Step back in time and uncover Australia’s ancient past at the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre, right here in Mount Isa. Explore a world where the ancestors of modern marsupials, ancient birds, and early reptiles once thrived — preserved for millions of years and brought to life in fascinating detail.
Guided by expert fossil enthusiasts and scientists, you’ll discover how fossils are excavated, cleaned, and studied in our working laboratory. Wander through life-sized displays, interactive exhibits, and the giant diorama that recreates the Riversleigh fossil fields as they would have looked 15–25 million years ago.
Cameras are welcome — don’t forget to capture the moments where curiosity meets discovery.
For families, students, or anyone who’s ever dreamed of seeing Australia’s natural history preserved in stone, the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre offers an experience as rare and remarkable as the fossils themselves.
The Riversleigh World Heritage Area is part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites, one of the most important fossil deposits in the world. These fossils tell the unique story of the evolution of Australia’s wildlife, revealing the ancestors of today’s koalas, kangaroos, and wombats — along with many species that no longer exist.
At the newly renovated and upgraded centre, you’ll encounter Riversleigh’s most extraordinary fossil finds, presented through innovative interactive displays and engaging storytelling.
Watch fascinating short films in the movie theatre, where palaeontological experts share discoveries from the field, or stroll through an immersive diorama that brings this ancient world vividly to life.
Riversleigh’s fossils date from the Oligocene to Miocene epochs — around 15 to 25 million years ago — a time when Australia was covered in lush rainforests and teeming with life. These are not Ice Age megafauna or dinosaurs, but early mammals, birds, and reptiles that show how Australia’s unique species evolved.
Join one of our guided tours for a special behind-the-scenes experience. Learn how our experts carefully sort, clean, and extract fossils from the hard limestone in the Riversleigh Fossil Laboratory — the heart of our ongoing research and discovery.
You might even find yourself virtually digging for fossils, uncovering secrets from Australia’s deep past. This experience is both educational and engaging, offering a rare insight into the real science of palaeontology — perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Self-Guided Admission:
Explore at your own pace during opening hours
Guided Tour:
Enhance your visit with a guided tour led by our fossil enthusiasts.
Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Riversleigh fossil laboratory.
Daily: 10:30am & 2:30pm (most days)
*Bookings Required
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour for check-in.
Location:
Outback at Isa
19 Marian Street, The Gap, Mount Isa QLD, 4825
Contact:
Phone: (07) 4749 1555
Email: info@outbackatisa.com.au
Why You’ll Love It
Step into a prehistoric world where every fossil tells a story. Wander among life-sized creatures, uncover the secrets of the past in
our working laboratory, and let curiosity lead the way. The Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre isn’t just a museum — it’s an adventure
through time, designed to ignite wonder in young and old alike.
Click Book Now to secure your journey through millions of years of Australia’s ancient history.
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