Cania Gorge National Park is the closest park to the coast in which you can see the sandstone landscapes of Central Queensland. The park's most dominant features are the towering, ochre-coloured 60 metre sandstone cliffs. Ancient caves and sheltered gorges are other highlights of this park. The Gorge is an ancient place. It was carved out of sandstone through the slow action of water.
About 200 million years ago the area was part of a low plain where major streams deposited sand eroded from distant mountains. The sand settled to form a thick blanket over older rocks, a process which occurred over large areas of Central Queensland. Other sediments were deposited on top of the sand in subsequent lakes and swamps.
Step 1:
This land 200 million years ago:
Over time the sand and other sediments were compressed into layers of rock, including one known as Precipice Sandstone. Then, about 50 million years ago, forces under the earth’s crust tilted the layers slightly and caused them to crack, creating a fault line.
Step 2: A fault line is created:
Run-off from rainwater began to seep southwards along the fault line, eroding the Precipice Sandstone. Water found its way into cracks and crevices of the sandstone where it eroded the rock and eventually caused large straight-sided blocks to break away. As time passed the wide gorge with its 60 metre cliffs and the winding bed of Three Moon Creek were formed.
About 240 million years old, the bed of Three Moon Creek was formed as molten rock cooled slowly beneath the surface of the earth. The bed consists largely of granite. Much of the ancient river bed granite has now been exposed by erosion. The erosion still continues today.
Step 3:Erosion by rainwater:
There are many caves in the area. They have been created by wind and water. Wind blows fine particles of sand against the stone. Water dislodges the fine clay particles that hold the sand together. Eventually, caves are formed.
The sandstone of Cania Gorge is still being changed. Wind and water continue to sculpt the landscape creating new cracks, crevices and caves in the sandstone which are important habitats for wildlife and plants to live.
Take the Two Storey Cave Circuit (1.3 km) which starts opposite the picnic area. This walk meanders upwards around stunning scenery of sandstone monoliths and weathered caves of vivid yellow and red ochres.
You may log this Earthcache straight away but then please email your answers to the questions to the CO. We will contact you ONLY if your answers need extra work. Logs with no answers sent will be deleted. The answers can be found by observing the landscape, reading the information boards and a bit of research. Please do not post your answers in your log. Photos of you on the Two Storey Cave walk are most welcome but not at the question coordinates.
Q1. Sandstone is porous. What does this mean?
Q2. What is a monolith?
Q3. Go to S 24 42.938 E 150 59.245. What is this geological feature and how do you think it was formed?
Q4. At a sign on the walk take the detour to King Orchid Crevice. Go to S 24 42.933 E 150 59.243. Describe the surrounding geological formations. Remember to look up as well. Describe textures, colours, sizes and shapes.
Remember to take only photos and leave no trace of your visit. We hope you enjoy your visit to this ancient area and take time to appreciate the varied geological formations it has to offer.
