Field Geology Club of SA

~ GeohotspotsSA ~

The objective of this section of our Cyberspace Library is to provide introductory information on the geology , natural history and resources of a region often visited by the Club.
Regard this as a useful VISITORS' GUIDE to the geological hotspots of South Australia and Broken Hill.
Note that the Club publishes detailed accounts of field trips to these hotspots in our monthly Bulletin as reports by members. Also the Excursion Organizer produces excellent Excursion Notes on the geology examined and these may soon be available on CD.
This webpage is in the process of development.
Click on underlined words for the information link.
Photos: point cursor on thumbnail photos for title and click once for enlargement.

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PIRSA Minerals have a large range of Brochures for sale ($1 - $2) on geological hot spots, including old mine sites, geology trails and introductory Geology of areas e.g., Flinders Ranges National Park, Kangaroo Island, McLaren Vale, the South East etc. You can order these online. Check their list of Brochure Publications.
Also valuable is the SA Mineral Explorer's Guide available as a CD (cost $20) which reviews the geology of SA and places mines, mineral deposits and prospects in their geological context.
Geological hotspots in the New England region and elsewhere in our neighbouring state of New South Wales is well catered for by:
  • NSW Geotourism Site created by Bob and Nancy Brown. Bob is a senior geologist with the NSW Primary Industries Dept., based in Armadale, New England. Bob and wife Nancy are both geologists and they have devised various tours for their region, going to visit Tibbbura, Lightning Ridge, Manilla, Red Rock, South West Rocks and Tamworth. New tours planned this year are to Broken Hill, White Cliffs and New Zealand. Each tour described includes geological maps and excursion notes for stopping points.
    Club members view the Terra Rosa soil at Coonawara which is filling up sinkholes in the limestone (on a combined geology and wine tasting excursion)

    Mt Gambier and the Limestone Coast
  • Mt Gambier  tourist introduction to a fascinating city of recent volcanic craters, lakes, caves and sinkholes.
    When at this website be sure to click on the Geology section to learn of the details.

    Fleurieu Peninsula (and Kangaroo Island)
  • An excellent description of the geological history of the Fleurieu Peninsula provided by SA Government/Yankalilla Council website.
  • Detailed Govn. Report on Kangaroo Island, covering the geology, geomorphology (mainly from Daily et al 1979), sea level changes, climate, rainfall, tides etc.
    Club member Joanna relaxes on a ripple marked beach 800 million years old ... at Sleeps Quarry in suburban Adelaide, Mitcham.. but watch out for the snakes in summer!

    Adelaide Environs
  • The first metal mine (1841) in Australia, the Wheal Gawler silver lead mine lies within the Adelaide suburb of Glen Osmond. The history and geology of the area is well documented on the Flinders Ranges Research website.
  • The Mathew Flinder's Coastal Landform website on Hallett Cove Conservation Park explains the landforms and the Permian and other glaciations present at this unique site on the coast in south Adelaide.


    Stamper battery at the Mongolata Goldfield, ca. 17 kms NE of Burra

    The North and Mid North
  • The Gawler Craton The Pre-Cambrian xtalline basement; economic geology and mining activities.
  • The Olympic Dam Cu/U mine History and economic geology of this huge mine in Sth Australia.
  • PIRSA's Earth Resources publication M49 (Jan 2006) Geology of the Clare Valley provides detailed information and map of this famous wine producing region.
  • Mintaro village near Clare is listed as a State Heritage Area of SA. It is a well preserved 1850's style village with the oldest slate quarry in Australia.
  • The Mintaro Slate Quarries website gives details on the geology, history and uses of Mintaro slate.
  • The township of Burra is located a tad north of the Clare Valley and was the start of a major copper mining region in South Australia in the 1860's. The Club has stayed at the Paxton Miners' Cottages which are very good.
  • The Thorogood's Cider Farm near Burra is not to be missed ... it is Australia's leading cider maker. We always stop there.

    Flinders Ranges
  • This Flinders Ranges Tourist Association website gives a good introduction to the region accessed from the towns of Hawker and Quorn. Click on Attractions for tourist information.
    Murphy's Haystack on the Eyre Peninsula .. a granite residual

    Eyre Peninsula
  • A comprehensive tourist guide to the Eyre Peninsula region with information on all towns and localities, including history, accommodation, tourist attractions and local industries including mining. Click on LH side panel for locality.
  • The Port Lincoln city and region is well described in the WalkAbout Australia website
  • The Boston Bay Winery near Port Lincoln is worth a visit.
  • The Cowell Jade deposit is the largest in Australia. This PIRSA article gives all the details.
    When in Broken Hill we like to stay at one of the many historic pubs located along Argent Street

    Broken Hill


  • The WalkAbout Australia website contains all the information you need for a visit, including accommodation, galleries, eateries, tours, history etc.
  • Wikipedia's summary of Broken Hill geology and mineralization.

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