The
South West coast of Victoria has some of the most stunning
coastline in Australia.
West of Port Fairy in Victoria, you will find The Crags Costal
Reserve.
From here you can see the formations know as The Crags and Deen
Maar Island off the
coast
Deen Maar Island is 1.33km² island off
the South West Victorian
coastline.
The island
is approximately 2km long and 1km wide and is one of Australia's
major Volcanic
islands.
It was also
known as "Lady Julian's
Island" and later became known as
"Lady Julia Percy Island"
Between 6
and 7 million years ago, the island was formed by violent
underwater eruptions related to the final separation of Australia
from
Antarctica
Deen Maar,
is much older than other volcanoes in the region. With Tower Hill
near Warnambool erupting as recent as only 30,000 years
ago.
Geologists have determined that the island began it's life under
the sea, as it contains Pillow Lava which is created when hot lava
meets cold
water.
Deen Maar
has not always been an
island.
Over 10,000 years ago it was connected to the mainland by a land
bridge, but due to rising sea levels it is now 22km of the
coast.
It's plateau is 40 metres high in some places, but the islands size
has been halved over millions of years , due to erosion by the
sea.
Significant to Vulcanologists, the island also is of spiritual
significance to the local indigenous
people.
The name
"Deen Maar" is means "The Man" and refers to Bunjil, The
Creator.
Aboriginal
artifacts have been found on the island, as it was used for
ceremonial
purposes.
Boat tours
are available from Port Fairy on calm days, but we have chosen
these co-ordinates, as they provide the best Land-based views of
the
island.
Deen
Maar Island is listed as a geological monument of national
significance by the Geological Society of
Australia.
Please be sure to check out
The Crag by Team Crackers (GCV1FC). It's only a few metres
away, and it's location was the inspiration for this cache.
Many thanks to Team Crackers for their permission to have our
earthcache in the same
area.
How do you claim this
EarthCache?
To claim
this cache visit the above co ordinates. Please stay inside the
fenced areas or on the observation platform.You will find an
informative sign.
- (1) Please tell me the two reasons why the island has a flat
top.
- (2) The island contains two of Australia's best deposits of
Pillow Lava and ...............? Email
both answers to me, please don't include them in your
log.
Then:
- (3) Take a picture at this spot which clearly shows you with
your GPS. Ensure the island is visable in the background. Upload
this with your log. If the island isn't viewable from the
observation platform due to fog or poor lighting, please ensure one
of the nearby "Crags" is in the background.
Please dont post any photos of sign in your log.
Logs that don't meet these requirements will be
deleted.