Unlock your inner-palaeontologist and explore Australia’s ancient marine past at Richmond’s Fossil Hunting Sites. The ancient treasures of the Fossil Hunting Sites were deposited around 100 million years ago when Richmond was covered by a shallow inland sea.
By turning a few stones over you may uncover a fossilised fish, squid, shark tooth, bivalve or giant marine reptile.
Who knows, your discoveries may change how palaeontologist interpret Australia’s ancient past.
The Fossil Hunting Sites are located 12 kilometres North of Richmond, Outback Queensland and are accessible to all vehicles via fully sealed roads.
The easiest route from Kronosaurus Korner to the Fossil Hunting Sites, follow Goldring Street (the main street of Richmond) to the North. Outside of the township, the route continues as Goldring Street, becomes the Richmond Woolgar Road. The signed entrances of both sites are present on the Richmond Woolgar Road.
Site 1 is positioned on the right side of the Richmond Woolgar Road. It contains a large area that is easily accessible for vehicles. A toilet, shelter and picnic table are located on a ridge between two large pits. Quarrying activity regularly uncovers new fossils.
Site 2 is positioned on the left side of Richmond Woolgar Road. In contrast to Site 1, it lacks multiple tracks for vehicles but offers more shade from small trees. While quarrying activity is infrequent at Site 2, fossils can still be discovered between layers of shale.
PLEASE NOTE: A fossil hunting permit is required to access these sites. These permits (along with map & guide) are available online.
Camping is strictly prohibited at the Fossil Hunting Sites.
FOSSIL HUNTING TOOLS
A number of different items are highly recommended for people searching for fossils at the Fossil Hunting Sites. These items include:
- Water – to stay well hydrated in relatively warm/hot temperatures.
- Food – for energy while fossil hunting over long hours.
- Appropriate footwear – closed-in shoes are recommended.
- Sun protection – including sunscreen, broad brim hats and sunglasses.
- Mobile phones – for emergencies or to contact Kronosaurus Korner if you have made a significant discovery.
OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE RECOMMENDED BUT NOT ESSENTIAL INCLUDE:
- Bags or containers – to carry your fossils.
- Tissues or towels – for wrapping your fossils to avoid potential damage.
- Geology hammers, crack hammers, chisels and pry bars – to break or separate layers of rock. Some of these tools are available for purchase at Kronosaurus Korner.
- Eyewear – to wear while hammering rocks.
- Hand lenses – to look at fossils under magnification.
- Fly nets – to keep flies away during the summer months.
- Brushes – for removing dirt and revealing hidden fossils.
- Superglue – to fix broken fossils that may otherwise deteriorate further during transit from the sites.