Pre and Post Conference Field Trips
A series of field trips are being planned for the days surrounding the conference, offering delegates the chance to explore some of South Australia's unique regions. While final details are still being confirmed, potential destinations include Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula Coast, Yorke Peninsula, and the Flinders Ranges.
If you're considering attending the conference, keep these field trips in mind—they’re a great opportunity to extend your visit and connect with others in the field.
The option to purchase tickets will be available when the Conference registration opens. Keep an eye on the schedules below, further details including dates, fees, inclusions will be added as arrangements are confirmed.
Field Trip Destinations
Flinders Ranges
Duration:
5 days, 4 nights
Overview:
This 5 day, 4 night field trip will include a visit to the new Nilpena Edicara National Park to set the scene for the rest of the trip. The 3hr Fossil Field Exploration Tour includes a tour of the woolshed and Blacksmith’s Shop which has been converted into an AV display describing the Flinders Ranges region and fossil site, as well as a visit to the world-renowned fossil beds. This is a site of huge international significance. It reveals the first signs of complex animal life, providing the most comprehensive record of Ediacara fossils in the world. It is truly a unique and special experience to visit this active research site. The town of Leigh Creek will be our base for this part of the trip, and we will visit Aroona Dam to consider sustainable management of groundwater, and the mining heritage of the Leigh Creek coal fields.
A visit to Blinman with a tour of the Blinman Heritage mine exploring remnants of the underground and surface operations of the copper mine which operated in the late 1800s will provide an insight into the rich mineral wealth of the region and the role mining played in the development of European settlements in South Australia.
Two days will be spent exploring the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park including a tour of Brachina Gorge, including a visit to the ‘Golden Spike’, indicating the start of the Ediacara Period, the Acraman Impact ejecta layer, Ediacara fossils, stromatolites, archaeocyathas and other key locations. Our base will be Wilpena Pound allowing participants to be immersed in the beauty of the Ranges and a chance to appreciate the Indigenous Heritage of the area.
Scenic flights may be undertaken from Wilpena Pound at participants own cost dependent on weather and availability.
Highlights:
Nilpena Ediacara National Park
- Fossil Field Exploration Tour (half day): Visit the converted woolshed and blacksmith’s shop AV display before walking among the world’s most significant Ediacaran fossil beds.
Leigh Creek Township & Aroona Dam
- Leigh Creek township (lunch), desalination plant and Aroona Dam (sustainable management of groundwater)
Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park
- Brachina & Bunyeroo Gorges: View the Golden Spike (marking the start of the Ediacara Period), Acraman Impact ejecta layer, Ediacara fossils, stromatolites, and more (full day)
- Wilpena Pound: Half day optional hike to Hills Homestead or scenic flight (own cost)
Wilpena Flights » - Sacred Canyon Indigenous Heritage Tour (half day)
Tour Info »
Historic Blinman Mine
- Guided Underground Tour + self-guided surface exploration of 19th-century copper mining operations
Blinman Mine Info »
Transport:
Travel via private charter bus and trailer. Please note: numbers are limited due to vehicle size restrictions at Ediacaran fossil site (approx. 23-seat capacity).
Accessibility:
- Short walks (up to 1 km), with optional longer hikes
- Underground Mine Tour: uneven surfaces, low lighting
- Surface Mine Tour: stairs and rough terrain
Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri - Fleurieu Peninsula
Duration:
2–3 days
Overview:
Discover an extraordinary geological journey along the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula coast. The region reveals a record of global geological events and changes spanning nearly half the age of our Earth—from 2 billion years ago to the present day. Highlights include:
- Striking rocks from the Cryogenian "Snowball Earth" period (700 million years ago)
- Ancient granites and roots of the Delamerian Mountains (500 million years old)
- Vast Permian glacial valleys
- Evidence of major sea-level changes, reflected in local Aboriginal stories and cultural knowledge
This trip offers a rare combination of breath taking coastal scenery, deep geological time, and rich cultural context.
Transport:
Comfortable travel via coach transport.
Accessibility:
Minimal walking required. All major sites are accessible through South Australia’s world-class National Parks infrastructure.
MCLAREN VALE - Wine Region
Duration:
1 day
Overview:
If you want a gentler geological day, come on the easy day trip to the famous McLaren Vale vineyards, 30 km south of Adelaide.
McLaren Vale is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world. More than 40 unique geological units are present, ranging in age from less than 10,000 years to over 650 million years.
Fossil rivers and deltas and ancient warm, shallow marine seas make up the rocks, above which the grapes are growing.
The geology creates a tapestry of flavours in its wines, with each vineyard expressing a unique terroir influenced by the underlying soil, and its interaction with the vines. One winery has a series of wines made to showcase these different geologies.
We will visit three or four wineries, and you can use your palate to study the different geology in the area. Each winery has a geological section through its soil.
A handful of wineries are on the ancient 600-million-year-old (Ma) rocks, many are on 40 Ma rocks, and some are on the “young” rocks, only around 1 Ma. See if you can taste the difference!
A sketch geological cross section through McLaren Vale, showing wineries we may visit.
Each winery has a cross section through its geology.