Key Takeaways
- Victoria’s Surf Coast, particularly Jan Juc, is a hub for fossil discoveries, with evidence of life from 25m years ago.
- The state has a rich fossil record, with discoveries including dinosaur specimens, ancient land plants, and extinct marine organisms.
- Fossils can be found in various locations, including beaches, bushwalks, and rivers, and can be any living thing from a past geological age.
- The public plays a significant role in fossil discovery, with many finds being made by members of the public rather than scientists.
- Palaeontologists rely on the public to report significant finds, which can lead to further research and discovery.
Introduction to Fossil Hunting
Between the cliffs and the sea at Jan Juc, on Victoria’s Surf Coast, researchers scour the shore platform for evidence of life from 25m years ago, as beachgoers revel in the sand and surf nearby. The area is a hotspot for fossil discoveries, with powerful Southern Ocean swells eroding the rock face and shifting massive boulders, revealing new fragments of whale bone or shark teeth. For Dr. Erich Fitzgerald, senior curator of vertebrate palaeontology at Museums Victoria Research Institute, the place is "like a magnet," with every visit offering the tantalizing possibility of new discoveries.
Victoria’s Fossil Record
Victoria has a storied fossil record, with Australia’s first known dinosaur specimen found in 1903 near the seaside town of Inverloch. The state has a diverse range of fossils, including some of the oldest examples of land plants, extraordinary examples of extinct marine organisms called graptolites, early fish from the Devonian, and world-famous polar dinosaurs. Fossils can be found in various locations, including beaches, bushwalks, and rivers, and can be any living thing from a past geological age. According to palaeontologist Prof John Long, "You can find fossils of nearly all geological periods in Victoria … if you know where to look."
Finding Fossils
Finding fossils can take a bit of practice, says Sally Hurst, the palaeontologist and archaeologist behind Found a Fossil. It’s a good idea to visit the museum first to know what you’re looking for, and keep an eye out for interesting textures that look different from rock. However, there are a few ground rules to follow: no tools, as digging is usually prohibited without a permit, and if you find something of interest, take a photo, drop a GPS pin, and contact the museum or Found a Fossil. Hurst says, "Most of the time they are not found by scientists, they’re found by members of the public," and encourages people to report their finds to enable further research and discovery.
Urban Fossil Sites
One of Australia’s most significant urban fossil sites is Beaumaris beach, 20 minutes south of Melbourne’s city centre. The bayside beach with its "strikingly beautiful ochre cliffs" is a treasure trove of marine and land fossils from 5m to 6m years ago. Palaeontologist Ben Francischelli can often be found in his scuba gear at the beach, searching for fossils on the seafloor. He says, "All you need are your eyes," and encourages first-time fossil hunters to visit at low tide and when winds are light.
Dinosaur Discoveries
For those on the hunt for dinosaurs, the Bass Coast is a must-visit destination. A 40km stretch of coastline between San Remo and Inverloch is home to a diverse range of Cretaceous dinosaurs, including small and speedy plant-eaters called ornithopods, ankylosaurs, meat-eating theropods, along with freshwater plesiosaurs and flying pterosaurs. The Dinosaur Dreaming project, led by Lesley Kool, has been prospecting at the site for 30 years, uncovering a wealth of fossil discoveries. However, finds can only be collected by someone with a permit, and those wanting to join a dig can register their interest with the Dinosaur Dreaming project.
Conclusion
The search for fossils and learning about our deep prehistoric past is a satisfying and enriching activity, says Dr. Erich Fitzgerald. It’s "95% walking and looking," which "forces you to actually stop and just pay attention to your surroundings." By relying on the public to report significant finds, palaeontologists can spring into action, collecting fossils and saving them for science and for everyone to enjoy and learn from. As Fitzgerald says, "The search for fossils and learning about our deep prehistoric past must be one of the most satisfying, enriching activities," and encourages people to get involved and explore the fascinating world of fossils.
