Prehistoric Bayside Open Day - Sunday 30th August 2026: 2pm - 5pm session
Description
It's on again! The third of four open days for 2026, Prehistoric Bayside is back, and bigger than ever. We've had to split the event into two sessions - this Humantix booking is for the timed entry of 2 pm-5:00 pm.
For this open day, we're emphasising everything about WHALES! Palaeontologist and curator of Prehistoric Bayside, Ben Francischelli, will be giving a talk on the rise and fall of the Killer Sperm whales and Livyatan - one of the largest predators ever discovered in the fossil record.
The creation of Prehistoric Bayside is only possible thanks to generous funding from the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron, Bayside City Council, Deb Lusty and the countless citizen scientists who are changing the palaeontological landscape of Victoria with their discoveries.
More than 5 million years in the making, the exhibition display will showcase hundreds of fossils from the internationally renowned fossil sites of Beaumaris and Black Rock (Victoria). This is one of the largest collections of fossil whales and sharks on the continent.
You'll get to see:
1) The newest discoveries of 2025/26 made by citizen scientists, from Beaked whales, giant Pseudo-toothed birds and monster Baleen whales, with some fossil specimens you can touch and feel with your own hands!
2) A series of in-person talks by eminent scientists and palaeontologists, including a talk by palaeontologist Ben Francischelli
3) Giant Megalodon teeth, huge Killer Sperm whale remains, and fossil evidence of some of the largest animals that ever lived (even bigger than any of the dinosaurs),
4) Scientists and citizen scientists are behind the scenes, making these incredible discoveries. You can ask whatever burning questions you have for them!
5) An identification table with experts who can analyse and ID any specimens you've found across Victoria.
The talks will be listed below once they're confirmed for the day.
Appropriate for all ages, every Open Day will be different! Each fossil display will change based on the newest discoveries of that month, so don't miss out on this opportunity to see history as you've never seen it before.
FAQs
- Whats the deal with the session time of 2PM - 5:00PM?
Due to the overwhelming demand and capacity limits of the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron, we have to ensure that there are timed sessions for people to come and see the display.
There will be two timed sessions, one from 11 am - 2:00 am, the other from 2:00 pm to 5 pm. Both sessions will have the same set of talks.
- When will the talks be?
There will be two timings for the in-person talks for each session, with the first round occurring at 12:30 pm and the second at 3 pm. The talk will be given by Curator and Vertebrate Palaeontologist Ben Francischelli, who will be discussing the Killer Sperm whales, their extinction and the incredible Livyatan.
- Where do I pay for my ticket?
At the door - a gold coin per entry. All funds generated from the day will go directly towards Prehistoric Bayside. The funding will allow us to curate and prepare new specimens, create new displays and signage, allow for general upkeep of all display cases, create new videography of our underwater discoveries, purchase field gear, create education kits for schools, allow for in-person talks for the museum, create new and exciting palaeo-artwork, allow us to host these open days and more.
- Where do I park at the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron?
Parking and Entry will be available from 10:45 AM
Parking will be available in the general parking area in orange. We need to maintain clear access through the Boat wash zones.
If there is no more room left, please respectfully park on the nearby streets of Cromer Road and Ray Street (Beaumaris) above the Motor Yacht Squadron and walk down the ramp into the Yacht Squadron at the main entrance.
- I've got more questions!
No problem, just send through any questions to the curator Ben Francischelli at benfrancischelli91@gmail.com and he'll get back to you.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity