What Australia lacks in height is more that made up for in the variety, geological age and unique appearance of its mountains and rocky outcrops - some of the oldest and most interesting exposed rocks in the world. The Great Dividing Range has it origins many millions of years ago when the continents of earth were fused together as the Gondwana land mass. A huge uplift in the earth's crust occurred over millions of years, between 5.
This was just after the extinction of the dinosaurs and during the time that modern humans first appeared. The Great Dividing Range , or the Eastern Highlands , is Australia's most substantial mountain range and the third longest in the world. The width of the range varies from about km mi to over km mi.
The Dividing Range does not consist of a single mountain range. It consists of a complex of mountain ranges, plateaus, upland areas and escarpments with an ancient and complex geological history. The highest mountain in the range is Mount Kosciuszko at 2, metres above sea level. The crest of the range is defined by the watershed or boundary between the drainage basins of rivers which drain directly eastward into the Pacific Ocean.
The Great Dividing Range was formed during the Carboniferous period—some million years ago—when Australia collided with what is now parts of South America and New Zealand.
The range has experienced significant erosion since. Prior to white settlement the ranges were home to Aboriginal tribes. Evidence remains in some places of their occupation by decorated caves, campsites and trails used to travel between the coastal and inland regions. The Sydney Basin came into existence as a result of earth movements during the mid-Permian million years ago and for the next 70 million years, Permian — Triassic was subject to periodic episodes of marine transgressions and regressions which alternately inundated and exposed the developing basin.
After the subsidence of the continental shelf, as a result of tectonic activity during the mid-Permian, the developing Sydney Basin received massive amounts of sediment from the Lachlan Fold Belt to the west, including thick fluvio-glacial conglomerates plus ash from waning volcanism in the south. By the late Permian, Ma large rivers flowing out of the rising New England Fold Belt to the north and the Lachlan Fold Belt to the west, deposited vast amounts of sediment in the northern and western edges of the basin.
Similarly the Triassic sedimentary episode is quite complex as a variety of lithological and palaeoenvironmental facies developed. Renewed uplift in the New England Fold Belt meant that large streams again flowed from the north, covering the basin in a complex mix of alluvial deposits — sand, mud, pebbles and gravel — which now form the Narrabeen Sandstones.
These sediments are mainly of fluvial derivation; deposits laid down in meandering streams, flood plains, deltas and swamps. Soil profiles developed in the Triassic suggest that the area was exposed to the atmosphere for long periods of time. A minor tectonic episode, resulting in the uplift of the generally cratonised Lachlan Fold Belt in the south west lead to a major shift in the palaeocurrent direction in the mid Triassic, Ma. Coarse quartz sediment derived from the Lachlan Fold Belt was carried north eastwards across the basin in energetic, braided streams.
This formed a sand sheet many metres thick which is now exposed as the Hawkesbury Sandstones at North and South Head and in cuttings along the Sydney-Newcastle freeway, particularly near the Hawkesbury River and Mooni Mooni Bridges. The last depositional stage in the history of the basin occurred during the mid-late Triassic, Ma as meandering streams flowed once again from the north-west, depositing muds and fine sands in a single major marine regression.
Lagoon, levee, peat marsh and flood plain deposits were common throughout this period. These now form the residual Wianamatta Shales exposed in isolated pockets in the centre of the basin, such as on parts of the Cumberland Plain in the Upper Parramatta River Catchment.
The majority of these deposits have been removed by erosion in the million years between deposition and the present. During the Jurassic explosive volcanic events occurred which resulted in the formation of diatremes or breccia pipes such as those at Hornsby, Wallgrove and Prospect. Other unrelated episodes of igneous activity resulted in the basalt cappings of some heights in the Blue Mountains, eg Mt. Tomah and the intrusion of dolerite dykes into the Narrabeen and Hawkesbury Sandstones now exposed along the coast.
