Queensland Museum Network paleontologists have excavated Australia’s first head and associated body of a 100-million-year-old long-necked marine reptile. Paleontologists are calling the fossil found the Rosetta Stone of marine reptile palaeontology. This new fossil find could hold the key to unlocking the mystery around Australian plesiosaurs. The rare fossil was discovered by a Western Queensland station owner Cassandra, who, alongside two friends, Sally and Cynthia, formed a fossil- hunting trio called the ‘Rock Chicks’.Along with the new skeleton, the discoverers found several other plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs on the field trip. They will be transported to Townsville for preparation and further research.

Each year, the Rock Chicks meet to search for fossils on the property. During this time have walked hundreds of kilometers on their quest to uncover fossils. They include a plesiosaur each a kronosaurus, an ichthyosaur and several fish and turtles.

Cassandra said they are looking forward to their 2023 hunt. They have a motto of “let’s keep the paleos busy”.

“There are so many people who have helped get these amazing fossils to Queensland Museum including our friends, Tom and Sharon who helped us start digging two of the plesiosaurs,” Cassandra said.

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