On this weekend excursion we will explore a wealth of geological sites along the River Murray near Morgan. The Murray Basin is among Australia's largest sedimentary basins, encompassing approximately 300,000 km². Participants will have the opportunity to observe various marine fossils, identify different species, and gain insight into the environments in which they existed. 

We will visit a variety of cliff sections and road cuts where Miocene to Pleistocene rocks are exposed, providing evidence of a period when this region was an inland sea inhabited by whales and sharks. There are also extensive Pleistocene fossil oyster reef outcrops, of the same species that was once widespread in South Australia but now greatly reduced due to overharvesting in the nineteenth century.

We will also explore the Cadell Marl Formation notable for its abundance of marine fossils. Many of these fossils were originally collected, described and named by Professor Ralph Tate and the Reverend Julian Tenison Woods. On the return journey, there is an optional stop at Shell Hill to view remnants of a historic fossil oyster shell processing plant.

Instructions:

Participants are required to use their own vehicles for the trip; car-pooling is encouraged.

Once I have confirmed you’re registered on the trip, please arrange your own accommodation. Morgan is a beautiful river town seeded with deep history. A range of accommodation options are available such as a caravan park, hotel, motel, holiday homes and bed & breakfasts.

Lunch can be purchased in Morgan on Saturday and Waikerie on Sunday, or alternatively pack your own lunch. Please note, based on previous experience, limited lunch venues may be available in Waikerie on Sunday. Breakfast supplies should be arranged unless planning to dine at accommodation facilities.

Please indicate if you will participate in the group dinner that will be held at one of the hotels on Saturday evening. (Most likely the Commercial Hotel).

Meeting point is Railway Terrace, Morgan at 10:30 am on the Sat 9th May. Parking is available opposite the Terminus Hotel beside the park along the River Murray.

A small fee (approximately $20.00, subject to participant numbers) will be charged to cover reconnaissance survey expenses. The FGC strives for cost neutrality on all excursions.

Excursion notes will be emailed to participants during the week preceding the trip.

The excursion is anticipated to conclude by 3.00 pm on Sunday so that participants can arrive back in town at a reasonable hour.
For enquiries or to register for the excursion, please contact streglystendec@gmail.com.

Thank you, Mike Burrell