Emu Bay Shale, Fossil formation in Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, Australia
Emu Bay Shale is a rocky formation along the coast of Kangaroo Island that contains finely layered rocks from a time when the sea covered this area. The bodies and skeletons of marine animals from that distant time remain preserved within the stone.
Scientists discovered this formation in the late 19th century and opened a window to early marine life. This discovery revealed how different life was back then and how animals changed over millions of years.
The site draws researchers from around the world who study the preserved remains of ancient marine animals here. The fossils tell the story of life in an ocean that existed hundreds of millions of years ago.
Visitors reach the formation through guided tours that provide transportation from Kangaroo Island. Information panels on-site explain the key geological features and help with orientation.
The site preserves some of the oldest known muscle tissue from that early time, transformed into minerals. These finds are extremely rare because soft tissue is normally lost during fossilization.
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