Fossil and Mineral Museum, Bathurst

In the tourist information centre, one of the leaflets we found was for the Fossil and Mineral Museum. It was established within the 1876 Public School building in Horwick Street that was renovated for this. There are about 2000 fossil and mineral specimens (fact sheet). It also has the Somerville Collection which is one man, Warren Somerville’s collection of fossils and minerals from not only Australia but also from around the world. The website has various fact sheets and education material that are of interest to everyone.

 

The entrance has one of those painted hippos (like that from the Japanese Gardens of Cowra). Also at the entrance is a large fossilised and opalised piece of tree trunk. The entrance has a small shop and various items and souvenirs. There is a strong element of education that is central to the running of this museum. There was even a small group of school children inside having a fun class.

Opalised tree trunk

There is a small but beautiful amber collection which cannot be photographed but everything else can be snapped.

 

These were some beautiful painting at the begining of the gallery.

Large piece with a few fossils in it

Close up of the largest fossil on the above photograph.

Ammonites 

 

Opalised Shell

Beautiful and complete T Rex skeleton and another smaller one.

 

Mineral specimens’ collection is also very good with rare and spectacular minerals. There are mineral crystals from over 100 Australian mine sites, 2,000 million year old garnets, rainbow-coloured fluorites, as well as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and other valuable gems.

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