[2] They are small burrowing marsupials that anatomically converge on fossorial placental mammals, such as extant golden moles (Chrysochloridae) and extinct epoicotheres (Pholidota).

They are between 12 and 16 centimetres (4.7–6.3 in) long, weigh 40 to 60 grams (1.4–2.1 oz), and are uniformly covered in fairly short, very fine pale cream to white hair with an iridescent golden sheen.

Epipubic bones are present but small and as in some other fossorial mammals (e.g., armadillos), the last five cervical vertebrae are fused, giving the head greater rigidity during digging.

[10] Notoryctids are represented by early Miocene fossils of Naraboryctes from Riversleigh in Queensland, Australia, which show the mosaic acquisition of dental and skeletal features of the living Notoryctes from a more surface-dwelling ancestor.

[11] The notoryctid fossil record demonstrates that the primary cusp of the molars is the metacone,[11] distinct from the paracone characteristic of zalambdodont tenrecs, golden moles, and Solenodon.