Western Australia has landscapes and rocks both ancient and new, well suited to a variety of tourism experiences. The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) develops geotourism products that help travellers experience the magnificent geological heritage of the State.
Geotourism is tourism focused on geology and landscape for the purpose of providing visitor engagement, learning, and enjoyment. The geotourism products shown offer an insight into popular geological topics and localities for Western Australia. Anyone from fossickers, prospectors and students to tourists and travellers — with or without an interest in geology — can learn more about the landscape and natural environment they are visiting or travelling through.
How can GSWA help?
- GSWA is the custodian of a wealth of geological knowledge that can be used to offer another dimension to tourism products, such as brochures, booklets, mobile apps, or on-site signage. We can provide the most up-to-date geological information for an area or verify your content.
- We collaborate with and support other government agencies in their work on geotourism, and can contribute to publication development of specific products (e.g. maps, pamphlets, flyers).
- We maintain a register of geoheritage sites and reserves in Western Australia that must be considered in the development of geotourism attractions. This can be viewed in GeoVIEW.WA (select Special Category Lands > Geoheritage Sites) or downloaded from the Data and Software Centre.
Please contact us on geotourism@dmirs.wa.gov.au if you would like more information on how to work with us on geotourism projects.
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GSWA virtual tours
Western Australian virtual tours using Google Earth.
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The geology of Shark Bay
The natural attributes of the area are of major international importance, hence its designation as a World Heritage Area.
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Discovery trails to early Earth
The east Pilbara region has one of Earth’s best-preserved remnants of ancient crust more than 3.5 billion years old.
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Gemstones of Western Australia second edition
This book is an in-depth resource on gemstones and decorative stones extracted in the State and used in jewellery and ornamental sculpture.
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Geology and landforms of the Perth region
The Perth region has coastal landscapes, river-valley landscapes, and forested hilly landscapes that reflect the diverse geology beneath.
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Geology of the Kennedy Range area
This spectacular escarpment soars to 100 m
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Understanding the Meckering earthquake
One of the most famous earthquakes in the history of WA is described in the broader historical and tectonic context
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Guidebook to the geology of Rottnest Island
This guidebook provides an up-to-date account of the geology of Rottnest Island, with a field guide to key geological localities.
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Meteorite impacts and craters
Read about some of Western Australian most famous meteorite impact structures and craters.
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Geological walks
A pamphlet, a map, and an app will guide you on geology walking trails in Perth and the hills.
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WA unearthed
Under the banner of WA unearthed, GSWA is publishing a compilation of Western Australia’s geology in a new format.
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Devonian reef complexes
The Devonian reef complexes of the Canning Basin form a spectacular belt of rugged limestone ranges that extend for some 350 kilometres.
Contact
For further information contact:
geotourism@dmirs.wa.gov.au