1-29 Cliff and quarry exposure of Whalers Bluff Formation

This information has been developed from the publications:

An assessment of the Geological/Geomorphological Significance of Private Land in the Shire of Portland (1981) by N. Rosengren, J Mallen, T Shepherd.

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.

Locality:	7122-252019. 0.5 kilometres south-east of Dartmoor.
Access:	Dartmoor - Hamilton Road.
Geology:	A cliff and adjacent quarry south of the mouth of the Crawford River was the type section for Boutakoff's "Crawford Member" of the Whalers Bluff Formation. The term "Crawford Member" has since generally lapsed, as it was not considered justified to separate the Whalers Bluff Formation limestone into two members (Werrikoo and Crawford Members). The cliff and quarry face expose weathered flaggy limestone and oyster beds. The fossils here include well-preserved brachiopods, many of which have been completely filled by calcite crystal growtn.
Significance:	Regional. This is an important exposure of the Whalers Bluff Formation and its associated fossils. Brachiopods found here are of special interest to gem collectors.
Management:	Indiscriminant collection by fossil or gem collectors could degrade the value of the site and control should be exercised on access and fossicking for these materials.
Reference:	Douglas, J.G. and Ferguson, J.A. (Eds.) (1976). Geology of Victoria. Geological Society of Australia, Special Publication No. 5.

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