Australian Fossil Mammal Sites, Paleontological site in Queensland, Australia

The Australian Fossil Mammal Sites are limestone caves and fossil deposits at two separate locations that have preserved animal remains across millions of years. They document the development of wildlife from the Oligocene through the Pleistocene period.

The sites contain fossils from around 25 million years ago and show how Australian mammals changed over vast stretches of time. These records are globally important for understanding mammal evolution.

The two halves of the listing lie in different Aboriginal countries: Riversleigh in Waanyi land in north-west Queensland, Naracoorte in the country of the Meintangk and Ngarrindjeri peoples of South Australia. The World Heritage inscription of 1994 recognises the fossil record itself, while the living ties of these groups to the limestone country are not part of the listing.

The listing covers two separate areas: Riversleigh in north-west Queensland and Naracoorte Caves National Park in South Australia. The Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre in Mount Isa displays finds from the site. Both areas are protected, so check access rules before travelling.

The sites have preserved evidence of surprising animals like meat-eating kangaroos and giant flightless birds that no longer exist. These extinct species reveal how different Australian wildlife looked in the distant past.