Welcome to The Australian Geoparks Network

What is a Geopark?

Geoparks are primarily geological areas which have unique or interesting features. They were created by a branch of the United Nations called the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which focuses on environmental sustainability and conservation.

The geological importance of a Geopark is the foundation for the park to act as a catalyst for regional socioeconomic development via geotourism. This development will be fueled by the conservation and education of the significant geological features. A key aspect of Geoparks is that they are driven from the grassroots throughout the development process which has numerous benefits over a top down approach. A major benefit of this approach is that important decisions regarding the Geopark will be made by people who have a long lasting commitment to and knowledge of the region as local members of the community.

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Three Sisters Walk, Blue Mountains - Angus M Robinson cropped2

Global Geoparks

UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular. At present, there are 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries. They are all institutional members of the Global Geoparks Network.

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Australian Geoparks

While Australia does not currently have any Geoparks, there are numerous Geoparks in numerous states which are either interested in creating Geoparks or already in the developmental process.

In response to this Australian Geopark activity, a website showcasing these nascent Geoparks ought to be created to both generate interest and be a source of reliable information.

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Geoparks are the vehicle for:

Economic Growth

Geoparks stimulate the economy through geotourism with visitors supporting the industries that conserve and showcase these locations. 

Job Creation

Geoparks create jobs through the business opportunities that arise through their conservation, research, and geotourism potential.

Community Well-Being

Geopark attractions provide nearby communities the opportunity to connect and spend time with one another as it becomes a uniting destination.

Cultural Revival

Tourism and community engagement allow Geoparks to become a location and starting point for cultural activities to take place.

Scientific Research

Research on Geoparks reveals a rich history of the location’s geological and archaeological past, making them significant primary sources.

Conservation

Recognising these sites enables them to be protected through legislative and regulatory bodies which promotes their ongoing preservation.

Tourism Development

The recreational activities provided by Geoparks present a unique experience that can be utilized for tourism as a means for promotion and commercial development.

Aboriginal Enterprise

In recognising the Aboriginal ties to the land creates a unique opportunity for Indigenous Australians to educate and present the significance of the site.

Educational Links

The opportunity to share discoveries made through research of the site by scientists can be catalogued and made accessible for educators.

A Global Network

Connecting these locations as part of a larger global network (UNESCO) enables their further protection as an international site of significance.

Resources

Here are some great Geoparks resources

Murchison Georegion at AESC
Stakeholder Perceptions about Geoparks: Addressing the Perceptions and Myths
Stakeholder Perceptions about Geoparks: Addressing the Perceptions and Myths
Handbook of Geotourism (2018)
Handbook of Geotourism (2018)
Global Geotourism Perspectives (2010)
Global Geotourism Perspectives (2010)
Geotourism: The Tourism of Geology & Landscape (2010)
Geotourism: The Tourism of Geology & Landscape (2010)

