Black Head - Gerroa, NSW
Posted by: 
Tuena
S 34° 46.833 E 150° 49.310
56H E 300692 N 6149130
Black Head is a well known Permian fossil locality, with the first finds recorded in 1847.
Waymark Code: WMK447
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 02/10/2014
Views: 7
The Australian Government's Department of Environment (website listed below) describes Black Head as:
Black Head has been a well known Permian fossil locality since J D Dana (an eminent American geologist) described some of the first fossils from here in 1847.
The locality for fifteen species of brachiopods, bivalves, gastropods, and bryozoa, with about twenty to twenty five other species being recorded. The abundance, diversity and excellent preservation of the specimens emphasise the scientific significance of the site. The site is an extensive wave cut rock platform bounded shorewards by vertical cliffs 10m-15m in height. Fossils occur in discrete layers 0.5m-1m (approximate) thick dipping shallowly northwards. Fossiliferous strata outcrop both in the cliffs and on the adjacent parts of the rock platform. The platform is cut by at least one east/west trending dyke.
The site is open to the public as it is a rock platform found at the end of Stafford Street. The co-ordinates I have provided are for a point at the southern end where a near perfect fossilised bivalve can be found. Walking in a zigzag pattern in a northerly direction from here will enable you to locate many of the fossils. There are no signs or plaques to guide you but these aren't required.
You shouldn't attempt to walk out to the very tip of Black Head as there are no fossils that way & waves can wash over it. It is a popular fishing spot though.
You need to be mindful of the tides & keep a watch for large waves. It is best to visit at or near low tide. Ample parking is available at the end of Stafford St & there is a clear, well worn track leading to the platform.
What kinds of fossils are found here:
brachiopods, bivalves, gastropods, bryozoa, trees, coral.
Admission Fee: no
Link for more information about this site: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:At least one good photo you have personally obtained and a brief story of your visit. Any additions or corrections to the information about the Waymark (for instance, have the hours open to the public changed) will be greatly appreciated.