Fossil Bluff Wynyard Fossil Hunting Guide

Fossil Bluff is a 275 million year old Permian sandstone headland located at Wynyard on Tasmania’s northwest coast. The coastal cliffs and wave-cut platforms expose spectacular marine fossils including brachiopods, bryozoans, crinoids, and other invertebrates from an ancient shallow sea. It’s the discovery site of Australia’s oldest fossil marsupial and a fossil whale uncovered in the mid 19th century.

The fossil assemblage is diverse and well-preserved, with hundreds of shells protruding from the cliff faces and geological layers visible in the rock strata. The site provides excellent opportunities to observe Permian marine fossils in their natural setting. A geological guide is available from the Wynyard Visitor Centre to help identify specimens.

The beach itself is a beautiful 1km stretch of golden sand contrasting with the azure waters of Bass Strait. The area offers a serene, secluded atmosphere with opportunities for swimming, beachcombing, and exploring coastal trails. The plant community has significant conservation value with several rare species present.

Geological Setting

The fossils are preserved in Permian sandstone and siltstone of the Wynyard Formation, deposited in a shallow marine shelf environment approximately 275 million years ago when Tasmania was part of Gondwana. The Permian climate in this region was cool to temperate as Australia was positioned at high southern latitudes. The shallow seas supported diverse marine communities.

Visiting Information

Getting There: Fossil Bluff is located at Wynyard on Tasmania’s northwest coast, approximately 20 km west of Burnie.

What You’ll Find: Spectacular coastal cliff exposures with abundant marine fossils, a beautiful sandy beach, coastal walking trails, and the nearby Table Cape Tulip Farm. Visitors should check tides before walking along the beach. Dogs are allowed but with restrictions (December-February 10am-6pm).

Fossil Collecting: Collecting fossils is prohibited. Visitors may observe and photograph fossils in situ but must not remove specimens from the site.