News & Events

Read articles on news and upcoming and past events

EXCITING NANNUP WA GEOPARK RECEIVES GRANT
The Nannup Geopark Proposal has been granted $98,035 under the Native Forestry Transition, Community Small Grant Fund (CSGF). The CSGF is part of the Government’s Native Forestry Transition Plan to support affected workers, businesses and regional communities through the transition from commercial logging of our native forests.   “This is an amazing boost to our..Read More
September 29, 20230
18 New UNESCO Global Geoparks Announced
On Thursday 25 May 2023 UNESCO declared a further 18 new UNESCO Global Geoparks endorsed. This was excellent news with such a boost to global geoparks. This marks 195 the number of Gloabl Geoparks across 48 countries. This is really putting UNESCO Global Geoparks “on the map” for geotourists. Professor Ross Dowling AO, Chair of..Read More
May 27, 20230
European Historical Setting- Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail
European Historical Setting- Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail
Since 1829 with the establishment of the Swan River Colony and the time of European arrival to West Australia’s shores there has been a period of major change including rapid population growth and development. Early settlement was initially guided by geology and the ability to grow crops. The soils closer to alluvial river sources were..Read More
April 11, 20230
Cultural Setting – Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail
Cultural Setting – Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail
Aknowldegment of Traditional Owners The Aboriginal people of Bindjareb country within the Noongar region of the Southwest of Western Australia have a culture and connection to this land that spans up to 50,000 thousand years or more. This represents the longest continuing culture on Earth. We respect the culture and knowledge of the Bindjareb people..Read More
April 11, 20230
Biotic Setting – Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail
Biotic Setting – Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail
The South-West of Western Australia has faced such isolation that plants and animals have been able to evolve to their distinctive environments, leading to extremely high rates of endemic species. This region is a part of the Global Biodiversity Hot Spot of the South West botanical province. This region supports an estimated 5,700 taxa of..Read More
April 11, 20230
Geology Setting – Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail
Geology Setting – Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail
The Binjareb-Peel Geodirve Trail is situated on the West Coast of Australia on the Swan Coastal Plain, between the Indian Ocean and ancient pieces of the Earth’s crust, called the Yilgarn Craton to the East. The landscape of this region has been shaped by recent dynamic geological processes, but it has also been influenced by..Read More
April 11, 20230
Binjareb-Peel Geopark Geotrail recognised
Fabulous to have the support of the Peel Development Commission in Mandurah for the Binjareb-Peel geotrail which is under development. Check this link to the document: https://www.peel.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Peel-Issue-Dec2022-LR.pdfRead More
January 18, 20230
Germany explains it Two Tiered system
How timely that these two authors have published a review of how Germany manages its UNESCO and Natiopanl Geoparks. Check this link out: Citation: Megerle, H.E.; Ellger, C.Germany’s UNESCO GlobalGeoparks and National GeoParks:Experiences from a Two-Tier System.Land 2023, 12, 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/land12010108Read More
January 3, 20232
Australia’s Great Rocks
Looks like we have found another champion for our great rocks with this valuable review. Check this out: https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2023-01-02/big-australian-rock-trip-uluru-mt-augustus/101699888Read More
January 3, 20230
Algerian Tourism Economy Conference (ATEC 22)
Professor Ross Dowling AM was asked to present to the ATEC in 2022 and made a 30 minute presentation on Suggestions for Developing Geotourism and Geoparks in Algeria as the Opening Keynote Speaker for the Conference. During Professor Dowling’s talk he suggested that the Algerian geopark representatives apply for the current UNESCO Grants to support..Read More
January 2, 20230
Launch of the Australian National Geotourism Strategy
Check it out here: https://www.ausimm.com/bulletin/bulletin-articles/launch-of-australias-national-geotourism-strategy-set-to-help-raise-profile-of-geosciences/ With reference to Geoparks, the way forward for Australia.Read More
December 5, 20220
SAGE Presentation – Mark Asendorf
You can hear Mark talk about Geotourisma nd Geotrails in the Northern territory (https://sagetech.org/sage_record_105_asendorf/). Enjoy.Read More
December 5, 20220
Geotourism Boost from GSWA
Fabulous to attend the State Geotourism Development meeting on Friday 28 October. This was a great chance to explore the geotourism activities in Western Australia and across Australia. Input was received about the National Geotourism Strategy as well as GSWA’s work on local trails. The John Forrest National Park Geotrail has been listed on TrailsWA..Read More
November 2, 20220
Eight New UNESCO Global Geoparks
May 25, 2022UNESCO has announced 8 new global geoparks https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks/listRead More
May 25, 20220
Geoparks Article on Governance from Western Australian Research
A proposed governance model for the adoption of geoparks in Australia is an article based on PhD research findings by Dr Alan briggs. The article was jointly written with Professor Ross Dowling and Emeritus Associate Professor David Newsome. The article addresses the range of possibilities and Local Government Authority options that exist in Australia to..Read More
March 9, 20220
Newsletters
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March 9, 20220
Geoparks Article from Western Australian Research
Geoparks – Learnings from from Australia is an article based on PhD research findings by Dr Alan Briggs. The article was jointly written with Professor Ross Dowling and Emeritus Associate Professor David Newsome. The article adresses the misconceptions that exist in Australia about geoparks. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JTF-11-2020-0204/full/htmlRead More
July 11, 20210
Exciting visit to the Murchison Georegion by the WA Minister for Regional Development
Exciting visit to the Murchison Georegion by the WA Minister for Regional Development
Minister MacTiernan enjoyed a visit to The Granites in the Murchison Georegion during her visit to Mt Magnet in Western Australian. The Granites are vested to the Badimia Land Aboriginal Corporation (BLAK). BLAK has experienced a revitalisation in communication between their generations, and of culture during the time they have been working on The Granites...Read More
April 28, 20210
Geoparks WA Annual General Meeting
Geoparks WA Annual General Meeting
Geoparks WA held its Annual general Meeting on the 18th December 2020 to discuss the previous year, elect a new board and set out directions for the new financial year. Despite the Covid impact, Geoparks WA had a stellar year. Planning for future events was very positive.Read More
December 22, 20200

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