RESOURCES
Found a Fossil
What would you do if you ever found an Indigenous artefact or a fossil?
Information for where to go if you have found a fossil or an artefact in Australia.
Software and online portal for plate tectonic reconstructions, paleogeography, raster and vector visualization, geodynamic applications.
New and Old Worlds (NOW) Database
A Fossil Mammal Database available freely online.
We are looking for Mammal specialists to join our team and contribute to the database.
GBIF—the Global Biodiversity Information Facility—is an international network aimed at providing anyone, anywhere, open access to data about all types of life.
Taxonomy Australia has launched an Australian Taxonomy Community Directory, where palaeotaxonomists are also encouraged to join.
This is a great resource to find the experts in the field.
Teaching and Learning resources for Earth Science. Virtual fieldtrips, activities, and professional development.
Palaeontology podcasts, blogs, Virtual Natural History Museum and more.
See some rare and unique natural science and cultural collection objects with photogrammetry 3D capture. Interactive images that can be rotated and studied.
Australian Fossil Mammal sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
Riversleigh and Naracoorte, situated in the north and south respectively of eastern Australia, are among the world’s 10 greatest fossil sites. They are a superb illustration of the key stages of evolution of Australia’s unique fauna.
Free science illustrations. Source-to-Ink graphics portal for sharing up-to-date scientific figures, images, animations and more.
Free fossil guides
Identifying fossils
Many resources exist online and in state geological surveys and libraries all around the country to help you understand your find. For some hints, click here!
If your own search fails, ask an expert! The Australian Museum has a dedicated service to help you discover and learn. To find it, click here!
Alternatively contact your local state museum and send them your fossil inquiries. See the list of state museums below:
NSW: Australian Museum
Queensland: Queensland Museum
Victoria: Museum Victoria
Tasmania: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Northern Territory: Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
South Australia: Southern Australian Museum
Western Australia: Western Australian Museum
Rules for fossicking
Fossicking in Australia is considered under State or Territory law. Consequently, acceptable practices vary from region to region within Australia.
The Australian Capital Territory has no specific legislation. The Nature Conservation Act (2013) prohibits the damage, destruction, or removal of materials, including clay, gravel, rock, sand, soil or stone, from reserved areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, which would preclude fossicking and prospecting activities in these locations.
See the Found A Fossil website for more information.
