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Tag: geology

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Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

Crocoite

Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum Bathurst

Driving through Bathurst on our way to the Newnes Industrial ruins we discovered the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. Surprised to find such an important collection located in regional New South Wales.

The Somerville Collection

Containing over 5,000 objects, the collection was the life’s work of Warren Somerville AM. It features some of the finest and rarest specimens of mineral crystals and fossils from around the world. Somerville donated the collection to the Australian Museum to ensure it remained intact. It is now on permanent display in Bathurst not far from his residence in Orange.

The mineral collection contains samples from over 100 Australian mines as well as international locations. Somerville traded samples from Australia to obtain the best available overseas. The minerals on display are amazing with spectacular crystals and colours.

Malachite
Malachite
Crocoite National Fossil and Mineral Museum
Crocoite
Calcite and Carbonate Mineral Display
Calcite and Carbonate Mineral Display
Uranocircite - Uranium Mineral
Uranocircite – Uranium Mineral
Azurite with Chrysocolla
Azurite with Chrysocolla
Scolecite
Scolecite
Crocoite
Crocoite

Fossils

Also part of the Somerville Collection, the fossil collection contains three dinosaurs, unique Australian opalized fossils and numerous examples from every stage of life on Earth. Dominating the collection is the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton because of its size. You are able to get up close to the display, because a small mezzanine floor is at T-Rex skull height.

The most unique fossils there are two plesiosaurs because their bones have been opalized. This is very unusual and was great to see.

Crinoid Fossil
Crinoid Fossil
Fish Fossils National Fossil and Mineral Museum
Fish Fossils
Ammonites
Ammonites
Ammonites Collection
Ammonites Collection
Trilobite Fossil National Fossil and Mineral Museum
Trilobite Fossil
Opalized Plesiosaur Skeleton
Opalized Plesiosaur Skeleton
Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton National Fossil and Mineral Museum
Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton
Albertosaurus Skeleton National Fossil and Mineral Museum
Albertosaurus Skeleton
Tyrannosaurus Rex Skull
Tyrannosaurus Rex Skull

Albert Chapman Collection

Temporarily housed in Bathurst while the Australian Museum in Sydney is refurbished, the Albert Chapman Collection is a great addition to the Sommerville Collection. Considered one of the top ten collections in the world, it was purchased by the NSW Government in 1988.

Not only are there minerals from many Australian mines, but many important international specimens are included.

It was great to be able to see the collection in Bathurst, but will be even better when housed in its new display at the Australian Museum.

Malachite National Fossil and Mineral Museum
Malachite
Rhodochrosite Display
Rhodochrosite Display

What Did We Think Of the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum ?

A great place to see two world-class collections, especially if you are interested in geology. Even if you just want to marvel at how some of the crystals could have formed, it’s worth going to. Of course, the T-Rex and dinosaur skeletons are a big drawcard and really make the visit interesting.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Amazing Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula

The Blowhole

Amazing Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula

The rugged Tasmanian coastline lends itself to the formation of amazing geological sites, with many grouped together on the Tasman Peninsula.

Tessellated Pavement

Best accessed at low tide, the tessellated pavement at Eaglehawk Neck resembles human-made pavement. During our visit it was raining, and the tide was still going out, but we were still able to walk over most of the pavement.

A tessellated pavement is formed near the shore when fractures in the rock are eroded, forming polygons. These formations are rare, and the one at Eaglehawk Neck is one of the best examples found worldwide.

Accessing the pavement is via a staircase which leads from a carpark via a viewing platform. When walking on the rocks, be careful because the algae that grows on them is very slippery.

A café located above the carpark was a great place to have a coffee and something to eat to escape the rain once we had explored.

  • Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula
    Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck
  • Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula
    Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck

Tasman Arch

Once a sea cave whose roof has collapsed, Tasman Arch forms an amazing natural arch over the rocks and sea below. A large carpark provides easy access to the area and a walking track allows you to walk around both sides. Viewing is great from the safety of the surrounding fence, so don’t climb them, the cliffs are very high.

Tasman Arch Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula
Tasman Arch

The Blow Hole

Only a short drive from Tasman Arch the Blow Hole is another collapsed sea cave. When the sea is rough, or the tide is high, water is sprayed high into the air. A nearby carpark provides easy access to the blowhole, which is only a short walk away.

The Blowhole Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula
The Blowhole

Remarkable Cave

A narrow sea cavern, Remarkable Cave looks spectacular at low and high tide.

Steps lead down to the cave from the large carpark. On the way down, there are several places where you can admire the views. From the platform, the long thin cavern is amazing, and you can watch the waves wash in, while you remain safe and dry.

A viewing platform near the carpark provides views of the rugged coastline surrounding the area.

  • Coastal View at Remarkable Cave
    Coastal View at Remarkable Cave
  • Stairs Down to Remarkable Cave
    Stairs Down to Remarkable Cave
  • Remarkable Cave
    Remarkable Cave
  • Remarkable Cave
    Remarkable Cave

What Did We Think of the Amazing Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula?

Tasmania’s natural beauty is a major drawcard for tourists and the Tasman Peninsula has some excellent examples. These amazing sites are accessible without difficult walks, enabling people to see some of nature’s wonders. All of them were great to see and highly recommended.

To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

Our photos are available for purchase on

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The Orange Rocks of the Bay of Fires

The Gardens on the Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires Tasmania

Famous for the stunning orange granite rocks that line the shore, The Bay of Fires is not, as we discovered named for this amazing feature. Instead, in 1773 when Captain Tobias Furneaux in Adventure, sailed past, he saw the fires of Aboriginal people on the beaches and gave it its name.

The Gardens

The shore of the Bay of Fires is lined with lovely beaches separated by granite outcrops. We drove from St Helens to The Gardens in 20 minutes, passing camping sites, before reaching the carpark at the end of the road. Many of the beaches in the area have the orange rocks, but this one has easy access with lots of orange lichen.

A short walk from the carpark takes you to the rocky outcrop. Being careful not to slip because the rocks were covered in water, we spend 30 minutes or so exploring. The orange colour was amazing, especially in the morning light.

The track from the carpark also branches off to a beautiful little beach.

Camping

Although we didn’t camp here, many areas are set up for it so that people can enjoy the beaches and water. This would be a great place to stay and relax for a few days to fully experience the area.

  • The Gardens on the Bay of Fires
    The Gardens on the Bay of Fires
  • Orange Coloured Rocks Bay of Fires
    Lichen Colouring the Granite Rocks to Become Orange
  • Lichen Colouring the Granite Rocks to Become Orange
    Orange Coloured Rocks Bay of Fires
  • Orange Coloured Rocks
    Orange Coloured Rocks

What Did We Think?

What an amazing place, full of colour and stunning views. Easily accessible on Tasmania’s east coast and certainly worth the trip to see.

To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

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