Geological heritage of Australia: selecting the best for Geosites and World Heritage, and telling the story for geotourism and Geoparks

Abstract

Geological heritage in Australia includes fossil localities, stratigraphic exposures and mineral sites, and landforms such as those in our volcanic, coastal and desert regions. A proposed new inventory of Australian sites for UNESCO?s Global Geosites program could assist with future selection of World Heritage sites, as well as local Geoparks. With geotourism increasing in Australia, Geoparks provide a way to integrate geological heritage with botanical and zoological values, and cultural features such as local history, archaeology, art and music. The Volcanic Plains of Southeastern Australia could be one of Australia?s first Geoparks, and help with the local growth of geotourism.