Created by an ancient tidewater glacier, 275-million-year-old Fossil Bluff is rich in fossils, including the remains of prehistoric whales and the oldest marsupial fossil found in Australia. The species was named Wynyardia bassiana in honour of the town. At low tide, it's possible to walk around the base of the bluff and fossick for fossils. You'll find the bluff 3km north of the town centre.

For more information on fossils in the area, buy a copy of the simple Geological Guide to the Wynyard Area ($0.50) at the visitor information centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tasmania attractions

1. Ransley Veteran Ford Collection

0.72 MILES

Owned and meticulously restored by a Wynyard local, this extraordinary collection of 17 vintage Ford cars and motorbikes is the pride of the town, and…

2. Table Cape Lookout

1.91 MILES

Offers stunning views over Bass Strait. Consider parking your car here and following the Lookout to Lighthouse Walking Trail (30 minutes return).

3. Table Cape Tulip Farm

1.92 MILES

The volcanic, chocolate-red soils of Table Cape are extraordinarily fertile, so it’s a perfect spot to grow tulips. In October, when the bulbs flower,…

4. Table Cape

1.98 MILES

The stunning flat-topped promontory known as Table Cape was named by Matthew Flinders in 1798 during his circumnavigation of the island with George Bass…

5. Table Cape Lighthouse

2.36 MILES

This 25m-tall lighthouse began its seaside vigil in 1888, after its light and landing were imported from England. Visitors can climb the spiral stairs and…

7. Burnie Regional Museum

10.18 MILES

The centrepiece of this absorbing museum is the lovingly crafted Federation St, a re-creation of a 1900 Burnie streetscape, including blacksmith's forge…

8. Hellyers Road Distillery

11.9 MILES

Take a stroll through the angel’s share at Australia's largest distillery; the tour is also the only way to get a tasting of Hellyers' cask-strength…

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