New South Wales · Attraction
Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum
Rare fossils from across the globe
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Housed in a beautifully restored 1876 schoolhouse on Bathurst's historic Town Square, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum displays the Somerville Collection, a lifetime assemblage of more than 5,000 fossils and mineral specimens gathered from mine sites and dig sites across the world. Its centrepiece is a complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that stops visitors in their tracks.
The museum's Mineral Gallery showcases rare crystal formations, gemstones and metallic specimens sourced from mines on every continent. The Fossil Gallery moves through deep time, from ancient cyanobacteria to opalised Australian fossils and amber specimens containing preserved insects. Interpretive panels make the science accessible to visitors of all ages.
A dedicated exhibition exploring critical minerals and the energy transition links the minerals on display to the technologies driving the shift to renewable energy. The museum runs regular programs for school groups and families, and offers special events such as torchlight evening tours during school holiday periods.
The town square setting gives the museum a pleasant connection to Bathurst's broader heritage precinct. Cafes, the Bathurst Courthouse and Machattie Park are all within a short walk.
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