Ambers Gully is in Neoproterozoic rocks (800-500 My) but has some recent carbonate rocks deposited in the recent Ice Age(s). These include a fossil waterfall, a cave with speleothems, deposits of fossil reed beds and boulders with casts of tree branches. The primary aim of the excursion is to examine and explain the carbonate deposits, but we will also observe features of the Neoproterozoic rocks.

We will meet at 10.00 am in the Ambers Gully car park. We will walk up the Ambers Gully track, passing the Ambers Ruin, to a stop near the waterfall where we will be able also to examine the cave and the fossils (reed beds and tree branches) in boulders in a rock wall and in situ. There will also be time for a morning snack if you bring one. We will then return via the Main Ridge Track to the car park for lunch. After lunch we will walk up to the Amber Gully Quarry via the Quarry Track.

A moderate level of fitness and good sense of balance is required. The morning walk is about 5000 steps (2.7 km) through an altitude change of about 90 m. The afternoon walk is about 2000 steps (1.1 km) through an altitude change of about 80 m. We will walk at a leisurely pace. with frequent stops. The initial walk is along a narrow dirt track with embedded rocks. Parts of the track are quite steep, particularly the track up to the top of the waterfall which consists of large irregular rock steps. We will do a circuit so that there is no need to descend the steep parts, with the down path being a graded vehicle track. Some sections will be slippery if it has been raining, while other sections will be slippery with loose pebbles in any conditions. You will need good walking shoes or boots. There is a public toilet near to the car park. 

If you have not already registered for this excursion please contact Frances Williams (frances.williams@adelaide.edu.au).
Detailed information, instructions and notes will be sent nearer the time to those who have
registered.