Meteorite law in Australia
Several states own their meteorites by law, including Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Export of any Australian meteorite needs clearance or a permit.
Private ownership, export controlled
State laws: the rules depend on the state. In Western Australia the Museum Act of 1969 vests meteorites found in the state in the Western Australian Museum. In South Australia all meteorites found in the state are the property of the Crown and must be lodged with the South Australian Museum. Tasmania's Meteorites Act of 1973 makes new finds the property of the Crown, requires finders to report them to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and allows rewards. Other states and territories differ, so ask the state museum first.
Export: under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986, a meteorite found in Australia needs to be assessed by an expert examiner before export. The examiner either confirms that no permit is needed or passes it on for a permit decision.
Example: the Murchison meteorite fell in Victoria in 1969, where local people collected and kept stones.
This is general information to help you ask the right questions, not legal advice. Laws change and their details matter, and this summary was last reviewed in 2026. Before you search, buy, sell or export a meteorite, check the current law with the authorities of the country concerned or a qualified lawyer. See meteorite law by country.
Related pages
Glossary: Meteorite ownership, Export rules, Landowner permission, Provenance