The kid who never grew out of dinosaurs
For Dr Scott Hocknull, a fascination with dinosaurs was never just a childhood phase, it was the beginning of a lifelong pursuit to understand the story of our planet.
Now a leading palaeontologist at CQUniversity, Dr Scott has spent decades uncovering the secrets of prehistoric life, driven by the same curiosity that first took hold when he was growing up in the Northern Territory.
“I’ve loved dinosaurs and megafauna since I was a little kid,” Dr Scott said.
“I grew up in the outback and I was fascinated by the idea that these giant animals once lived right across Australia.”
That curiosity quickly turned into action.
At just 16, Dr Scott published his first scientific paper – a milestone that set him firmly on the path to becoming a palaeontologist.
From childhood sketches and curiosity-fuelled questions to fieldwork and fossil discoveries, his journey has always been anchored in one simple idea: every rock has a story to tell.
“It’s the discovery that keeps me going,” Dr Scott said.
“You can go out into the field, dig something up that no one has ever seen before, and then piece together what life looked like millions of years ago.”
Today, Dr Scott’s work spans far beyond the dig site.
Based at CQU, he is helping to connect science with communities, bringing Queensland’s rich fossil history back to the regions where it was first uncovered.
Dr Scott's position is supported by Capricorn Caves Geonature Conservation Foundation and the Eromanga Natural History Museum, where his work focuses on building new scientific discoveries, local knowledge, tourism opportunities and education pathways linked to palaeontology and palaeotourism.
“It’s not just about finding fossils anymore,” Dr Scott said.
“It’s about connecting people to their own natural history and creating opportunities in regional areas.”
That connection is something he feels deeply about.
While global discoveries remain exciting, it’s Australia’s unique prehistoric story that fuels his passion today.
“As a kid, I loved dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex,” Dr Scott said.
“But now, what excites me most are Australia’s own dinosaurs, the ones that lived right here in Queensland.”
Through his research and community engagement, Dr Scott is helping to shift the narrative, encouraging Australians to see their own backyard as a place of extraordinary scientific and cultural significance.
And while his career has taken him across the globe and into some of the most remarkable fossil sites in the world, the heart of his work remains unchanged.
“It’s still about that same sense of wonder,” Dr Scott said.
“The idea that you can uncover something completely new and share that story with others.”
For Dr Scott, palaeontology is more than a profession, it’s a way of life, shaped by curiosity, discovery and a deep connection to place.
“I never really grew out of dinosaurs. And honestly, I don’t think I ever will,” Dr Scott said.
Check out Dr Scott's answers to your dino questions on our Youtube Channel! He will be dropping regular video content weekly.
Get involved this Queensland Dino Week
As part of Queensland Dino Week, Dr Scott will bring prehistoric Queensland to life through a series of engaging events across Central and Outback Queensland.
Community members are invited to hear firsthand about the discoveries shaping our understanding of Australia’s ancient past, meet a real-life palaeontologist and explore the stories hidden beneath our feet.
Central Queensland events include:
- Queensland’s BIG Palaeo Stories - Dinosaur Hunting and Deep-Time in Capricornia
- Trilobites and Dinosaur Tracks - The BIG Palaeo Story of the Mt Morgan Region
Outback Virtual Dinosaur events at Eromanga Natural History Museum include
Whether you’re a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast or just curious about Queensland’s ancient history, these events offer a unique opportunity to connect with science, storytelling and discovery.
For event details and updates about Dinosaur Week, visit Dinosaur Experiences Australia.
