Fossil Bluff, Tasmania, is an ideal destination for anyone who loves geology and fossil collecting. This geological marvel is located in the midst of other natural wonders.
Fossil Bluff consists of a sandstone hill with fossil-encased layers. The waves of the Bass Strait wash it away, which is a section of ocean that separates Tasmania and mainland Australia. This bluff existed beneath the sea during the Oligocene period (33.8 million years ago) and is atop layers of tillite that were laid by glaciers during Permian time (about 280 millions years ago). At low tide, you can explore the bluff and find the point where the tillite and sandstone meet. You will find fossils in some layers, but not others. This is a result of different climates that existed during the Oligocene age, which was millions of years ago. They are similar in appearance to shells found washed up today on beaches.
You are prohibited from taking fossil specimens from the Bluff.
Low tide allows you to walk along Fossil Bluff, and then continue on the shoreline towards the Silver Gull Rookery. Little Penguins also called Fairy Penguins nest along the coast. From September to February you can spot their nesting sites by looking out for excrement. The Wynyard Golf Club, which is located on the top of Fossil Bluff, should not be disturbed as it appears that their population has been declining. At 43cm (16inches) long, the Little Penguins (Eudyptula major) are the smallest of the penguins. They can only be found along New Zealand’s coasts.
Fossil Bluff lies to the west. Table Cape is a volcanic plug that rises 170m (560ft) above sea level. It is home to a wide variety of crops, and it’s considered the most fertile agricultural land in Tasmania. It is 13.3 million years of age, and is therefore relatively young in geological terms.
A low, flat, gray rock lies east and west of the beach. It can be found at many kilometers to the east. The Wynyard Tillite is a rock that dates back to the Permian period. It’s approximately 280 million year old. While Australia was part of Gondwana, it was formed during the age glaciations. When the glaciers moved from the south to the north, they began melting. They reached depressions and slowed down. The mud accumulated over time and became a mudstone conglomerate. Granites, cherts quartz, jaspers, jaspers, and agates can be found in the tillite and at the beaches as small pebbles.
Fossil Bluff can be found 3 km (2 mi) away from Wynyard in Tasmania. The Inglis River meets Bass Strait at its tip. It’s located on the edge of the promontory. Wynyard can be reached by direct flight from Melbourne or in 40 minutes driving time from the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry that runs from Melbourne to Devonport. Redline Buses are available from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport to Wynyard.
Wynyard’s main street has everything: a restaurant, cafés, grocery, butcher, postoffice, and newsagent. There are also on-line access centers at both the Local Library Information Centre and the Wonders of Wynyard Library.