Bite night and Monster Mash to thrill Coffs Harbour

The Sea Monsters travelling exhibition at Yarrila Place has been a mega success in every sense – and its final days in Coffs Harbour will be marked in spectacular fashion. 

In a throwback to the cult movie Night at the Museum where exhibits came alive after sunset, Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) is hatching a riotous celebration on 24 May. 

YAM’s own ‘Night at the Museum’ will run from 4pm to 8pm with a host of free family-friendly activities. 

These will include a treasure hunt in Yaamanga, guided tours with YAM Young Creatives, a dress up competition and monster-themed music. 

“The YAM bar will also be running so parents can enjoy a drink and there’ll be snacks as well,” City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Director Chris Chapman said. 

People will also be able to catch the Sea Monsters exhibition with tickets priced at just $5 from 10am on Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May (the final day of its extraordinary spell at YAM). 

“Sea Monsters was our first ticketed exhibition at the new Yarrila building and it has exceeded all expectations,” Mr Chapman said. 

“More than 5500 tickets were sold, and the merch flew off the shelves including 44 plush Kronosauruses which are super cute. 

“While the exhibition has been a hit with locals, we’ve had lots of Queenslanders and Victorians who have been holidaying at Coffs.” 

‘Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators’ has commanded centre stage at the museum since late February. 

The international touring exhibition is produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum in partnership with the Queensland Museum Network and the Queensland Government. 

“People just can’t get enough of anything to do with massive creatures from times long gone,” Mr Chapman said. 

“Knowing our market we very deliberately ran this show during Easter and across the school holidays.” 

Tickets for a last gasp chance to catch things large and toothy at Coffs Harbour can be bought at YAM reception.