound system and all the materials needed to set up. We have no need for specific lighting, so long as people can see us!

Do you have Insurance?

Yes. Purplestage (our company) has $20 million Public Liability Insurance. Certificate of Currency is available and can be sent through

Do you have Working With Children checks?

Yes. All staff have current Working With Children checks. Copies of these can be sent through in advance and will be available to view on site.