The Mesozoic Era in Victoria

The Mesozoic Era. Source: Museum Victoria.

In Victoria, rocks of Mesozoic age occur mainly in four separate areas-in the far west of the state near Casterton, in the Otway Ranges, the Barrabool Hills at Geelong, and in the Strzelecki Ranges between Western Port and Wilsons Promontory.

These rocks were all deposited in fresh water lakes or streams during the later part of the Mesozoic Era (Early Cretaceous Period, from about 115 million to 98 million years ago). Plants are the most common fossils present, mainly in shales. At a few localities, fossil fish, insects, crustaceans and dinosaurs have been found.

Distribution of Mesozoic rocks in Victoria. Source: Museum Victoria.

Prochoristella leongatha, Lower Cretaceous of Koonwarra, South Gippsland. Source: Museum Victoria.

Prochoristella leongatha, Lower Cretaceous of Koonwarra, South Gippsland. Source: Museum Victoria.

A mayfly Australurus plexus, Lower Cretaceous of Koonwarra, South Gippsland. Source: Museum Victoria.

An insect Duncanovelia extensa from the Lower Cretaceous of Koonwarra, South Gippsland. Source: Museum Victoria.

A flea Tarwinia australis from the Lower Cretaceous of Koonwarra, South Gippsland. Source: Museum Victoria.

Cladophlebis leaves of the Cretaceous from Koonwarra, South Gippsland, Victoria. Source: Museum Victoria.

Ginkgoites leaves of the Cretaceous from Koonwarra, South Gippsland, Victoria. Source: Museum Victoria.