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KINGSTON PARK TO MARINO: HIGHLIGHTS OF A WORLD-RENOWNED GEOLOGICAL SECTION


Sunday 25th October 2026, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Leaders: Leaders: Steve Elsby, Frances Williams
Contact: Frances Williams (frances.williams@adelaide.edu.au)

Details
KINGSTON PARK TO MARINO: HIGHLIGHTS OF A WORLD-RENOWNED GEOLOGICAL SECTION
Date: Sunday October 25th
Meeting time and place: 9.30 am at Marino Rocks carpark at the seaward end of Jervois Terrace
Transport: Own vehicles (please let Frances know if you need a ride)
Leaders: Steve Elsby, Frances Williams
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO REGISTER FOR THIS EXCURSION. FIRST READ THE CAUTIONARY NOTE AT THE END OF THIS
Contact Frances Williams: frances.williams@adelaide.edu.au; Mob 0403 153 7267 or sign the sheet at the October FGC meeting.
SUMMARY
The Marinoan is a geological epoch of the late Precambrian (Neoproterozoic) era. It has been named after our very own seaside suburb of Marino as its cliffs and foreshore have excellent exposures of the rock formations deposited during this time. The Marinoan is characterised by a major glacial episode (known as the Marinoan glaciation), during which much of the earth, or even all of it, may have been covered with ice.
On this excursion we will traverse from north to south, beginning at the Eden Fault where the lowest formation of the Marinoan sequence, the Wilmington Formation, abuts against the Quaternary clay on which the city of Adelaide is built. You will be able to stand with a foot on either side of the fault., a geological time difference of around 650 million years. We will then examine two exposures of a major anticline which occurs within the Wilmington Formation, and you will be able to sit right on its nose! If you are not sure what an anticline is, you will definitely be clear about it by the end of this trip.
We will  then drive a short distance to the south (in order to avoid a long walk along the rocky foreshore), enjoy a picnic lunch (BYO) and descend to the beach to examine the Reynella Siltstone. This is the formation which overlies the Wilmington Formation and which was deposited during the Marinoan glaciation. Although we have been unable to find any glacial features in the rock, there is much else to see. Faint (but obvious when pointed out) striations record tides which rose and fell around 650 million years ago, puzzling layers of carbonate may represent ancient layers of calcrete, pipe-like features record the escape of methane to the earth’s surface as glacial conditions culminated…. and much else.
Detailed excursion notes will be emailed to participants prior to the excursion.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS EXCURSION WILL NOT BE SUITABLE FOR MEMBERS WHO ARE UNSTEADY ON THEIR FEET, ARE UNABLE TO SCALE FENCES, OR LACK STAMINA TO CLIMB STAIRS AND ASCEND STEEP TRACKS.
Construction of the new bridges crossing the gullies along the clifftop walk has made access to the beach much more difficult. Access to the beach at Murto Gully will involve climbing over a fence  (we will bring steps to assist but you need to be agile!), descending 95 steps to the beach and then climbing back up the 95 steps. Access to beach at Kurnabinna Gully will involve climbing over a less formidable fence and descending a narrow and fairly steep path and of course re-ascending afterwards. Walking along the beach itself, although individual distances are only a few hundred metres, is not easy due to large cobbles and slippery rocks. Great care is required. A walking pole is strongly advised.
Bring a picnic lunch and drink; it will not be possible to buy lunch during the excursion (Note that the Marino Restaurant no longer serves quick snacks)
Toilets are available at Marino Rocks and at the picnic area at Kurnabilla Gully.
Check the weather forecast and have suitable clothing for the conditions.
The excursion should finish at about 3.30 pm