Carbonised plant Thinnfeldia feistmanteli, Australia. Source: Museum Victoria.

This website provides an illustrated overview of a number of key topics relating to fossils. It was developed by Museum Victoria in response to frequently asked questions and public interest in the Museum's palaeontology collections and research.

What is a Fossil? describes the process of fossilisation, the main types of fossils, and the Geological Time Scale.

Invertebrate Fossils describes and illustrates the diversity of invertebrate fossils that have occurred over hundreds of millions of years.

Dinosaurs provides images and information about these amazing reptiles and their extinction.

Ice Age Animals describes the large animals that became extinct in Australia and many other parts of the world during and after the last ice age.

Victorian Fossils is a guide to where fossils of various ages may be found in Victoria.

For further information, including essays by Museum Victoria scientists on a range of palaeontological topics, and education materials for senior students and teachers, visit our Dinosaurs and Fossils site.