STEPincLogo A

Price: $35.00

- +

Note 1: We're currently offering free membership which entitles you to a 30% discount – just follow the instructions on the checkout page
Note 2: To avoid paying postage, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange cash payment and pickup from Turramurra
Note 3: If you pay using PayPal you don't need a PayPal account

This booklet describes the proposed identification and promotion of a Ku-ring-gai GeoRegion and is a perfect reference work and/or field guide. The GeoRegion embraces Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, other bushland areas, as well as the coast and estuaries located just north of the city of Sydney.

The outstanding natural history of the GeoRegion is is described, including significant examples of Permo-Triassic sedimentation with evidence of ancient climate change and Jurassic/Cenozoic volcanic activity, together with associated geomorphology, soil genesis, endemic biodiversity and cultural values. Its preserved ancient land surface supports diverse vegetation communities and the drowned river valleys provide evidence of the continuing impacts of climate change. The strong connection between this country, its landscape, and its First Peoples is also highlighted.

Look inside

Conroy, R.J. et al. (2022) The Natural and Cultural History of the Ku-ring-gai GeoRegion, New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 144, 129–226, 98 pp, 84 photos

Community project initiated by the Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment (FOKE)

Introduction – R.J. Conroy, NPWS (retired)

Initiating the KGR project – U.A. Bonzol (FOKE Inc)

Regional geology and geomorphology – J.E. Martyn (STEP Inc)

Flora – J.E. Martyn (STEP Inc) and J.B. Walsh

Hornsby diatreme – I.G. Percival (Honorary Research Associate, Geological Survey of New South Wales)

Stability of the coastal cliffs and climate change implications – J.J. Illingsworth (Pittwater Pathways) and P.B. Mitchell

Soil materials in the Hawkesbury Sandstone landscapes – P.B. Mitchell

Vertebrate fauna – J.B. Walsh

Connection to Country – Aboriginal site types – R.J. Conroy, NPWS (retired)

Geotrail development – D.F. Robson (Geological Society of Australia Inc)

Conclusion: future potential as an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark – A.M. Robinson (Australian Geoscience Council Inc)

This foundation of outstanding geology and geomorphology and associated values has inspired a longer-term objective of the GeoRegion being nominated as an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, particularly given its accessibility and strong potential for educational and recreational outreach to a large visitor base. In the short term, it is proposed to establish demonstration geosites, many of which are connected by themed geotrails, and which are expected to provide significant benefits to conservation, education and tourism.