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PP74. Schnapper Point - Baxter Sandstone

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:2766885. Northwestern edge of Schnapper Point, Mornington.
Image: Sites of Significance Port Phillip Bay
Site 74. Schnapper Point. Raised
platform is shown by arrows.

Access:
Flinders Drive or Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington.

Ownership/Managing Authority:

Crown land, Shire of Mornington.

Site Description:
At the base of the coastal slope is a low cliff cut in ferruginous sandstone of the Baxter Sandstone, this rock forming angular boulders and blocks on the shoreline. On the bench cut in the sandstone about 1.5 m above high water mark, and overlain by a cemented gravelly deposit of the same material. This may be a raised shore platform with a residual beach deposit.

Significance:
Regional. The site is a clear and safely accessible sea level exposure of the structural and textural properties of the Baxter Sandstone. At many other coastal sites, this material is much higher in the cliffs and difficult to examine. The erosional bench (the possible raised platform) is significant in determining the sea level history of Port Phillip Bay.

Management Considerations:
Class 1. The site should be left exposed. No landscaping or reclamation of the seaward face of the cliffs should be undertaken. No protective structures or beaches should be built in front of the cliffs.

References:
Gostin, V.A. (1966). Tertiary stratigraphy of the Mornington district, Victoria. Proc. R. Soc. Vict., 79, 459-512.

Image: Sites of Significance Port Phillip Bay
Site 74. Raised platform, Schnapper Point
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