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21.1 Racecourse Steps

This information has been developed from the publications:

  • 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 Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Shire of Otway (1984) by Neville Rosengren.
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 (external site) section of the Geological Society of Australia website for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location:20-022079. Nine kilometres south-east of Princetown.

Racecourse Steps and track to beach.

Access:

Track off Moonlight Head Road to old racecourse. Foot track to beach.

Ownership:

Crown land (Otway National Park).

Geology:

Dark grey soft siltstone of the Otway Group contain plant impressions which belong to the youngest Lower Cretaceous beds. Fossils recognised include liverworts, ferns, seed ferns and conifers.

Significance:

State. The fossil plants are well preserved and more readily accessible than other sites with similar assemblages. It is a particularly suitable site for collecting and teaching purposes.

References:

Douglas, J.G. (1969). "The Mesozoic floras of Victoria, Pts. 1 & 2." Mem. geol. Surv. Vict. 28.

Douglas, J.G. (1973). "The Mesozoic floras of Victoria, Pt. 3." Mem.geol. Surv. Vict. 29.

21.3
Site 21.1, 21.2 & 21.3
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