The separation of Gondwanaland showing links between South America, Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. About 80 million years ago.
Some botanic associations are obvious.
In Queensland it is possible to see forest which could just as easily be on a Hauraki Gulf island. It is thought to be the longest continuously surviving forest on Earth. Marsupials and snakes Marsupials evolved in the Americas, but by the time they reached Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia were well gone. In marsupial fossils lie the clues to the final date of separation of Australia and Antarctica. American marsupial fossils have been dated to 80 million years BP but in Australia, the oldest found so far is in the 50 million year range.