Little dinosaur a roaring success

Encounter Australia’s polar dinosaur in a ground-breaking Virtual Reality x 3D experience.

A polar dinosaur who roamed the Otway Ranges some 106 million years ago is the subject of a ground-breaking Virtual Reality x 3D palaeontology experience, now open at the National Wool Museum in Geelong.

The ambitious exhibition, called The Little L Project has brought together the National Wool Museum, Deakin University, PrimeSci, and Museums Victoria to develop a mixed reality museum experience, blending the physical and digital world for the first time.

Director of the CADET Virtual Reality Laboratory at Deakin University, Dr Ben Horan said that people will be able to interact with the “Little L” polar dinosaur, otherwise known as Leaellynasaura amicagraphica.

“We have pushed the boundaries to not only allow people to interact with ‘Little L’ in Virtual Reality, but to be able to simultaneously touch a 3D printed Leaellynasaura,” Dr Horan said.

“The Little L Project experience will also track people’s hand gestures, allowing people to choose the colour of Little L’s skin. It’s really just the beginning of where this technology can lead – the possibilities for future development are mindboggling.”

The “Little L” polar dinosaur roamed the vast river valley that spread from Australia to Antarctica, and was the size of a small wallaby.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood described the pilot research project collaboration, as a “must experience” exhibition.

“Not only is this a fantastic experience, but the technology involved in bringing the exhibit to life was developed right here in Geelong,” Cr Harwood said.

“Make sure you get along to the National Wool Museum before Sunday April 15 to see how Geelong’s leading the way in this space.”

The National Wool Museum is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm

Entry costs $9 for adults, $7 for concession, $5 for a child and $30 for a family.

The National Wool Museum is located at 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong, or for more information, visit nwm.vic.gov.au or 5272 4701.