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13. Upper Beaconsfield - Split Rock

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:Pakenham – 625927. Three kilometres east of Upper Beaconsfield.
Image: Sites of Significance Westernport Bay
Split Rock, Site 13
Access:Split Rock Road.
Ownership:Crown Land.
Geomorphology:Split Rock is a single spherical boulder of Tynong Granite approximately three metres in diameter. It is an appropriately named feature as it is split into two nearly equal parts separated by a single curving fracture plane.
Significance:Regional. The boulder is a classic example of a split rock, an unusual weathering form that is characteristic of granitic rock. It is easily accessible for public inspection and is one of the most pronounced expressions of granite topography in this part of the Westernport Bay catchment.
Management:Class 1. The boulder needs to be examined in situ to appreciate its properties and must not be moved or disturbed. Any roadside clearing or widening must be planned to avoid disturbance to the site.

13. Upper Beaconsfield - Split Rock
Site 13, Split Rock
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