Austrosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Sauropoda
Known from fragmentary remains, this primitive but large sauropodwas found in Australia, thus proving that sauropods lived in Australia during the Cretaceous Period.
More Cretaceous-period dinosaurs →
Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Austrosaurus mean?
The name Austrosaurus means “Southern Lizard”. It is pronounced OSS-tro-SAWR-us.
When did Austrosaurus live?
Austrosaurus lived during the Early Cretaceous.
Was Austrosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Austrosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Austrosaurus?
Austrosaurus was about 50 feet (15.2 meters) long, around 30 feet (9.1 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the same period.
Compare the dinosaurs
See size, diet, period and family for hundreds of dinosaurs side by side.
Compare dinosaurs →