34th International Geological Congress (IGC): AUSTRALIA 2012
34th International Geological Congress (IGC): AUSTRALIA 2012
34th International Geological Congress (IGC): AUSTRALIA 2012
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Q-9B Granite Belt (including visits to Wineries) (continued)<br />
Day by day itinerary Day 1 - Saturday 11th August <strong>2012</strong> - Brisbane to Stanthorpe<br />
After breakfast depart Brisbane by coach and travel along the Cunningham<br />
Highway with a short walk at Main Range National Park (Cunninghams Gap); a<br />
part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World heritage Area. The park is<br />
approximately 30,000 hectares, and sits on the western part of the Scenic Rim. This<br />
escarpment is remnant of a shield volcano that was active approximately 24 million<br />
years ago. Basalt lavas formed a gentle sloping shield shaped volcano which may<br />
have reached 1400 metres in altitude. Prolonged erosion has removed mainly<br />
the eastern side of the volcano, leaving exposed intrusive plugs and dykes. There<br />
is a diversity of plant communities, ranging from subtropical and cool temperate<br />
rainforest, to wet and dry sclerophyll forest.<br />
Continue on to Stanthorpe and to Girraween National Park. Girraween is an<br />
Aboriginal word meaning “Place of Flowers”, and the park is famous for its massive<br />
granite outcrops and large angular tors, as well as eucalypt forests, sedgelands,<br />
and heathlands. The park covers an area of approximately 12,000 Hectares, with<br />
an average elevation of 900 metres. Visit various sites including the region of The<br />
Pyramid and Castle Rock. There will be optional walks in the park, ranging from 1<br />
to 5 km.<br />
Return to Stanthorpe and check into your motel before an evening wine tasting,<br />
tour, and dinner at the Queensland Wine tourist Centre. This major project is<br />
acollaboration between Southern Queensland University/Stanthorpe High School<br />
and Queensland Technical and Further Education and has been developed to<br />
showcase the Queensland wine industry.<br />
Overnight: Motel in Stanthorpe<br />
Meals: B / L / D<br />
Day 2 - Sunday 12th August <strong>2012</strong> - Stanthorpe to Brisbane<br />
Following breakfast depart Stanthorpe and travel into New South Wales to Bald<br />
Rock National Park. Bald Rock is Australia’s largest granite monolith, with the<br />
summit at 1277 metres. The rock is not true granite and is classified as Stanthorpe<br />
Adamellite, being of lower Triassic age showing marked phases in mineralogy and<br />
texture. The park is dominated by the granite landscape as well as dry eucalypt<br />
forests, and grassy woodlands. Spend time to exploring the park with a guided<br />
program before departing in the early afternoon to return to Brisbane with a stop at<br />
a winery if time permits.<br />
Return to Brisbane. Tour ends. Own onward travel arrangements from Brisbane.<br />
Meals: B / L<br />
Equipment Required: Participants should be prepared for cool weather. Sun hat, rain jacket and strong<br />
walking shoes are essential.<br />
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