The Australian sauropod Rhoetosaurus brownei was named and scientifically described a hundred years ago.  It remains the only Jurassic sauropod known from Australia.  Remarkably, it was the first dinosaur named from Australian fossil material.  Rhoetosaurus might not be the best-known sauropod, but we remember the excitement when our friend Anthony Beeson designed a model of this iconic dinosaur for CollectA.  Having already added a Brachiosaurus figure to the CollectA range, the CollectA Rhoetosaurus model represented a departure for the company.  Firstly, many dedicated and devoted model collectors were unaware of this dinosaur.  Secondly, it was the first sauropod figure made by CollectA to be depicted in a rearing pose.

A model of the Middle Jurassic sauropod Rhoetosaurus brownei.

The CollectA Rhoetosaurus Model

Measuring around seventeen centimetres tall, the CollectA Rhoetosaurus model was introduced more than fifteen years ago.  The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs range was growing fast.  Models of Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops and Stegosaurus existed. However, the Rhoetosaurus demonstrates the manufacturer’s desire to highlight less well-known prehistoric animals.  This desire continues today. For example, CollectA will add a phytosaur model, a first for the company.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We applaud the efforts of the design team at CollectA to introduce dinosaur fans and model collectors to some of the more unusual and overlooked members of the Dinosauria.”

To view the extensive CollectA Age of Dinosaurs model range: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Models.

The CollectA Rhoetosaurus model is also available as a mini dinosaur model. It is part of the sauropod model set introduced by CollectA in 2024.

A Prediction in a Scientific Paper

Rhoetosaurus brownei was scientifically described by Heber Longman. At the time, this distinguished scientist was director of the Queensland Museum. The paper describing Rhoetosaurus was published in the “Memoirs of the Queensland Museum” in March 1926. Remarkably, in conclusion Longman made a prediction about future dinosaur discoveries “down under”.

He wrote:

“In view of the prodigious variety of dinosaurian forms recorded from other parts of the world, illustrating the “bizarrerie” of nature to a degree unsurpassed by any other group, it will not be surprising if many additional forms are found in the future in Australian deposits.”

Given the vast size of Australia and the country’s geology, further dinosaur fossil finds were something of a safe bet.  Over the last hundred years a wide variety of dinosaur taxa have been named including sauropods. For instance, Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum and Wintonotitan wattsi.  In addition, the largest Australian terrestrial animal is another sauropod, the gigantic Australotitan cooperensis.  However, the taxonomic validity of some genera has been challenged.

To learn more about the confusing taxonomy of Australian sauropods: Describing and Classifying Australian Sauropods.

Although all these sauropods were discovered in Queensland, the same state as the Rhoetosaurus fossil material, none of these dinosaurs were closely related to Rhoetosaurus.  Sauropods such as Wintonotitan, Diamantinasaurus and Savannasaurus lived millions of years after Rhoetosaurus had become extinct.

More Fossil Specimens Needed

Additional fossil specimens are needed to help resolve and clarify Australian sauropod taxonomy.  Heber Longman was proved correct when, back in 1926 he predicted more Australian dinosaur discoveries.  However, over a hundred years later, we await a second Jurassic sauropod fossil discovery in Australia.

Perhaps 2026 will change that…

For prehistoric animal models and figures, visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Other Prehistoric Animal Models.

Earlier this month, we highlighted the Papo prehistoric animal models that are going out of production and being retired.  Today, we look back at a figure that has captured the hearts of many dinosaur fans. However, it is a controversial figure.  The Papo Giganotosaurus model is one of six Papo prehistoric animal figures going this year.  Originally introduced in 2020 it will soon be unavailable.

The unusual posture has drawn criticism.  Moreover, it certainly stands out amongst other Giganotosaurus models.  The Papo Giganotosaurus is an intriguing addition to any collection. Fans loved its bold size and hand-painted detail, which brought this mighty theropod to life. However, the model also sparked lively discussion. Some collectors questioned the figure’s pose.  It does not reflect the scientific evidence. Yet, many found the stance charming, endearing and full of character.

