Age Of Fishes Museum

In the sleepy town of Canowindra, the Age Of Fishes Museum is a world-class fossil site that rewinds the clock 360 million years to the Devonian period. This is no dusty cabinet of curiosities: the museum is built around an actual fossil bed discovered by road workers in 1956, preserving thousands of ancient fish in stunning detail. It’s a must for anyone fascinated by natural history, offering a rare glimpse into a time when fish ruled the Earth and Australia was part of the supercontinent Gondwana.

Highlights & What to See

• The Main Fossil Display: Walk above a 70-metre-long slab of Devonian riverbed, frozen in time with over 3,600 fish fossils. The sheer density of specimens is breathtaking.
• Life-Size Reconstructions: Meet the bizarre, armoured fish that once swam here, including the massive Bothriolepis and the ferocious Gooloogongia. The models bring the ancient lagoon to life.
• Behind the Scenes Tour: Join a guided tour to see the working fossil preparation lab, where palaeontologists carefully chip away rock to reveal new specimens. It’s a rare peek into real science.
• Immersion Theatre: A short 3D film plunges you into the Devonian underwater world, complete with lungfish and giant scorpions – great for kids and adults alike.

Suggested Time to Spend

Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the museum, including the guided tour and film. It’s a compact but deep experience – perfect for a morning or afternoon stop. If you’re driving the scenic route between Sydney and Dubbo, this is an ideal break that won’t eat into your whole day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canowindra: The museum is in the heart of this historic town. Stroll the main street for country hospitality and grab a pie at the local bakery.
• Orange: An hour’s drive south, this cool-climate wine region offers cellar doors, farmers markets and the stunning Mount Canobolas.
• Bathurst: Head east for the Mount Panorama racing circuit, plus gold-rush history in the heritage-listed town.
• Wyangala Dam: A 45-minute drive west, this is a top spot for water sports, fishing and camping along the Lachlan River.

Please check official sources for current details.