Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
Riversleigh
Wet Tropics
Riversleigh World Heritage Fossil Site, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Image Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government
The Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh/Naracoorte) World Heritage Area was inscribed in 1994 for its outstanding representation of the evolution of Australian mammals and the quality of the fossils, which are preserved in limestone. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages the Riversleigh Section, which covers 10,000 ha of land in the southern section of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park in north-west Queensland. The Naracoorte Section is over 2000 km away in South Australia.
Riversleigh was placed on the world heritage list because it:
represents a major stage of the earth's evolutionary history
is an outstanding example of ongoing ecological and biological processes.
Its fossil deposits are among the richest and most extensive in the world, with some dating back to the Oligo-Miocene time, 15–25 million years ago. D Site, where visitors can see fossilised mammals and reptiles in situ, was one of the first fossil deposits found and is the only area open to the public.
At the Riversleigh Fossil Centre visitors can gain an insight into the region as it was 25 million years ago, and into the process of fossilisation, and a visit there is highly recommended.
Research is helping us understand how the animals coped when the environment changed dramatically from lush wet rainforests to dry grasslands. It is hoped that further research will not only discover new species of extinct fauna, but also help to conserve our mammals of today.
By visiting Riversleigh you can discover the unique story of the evolution of Australia's wildlife and see for yourself, some of the world's most diverse and well-preserved fossils. Research at Riversleigh has unveiled a unique and ancient environment including carnivorous kangaroos, predatory pouched lions, giant flightless birds and tree-climbing crocodiles.
Visit Riversleigh to learn more about the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites and the unique creatures that once roamed ancient Australia.
Riversleigh, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
The Riversleigh Management Strategy (PDF, 560K)
Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
Riversleigh Fossil Centre