12/02/2026
NEW ROCKS AND LANDSCAPES BOOK JUST RELEASED
Exploring Rocks and Landscapes in the Etheridge Region –
Geology and geotrails around Mount Surprise, Georgetown,
Forsayth, Einasleigh and Croydon
The Etheridge region in the hinterland of north Queensland is based
on some of the oldest rocks of Queensland, and it also has an
interesting history.
This book is the first attempt to distil this complex geological history
for a non-specialist audience.
The author, Ian Withnall, worked for many years across the district
for the Geological Survey of Queensland. The book firstly
summarises the sequence of events that built up the Georgetown
Inlier from 1700 to 1400 million years ago, possibly during the
assembly of the ancient Nuna Supercontinent. Other chapters
describe the much younger that occur in the region, and the
mining history.
The next section describes four geologic wonders that many
travellers visit each year, namely the Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold
Gorge, Talaroo Hot Springs, and Copperfield Gorge.
A major chapter accompanied by detailed maps suggests
excursions or Geotrails where you can see more of the rocks and
, areas and some historical mines.
The simplified treatment makes the book a must for locals and
visitors alike, particularly those interested in fossicking, as well as
geologists wanting an overview.
It extends the coverage of previous Rocks and Landscapes books
over other parts of Queensland.
Published by the Geological Society of Australia, Qld Div, Brisbane,
2026, ISBN 978-0-646-73200-8. Available from the Society at
www.gsa.org.au, or email to [email protected], or phone
Warwick Willmott (07) 3379 6485.
COST: A very affordable $11.00 incl GST + $6.00 postage where
necessary.