These intrusions were controlled by the very dominant jointing in the rocks and generally trend NW-SE. This tectonic activity could well be related to the opening of the Tasman Sea and associated basaltic activity 60 — 80 Ma. The plateaux are now deeply dissected by these streams. Coastal geomorphology is dominated by beaches, steep cliffs and drowned valleys, rias which have been influenced by changes in sea level throughout the last million years.
The lowering of sea level resulted in the deposition of thick layers of sand which now form our beaches and sand dunes. The rise in sea level in more recent times has produced characteristic drowned river valleys such as Broken Bay and Sydney Harbour, enhanced the development of coastal lagoons such as Dee Why, Queenscliffe and Narrabeen and rock platforms such as Long Reef. When you look at the Blue Mountains, you're looking at the plateau created by the uplift million years ago.
The reason they look like mountains is that the plateau has been dissected. Deep valleys and gorges have been cut into it, leaving stubborn peaks behind.
So what did the dissecting? Roads into Blue Mountains National Park can be busy, especially on weekends and public holidays during summer. Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
Visit the Transport NSW website to plan your trip. However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. All Blue Mountains National Park visitors planning a long hike, off-track or overnight adventure, or visiting a remote part of the park, are recommended to fill in the trip intention form and carry a Personal Locator Beacon PLB.
Keep well back from cliff edges and waterfalls at all times, especially when taking photos. Please stay on tracks and be aware of your surroundings and footing. If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.
Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping. Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety. Dial Triple Zero in an emergency.
Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable.
If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips. Hidden away in the bushland-canopied confines of the Blue Mountains lies the magical Wentworth Falls. Boasting incredible views of the valley and the cascading water at all angles of the waterfall. Whether you are at the top peak surveying the scene below, or weaving your way around the base pool, you will be enchanted by this fairy-tale scenery.
Leura Cascades Visitors can cool off their tired feet in the Leura Cascades pools as they enjoy the stunning greenery covering the area. The water descends into the Jamison Valley. The Towns. Listed as the biggest tourist town in the Blue Mountains, Leura is jam-packed with souvenir shops, cafes, and plenty of local art. The town is surrounded by bushland, blending with the buildings to create a truly beautiful Australian country town.
Set as the perfect base for walking tracks, epic lookouts, and glorious waterfalls, Katoomba is bursting with friendly locals and country atmosphere. Scenic World. Simply put, Scenic World is the best way to see the sights of the Blue Mountains. A self-guided nature-based experience, from walkways weaving through the bush, to epic skyway sights hanging above the tree canopy, it truly offers you a view of Blue Mountains at every angle.
It is the steepest railway in the entire world, guaranteed to put some butterflies in even the most daring traveller. The original rail was built in the late s but has now transformed into adrenaline-inducing tourist attraction.
With a degree incline, travellers can choose the speed of the rail, making it a fun rollercoaster ride or a leisurely cruise depending on their bravery.
Scenic Skyway Sail for metres between two Blue Mountain clifftops and soar metres above the treetop canopy. The large skyway gondola features large glass windows and floor, giving travellers degree views of the area. Scenic Cableway Start your journey at the top of the mountaintop and slowly descend into the Jamison Valley. The cabin has three viewing sections, giving a different perspective of the Blue mountains depending on if you are at the back with views of the entire area, or at the front with up close up views of the wildlife.
Offering a range of 2. Each one equipped with a series of informational signs of the nearby plants and animals. Letting you get up close and personal viewing of the wildlife! The Wildlife. Hidden within this natural landscape, Blue Mountains is home to an endless amount of wildlife.
In fact, are more than different types of animals that roam the area. Being the home for a range of Australian favourites, including the famous Koalas, kangaroos, and wombats.
There is educational talks throughout the day for the animals, with the professional staff introducing the animals to the crowd. Parramatta River. Guide to the Blue Mountains The Blue Mountains is an Australian highlight, a vast region stretching out 11, kilometres of mountain tops, sandstone cliffs, and lush forest filled valleys. Credit: Tourism Australia Folk will come across thundering waterfalls, epic lookouts, and even an array of unique wildlife when trekking through the land.
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