Fossil sites of Australia

Over-collection on popular sites can be a problem so be aware that irresponsible collecting can lead to the destruction of a site or denial of access to amateur collectors. Make sure there are fossils left for collectors who come after you.

Fossils are a part of our natural heritage. They can be extremely important scientifically but fossils collected legally are the property of the collector. In New South Wales fossils cannot be confiscated by authorities such as the Australian Museum. Museum palaeontologists are interested in seeing fossils that you may think are important and are interested in hearing of what may be new sites. The Australian Museum gratefully accepts donations of fossils that are scientifically significant.

The vast majority of fossils found by amateur collectors are worth very little in monetary terms but they may be important scientifically. This does not necessarily translate into being worth money. The scientific value can only be determined by palaeontologists at museums or universities.

You are entitled to sell or trade in fossils you find without attracting GST if it is done as a part of a hobby and not as an enterprise, or for profit.

Fossils that are Australian protected objects under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 cannot be legally exported without a permit. Further information is available from the Department of the Environment and Heritage website at www.deh.gov.au/heritage/movable. Persons wishing to export fossils can obtain a preliminary assessment from an expert examiner to establish if they need to apply for an export permit.