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

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. 
  Nilpena Ediacara National Park info »

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

Duration:
2–3 days

Overview:
Explore and experience the spectacular coastal scenery, stunning landscapes, and rich geological heritage of this iconic Australian island. Highlights include:

• The striking “Remarkable Rocks” granite landforms
• 500 Ma zebra folds, imbricate thrusts, and shear zones
• Fascinating Redlichia fossil sites
• The curious Kelly’s Hill Caves
• An unforgettable Little Sahara Dunefield experience

Plus, enjoy encounters with unique wildlife and indulge in the island’s renowned local produce and culinary delights.

Transport:
Travel in comfort with Kangaroo Island Sealink luxury coach and ferry transfers.

Accessibility:
Minimal walking required. Sites are accessible via South Australia’s world-class National Parks infrastructure.

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.

Duration:
2–3 days

Overview:
Explore the geological and cultural treasures of the Yorke Peninsula, where dramatic coastal cliffs and ancient volcanic features tell stories from deep time. Highlights of this field trip include:

• The towering aeolianite cliffs of Cape Spencer
• The historic legacy of the Moonta Mines
• Fascinating volcanic features along the Port Victoria Volcano Geotrail, including peperite, porphyry, and pegmatite—evidence of Australia’s oldest and largest submarine eruption
• Immersion in breath taking wilderness landscapes along the 500 km "Walk the Yorke" trail, rich with geological history

This journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty, heritage, and deep geological insight.

Transport:
Travel comfortably by coach.

Accessibility:
Minimal walking required. Site access is supported by South Australia’s world-class National Parks infrastructure, including Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park—once the nation’s primary source of gypsum for plaster and cement.

Duration:
1 day

Overview: