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180. Erehwon Point and Mussel Rocks

This information has been developed from one or more of these publications:

  • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Westernport Bay Catchment (1984) by Neville Rosengren.
  • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Western Region of Melbourne (1986) by Neville Rosengren
  • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance on the Coast of Port Phillip Bay (1988) by Neville Rosengren.
  • Sites of Environmental Significance in the Flood Plain of the Upper Yarra Valley Region (1983) by Neville Rosengren, Douglas Frood and Kim Lowe (as part of a study of Sites of Environmental Significance by the University of Melbourne for the then Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Authority).
Geological heritage sites, including sites of geomorphological interest and volcanic heritage sites, are under regular revision by the Geological Society of Australia, especially in the assessment of significance and values. Reference should be made to the most recent reports. See the Earth Science Heritage section of the Geological Society of Australia website (external link) for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location:Rhyll – 466429 to Somers 460428. Coastal outcrops approximately 200 m east and west of Cowes Jetty.
Access:Beach walk from Cowes Jetty.
Ownership:Crown land.
Geology:These are small outcrops of tuffs that protrude seawards as minor headlands. They are a dark red and brown colour with joints occupied by a polished dark material suggesting deep weathering and laterization. The pattern of beach accumulation adjacent to the outcrops indicates strong beach sand drift towards the east.
Significance:Regional. The outcrops are easily accessible examples of the tuff material that is common in the Older Volcanics of Phillip Island.
Management:Class 2. As a large part of Mussell Rocks is obscured by Cowes Jetty, it is recommended the Erehwon Point rocks and the rocks 150 m west of the jetty be retained as an example of the material described above. Any foreshore development programme should be designed to avoid obscuring those outcrops.
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