Ko3 Emu Creek - Newer Volcanics and Valley Forms

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 section of the Geological Society of Australia website (external link) for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location	Kongagaderra - 027455. Shire of Bulla. Valley of Emu Creek from ‘Glen Park’ south to ‘Ryecroft’.	Ko3 - Emu Creek valley east of Sunbury. Channel and valley meander amplitude are similar.
Access	Kongagaderra Road
Ownership	Private land
Site Description	This sector of Emu Creek is an unusual example of deep and wide stream incision where the valley side plan form is identical with the channel plan form. The escarpment marking the valley edge is very sharply defined with one or two benches at the upper level.
	The valley and channel meanders are regular and symmetrical with sharply pointed cusps on the western side of the valley. Undercutting of valley sides has produced high and freshly trimmed exposures of multiple lava flows with columnar jointing, platy jointing and weathering at flow boundaries in evidence. The valley floor is narrow with irregular terraces at two levels flanking the channel on alternate sides. Basalt exposed in the channel is strongly jointed and several tessellated basalt pavements occur.
Significance	State. The valley has unusual symmetry which is enhanced by the absence of distracting built structures. The valley and channel meanders are beautifully displayed and combine to produce a valley landscape of distinctive character. Channel and valley development processes are readily observed, and the natural sections of the lava flows on the undercut western valley side are some of the best seen in the study area.
Management	The site has very high visual as well as scientific qualities. To preserve both these aspects, it will be necessary to exclude buildings, roads, power lines or other discordant elements from the valley. The outstanding qualities of this site warrant long-term planning to maintain site quality and to integrate the area into a public access open space system.

Page top