PETROLEUM EXPLORATION IN THE SYDNEY BASIN

Abstract

The Sydney Basin occupies about 100 miles of coastline on either side of Sydney and extends inland for distances of up to 90 miles. Its Permian and Triassic sediments attain a total thickness of at least 12,000 feet. Part of the basin lies beneath the Pacific Ocean to the east.

Drilling has been confined to the onshore portion of the basin. Strong showings of natural gas have been encountered in some wells, but, to date, no commercial quantities of oil or gas have been located. Petroleum has been produced from the kerosene shales which occur in parts of the basin.