To read about Papo model retirements (2026): Papo Model Retirements in 2026.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur holding the Papo Giganotosaurus model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Papo figures in stock: Papo Prehistoric Animal Figures.

The Retirement of the Papo Giganotosaurus Model

It is sad to see this figure go. For many younger collectors, the Papo Giganotosaurus was a gateway into deeper interest in dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Its retirement reminds us how certain models become more than toys — they acquire a charm all of their own. We will miss it, but its legacy will endure in the collections of dinosaur model fans.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We saw early prototypes of the Papo Giganotosaurus model about twelve months before it went into production. At the time we asked the designers to reconsider their design.  However, the project continued.  In a way we are glad that the design team did not listen to us.  The Papo Giganotosaurus model might not be the most anatomically accurate figure, but it had a certain style, and it reflects that flamboyant Papo panache.”

The multi-award-winning website of Everything Dinosaur: Dinosaur Toys.

Many happy returns Rhoetosaurus on your hundredth birthday.  This unusual Australian sauropod was named and scientifically described a hundred years ago.  Rhoetosaurus (Rhoetosaurus brownei) is not that well known among the general public.  Even ardent dinosaur fans struggle to recall it.  However, this taxon is extremely important.  When described in 1926, it became Australia’s first named dinosaur.  In addition, it is the only named pre-Cretaceous sauropod known from Australia.

Its taxonomic affinity within the Sauropoda is uncertain.  For example, palaeontologist Gregory S. Paul assigns it to the Cetiosauridae family.  Size estimates also vary, body size estimates based on a partial femur and the vertebrae indicate an animal between twelve to fifteen metres in length. Other sources state that this sauropod may have grown to more than eighteen metres in length.

Rhoetosaurus brownei with a human figure for scale. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Rhoetosaurus brownei – Not an Elephant!

Stockmen mustering horses on a remote station, approximately thirty-five miles (fifty kilometres) north of the small town of Roma (south-western Queensland), found fossil bones weathering out of a shallow gully. They assumed that the bones were from an elephant, a pachyderm that had escaped from a circus.  Some of the vertebrae measured more than fifty centimetres long.  The station’s manager, Arthur Browne alerted Heber Longman, the director of the Queensland Museum.  Longman described Rhoetosaurus and published his work in the journal “Memoirs of the Queensland Museum (1926)”.

The fossils are thought to be around 165 million years old (Middle Jurassic).  Subsequently, a joint expedition by Queensland Museum and the University of Queensland visited the site and recovered more bones, including an almost complete right lower hind limb. Rhoetosaurus (pronounced reet-oh-sore-us) fossils probably represent a single individual.  The collection of bones collected more than fifty years apart represent one of the most complete specimens of an Australian sauropod.

A study (Nair and Salisbury) set about attempting to clarify the taxonomy. Examination of alternative phylogenetic hypotheses rules out a close relationship between Rhoetosaurus and East Asian Jurassic sauropods. The phylogeny remains unresolved.  The lower hind limb of Rhoetosaurus highlights a several anatomical traits differentiating it from other sauropods. For instance, the pes retains four claws, thought to represent a basal trait.  Most sauropods have only three claws on each hind foot.

Longman thought that Rhoetosaurus was a camarasaurid.  However, this classification has been discounted.  Whilst in the absence of further fossils, the taxonomy of Rhoetosaurus brownei remains elusive.

The CollectA Prehistoric Life Rhoetosaurus Model

In 2009, the model manufacturer CollectA introduced a Rhoetosaurus figure. It is part of their not-to-scale Age of Dinosaurs range.  The dinosaur is depicted in a rearing pose.  It is a rare model.  It measures seventeen centimetres tall.  The Rhoetosaurus model was designed by the English polymath Anthony Beeson.

A model of the Middle Jurassic sauropod Rhoetosaurus brownei.

To view the CollectA not-to-scale model range: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The Rhoetosaurus fossils are hugely significant. These fossils provide important and thus far, the only information on Australian Jurassic sauropods.  By studying these remains palaeontologists can gain a better understanding of sauropod evolution prior to the break-up of Gondwana.”

For prehistoric animal models and figures visit the multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.