Fossil Beach (Mornington)

Fossil Beach is one of four natural beaches (Birdrock, Dava, Fossil and Fosters) lying below the busy Esplanade, but little used owing to the difficult access and limited parking.

Between Craigie Beach and Linley Point is a 3 km section of rocky coast dominated by 20 to 30 m high sandstone bluffs. In amongst the bluffs are four beaches with Fossil beach being 80 m long.

Although the Esplanade runs along the top of the bluffs behind the beaches, and there is a continuous foreshore reserve west of the road, access is restricted to a steep climb down the bluffs. There is a picnic area above Fossil Beach.

Swimming - A relatively isolated beach, so use care if bathing here. There is deep water close inshore at high tide and rips are present when waves are breaking.

Fossil Beach has a General Beach Hazard Rating of 2/10 (Least hazardous). The beach is unpatrolled.

History - This small cove has a rich natural and cultural history including Aboriginal middens, fossils and the remains of Victoria's first cement works.

Discovery of Fossils - In 1854, geologist A.R.C. Selwyn reported a multitude of fossils in the limestone cliffs in a stretch of rocky bay beach between Mornington and Mount Martha. They showed evidence of Australian sea life from 10-15 million years ago and led to the beach being named Fossil Beach.

There are examples of marine animals preserved in fine grey clays known as Gellibrand Marls or Balcombe Clays, which can be seen in the cliffs to the north. Don't dig or remove the fossils, though you may get a great photo of some of the washed out shells.

Review:

From opposite #630 Esplanade there a car park and a fire access road which leads down to the beach. To the north there is a long sea-wall and to the south there is an extremely rocky beach where you would need an archaeological dig to find any sand. The south end has a rocky headland. There are also rocks in the water. A leash free area for dogs. The beach is better suited to dogs than humans.

Fossil Beach (Mornington)

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