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KANAWINKA GEOPARK South Western Victoria and South Eastern South Australia
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Cones and Falls
Precinct Features include a series of volcanic systems that link a number of major cones with the ocean via extensive lava flows.
Byaduk Caves The Byaduk Caves in Mt Napier State Park are the most extensive and accessible set of lava caves in Australia. Being so young (only 8,000 years), they are largely unweathered and in their natural state. They were formed when a spectacular lava fountain several hundred metres high roared up from a lava lake in Mt Napier’s crater approximately 8,000 years ago. The lava rose from a depth of over 30km and its temperature was about 1200 degrees Celsius. It flowed in four directions, and the westerly flow, down Harman’s Valley, extends for approximately 24km.The caves are accessed through collapsed roof sections and display many well-preserved features left by the retreating and cooling lava. The largest tunnels are up to 18 metres wide, 10 metres high, and extend to depths of 20 metres below the surface. Tumuli Near the limits of the Harmans Valley flow at Wallacedale, 13 kilometres west of the Byaduk Caves, are a number of unusual clusters known as lava tumuli. The tumuli are circular mounds or hummocks of rock up to 10 metres high and 20 metres in diameter, and are considered to be not only unique in Australia, but most likely rare on a world scale. When the surface of a lava flow quickly crusts over, pressure in the liquid lava beneath can cause the crust to rise. Generally, it forms irregular broad mounds and hollows known as Stony Rises, but occasionally, it creates smaller, steep-sided domes called tumuli. These are believed to have formed
Mt Rouse Mount Rouse is a massive accumulation of scoria, rising 100 metres above the surrounding volcanic plain. It is the highest relief in the area and is an important vantage point to view the lavas and adjacent volcanoes of Mount Eccles and Mount Napier. To the south of the main scoria cone is a deep circular crater with a small lake and a smaller shallow crater rimmed with basalt. Past lava flows from Mt Rouse followed shallow, gently sloping river courses, extending at least 60 kilometres south. A thin basalt lava flow contained in the scoria cone has been dated at approximately 1.8 million years old. If this is accurate, then Mount Rouse marks the beginning of the second (younger) phase of activity in the Newer Volcanics Province. Wannon Falls The Wannon Falls were created by lava flows that surged upstream to the Wannon River. The water which cascades over a 30-metre vertical precipice into a deep plunge pool below, is actually flowing over hardened basalt lava. Further downstream, rapids wind their way around large blocks of basalt, dislodged over time down the embankments of the narrow valley. A cantilevered viewing platform at the Wannon Falls offers spectacular views. A nearby rotunda features interpretative signage for visitors, covering geology, flora and fauna, Koori history and details of colonial artists who painted in the area. Camping facilities are available at the Wannon River. Nigretta Falls Nigretta Falls is a small waterfall set in outstanding scenery. The waterfall is considered more spectacular than Wannon Falls, due to its clearer features. It has excellent river walks and viewing areas with barbecue facilities and red gum picnic tables and a jarrah timber stairway leading to the base of the falls. Tower Hill Game Reserve Tower Hill Game Reserve is located 15 kilometres west of Warrnambool features a deep circular crater which is believed to have formed some 25,000 years ago and is one of the largest maars in the world.
The Volcanoes Discovery Centre in Penshurst, provides interpretive information about this and other volcanic sites across the trail.
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