Judbarra / Gregory National Park covers an area of around 13,000 square km in the transition zone between tropical and semi-arid regions of the Northern Territory. The Park features spectacular range and gorge scenery and significant traces of Aboriginal culture, European exploration and pastoral history.
The Victoria River region is dissected plateau and mesa country bordering the southeastern of Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. The Victoria River Downs consists of rugged ridges and plateaux forming a northeast-trending belt up to 40 km wide. The ranges are formed of the deformed sediments and consist of rugged ridges, cuestas, hogbacks, and small plateaux predominantly of sandstone, with contrasting narrow alluvium floored valleys where softer rocks such as siltstone have been preferentially weathered out. The ruggedness is enhanced by extensive faulting and the lack of vegetation or soil on many of the hills. The Victoria River flows through the area with many smaller streams and watercourses, which flow only in the wet season.
At the above mentioned coordinates (the start of the walking trail to Garrarnawun lookout which provide you with amazing scenic views over the ranges of Gregory National Park) you will find a sign that explains the geological process that have shaped Gregory National Park and make the range and gorge scenery what it is today.
The Escarpment Walk to the lookout is a 3km return moderate walk which will take you about 1,5 hours return. It provides you with spectacular views over the gorges and ranges of Gregory NP. However, in order to log this Earth cache you do not need to embark on the walk, because (as said above) you can read the information signs a short walk away from the car park. If you do undertake the walk, please take enough water with you and sunscreen!
We are leading you to this location because we want you to not only experience this beautiful area but also get you to learn and actively think about what geological processes have occurred here a long time ago and have shaped this park.
In order to log this earthcache, please email the answers to the following questions to us. You may log your find straight away, we will contact you only if there is any issues with the answers supplied. As always, logs without answers will be deleted.
Q1. Explain in your own words how the great valleys you see around you were formed geologically.
Q2. What is the weathering process called that has occurred here?
Q3. What did this process remove and leave at the same time leading to the hard caps that crown the mesas and plateux stretching across the landscapes?
Optionally if you like, post a photo of you or your GPS from GZ or the lookout ;)