Heathcote and Surrounds

Heathcote is a small town North of Melbourne, renowned for gourmet foods and distinctive wines – specifically its stunning Shiraz. It is also a hot spot for prospectors on the hunt for Gold and – surrounded by National and State Parks – a popular destination for bush walkers and twitchers alike. There are, however, many…

Kooyoora State Park

The Kooyoora State Park is located approximately 220 km north-west of Melbourne between Wedderburn and Rheola (Figure 1). The park owes its popularity to the Melville Caves, a rocky outcrop which provides a huge variety of recreational opportunities including bushwalking, rock climbing, camping and picnicking. Rocky outcrops across Victoria play an important role in early…

Maria Island

Maria Island is a special place tucked away off the east coast of Tasmania, consisting of two islands separated by a narrow isthmus. It is accessed via ferry from Triabunna, kayak/boat or charted flight. The island has a rich human history, including: convicts, whaling, industry and mining as well as geological history, including: limestone cliffs,…

Daylesford Mineral Springs

The town of Daylesford is located in the Goldfield’s Region of Victoria, a 1.5 hour drive from Melbourne CBD. It is a place of indulgence and relaxation, chocolates, bookstores, scenic trails and very cool geology! The main attraction to the area, however, are the natural mineral springs which are dotted around the Daylesford area (see map below). There…

Cape Liptrap and Waratah Bay

Waratah Bay is one of Victoria’s hidden gems, situated 160 kilometres south east of Melbourne. The bay gets its name from a ship named the SS Waratah captained by William Bell which, in the 1850s, became damaged whilst rounding Wilson’s Promontory, seeking shelter in the bay. Cape Liptrap (Figure 1) is a significant geological teaching site in…