Lune River Fossil Fern Trunks Tasmania

Among Tasmania’s earthly treasures are the spectacular but little known fossil ferns from Lune River.

Complex geological forces combined to preserve the trunks of ferns and other plants growing in a Jurassic forest here 180 million years ago.

Rockhounds in the 1950s and 60s began to uncover an unusual type of fossil. Cutting and polishing the specimens revealed complex botanical structures in astonishing colours.

This book provides a background to fossicking in the Lune River area and the close cooperation between amateur fossicker and professional palaeobotanist.   Twelve tree ferns and one bracken-type fern have been studied and named.

Chapter 10 presents a guide for the amateur collector to identify these fossil ferns from “The Lune”.


About the Author: 

Ross Jones grew up on the North West Coast of Tasmania. The Mersey River estuary and its surrounding bush provided endless opportunities for exploration, adventure and fishing.

Educated at the University of Tasmania and the University of British Columbia (Geography, History and Education), he pursued a career in teaching and curriculum development in England, Canada, Japan and Tasmania.

A chance visit to Lune River in 1967 led to an interest in fossicking for the fern. He began working with palaeobotanist Professor Don Tidwell, Brigham Young University, in the 1970s when it became evident that all of the fossil material at Lune River was new to science.

Ross is an active member of the Lapidary Club of Tasmania and has represented the Club at state and federal levels. 

All photographs were taken by the author using a Canon Power Shot, G15.