You have arrived at the parking area for Hands on Rock Aboriginal art site. The stencils found there were made by the Wiradjui people using a spray of ochre mixed with liquid. Take the walk as its only about 600m and well worth the look.
The Hands on Rock reserve is a mixture of Narrabeen Sandstone and younger Jurassic sandstone and siltstone of the Surat Basin.
Here at the carpark you find some fine examples of Pagodas. This area is on the very edges of the Goulburn River National Park which has some outstanding examples of Pagoda formations.
What are Pagodas
Pagodas are conical rock formations formed by differential weathering and erosion of the local sandstones. They come in two forms. Smooth pagodas have relatively regular conical-shapes (without terraces), while platy pagodas are stepped and terraced cones that resemble Asian pagodas, ziggurats or step-pyramids. On platy pagodas, erosionally resistant ironstone bands from 1 to several cm thick project from the surface and form the hard surfaces of the terraces. These bands can project laterally from the underlying sandstone for tens of centimetres.
The Pagoda’s here are Platy Pagodas
Platy Pagodas are a distinctive type of geological formation found in certain parts of the world, most notably in areas with significant limestone deposits. These formations consist of broad, flat, or plate-like layers of rock that appear to be stacked in a pagoda-like structure, with each layer being slightly offset or tilted from the one beneath it. Over time, natural forces such as erosion, weathering, and seismic activity sculpt the rock into these striking formations, often creating a serene and picturesque landscape. The name "Platy Pagodas" is derived from the resemblance of these formations to traditional East Asian pagodas, which are tiered, multi-story structures, giving them a sense of architectural symmetry despite their natural origin.
These formations are often found in karst landscapes, where the process of chemical weathering, particularly the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone by acidic water, leads to the creation of dramatic topographies such as caves, cliffs, and sharp, pointed spires. The Platy Pagodas are generally regarded as a natural wonder, attracting geologists and tourists alike. They provide insight into the geological processes that shape the earth's surface, as well as the power of erosion to transform simple rock into intricate, visually captivating structures. The Platy Pagodas' aesthetic appeal combined with their geological significance makes them a valuable part of natural heritage sites in the regions where they are found.
1. What geological processes lead to the formation of Platy Pagodas?
2. What role does sandstone play in the formation of Platy Pagodas?
3. How did they get their name?
Take a photo of yourself and/or your GPS in the carpark with the Pagoda showing in the background. Post the photo with your log (do not email to me with your answers). If I do not receive your answers within 2 weeks your log will be deleted.
Once you complete the following EarthCache requirements you can post your find without delay, as per the EarthCache guidelines.
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The Wiradjuri Aboriginal nation was known to cover an area that extended from the Murray River in the south-east to the Lachlan and the Macquarie Rivers in the north. “Hands on Rock” is located in the Great Dividing Range, which is the far eastern boundary of Wiradjuri country.