This document discusses geotourism and the National Geotourism Strategy in Australia. It provides context on geotourism and how it relates to but is broader than ecotourism. It then discusses the Scenic Rim region as a National Landscape and highlights some of its iconic geotourism themes and resources. These include volcanic formations, subtropical rainforests, and Indigenous and post-settlement culture. It outlines topics to be addressed in the National Geotourism Strategy and emphasizes enhancing visitor experiences through improved interpretation and technology.

1. ‘Geotourism in the Scenic Rim and the National
Geotourism Strategy (NGS)’
Wildlife Tourism in the Scenic Rim Workshop
6th December 2019
Angus M Robinson, NGS Coordinator
Australian Geoscience Council

2. Ecotourism
&
Geotourism
Concepts
 Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable
tourism with a primary focus on
experiencing protected natural areas
that fosters environmental and
cultural understanding, appreciation
and conservation.
 But ecotourism per se is too narrowly
defined and is increasingly seen as a
niche market.
 However 'geotourism is holistic,
nature-based and cultural tourism
that focuses on an area's geology &
landscape as the platform for
providing visitor engagement,
learning and enjoyment'.

3. Geotourism
comprises the following features of both
natural and cultural heritage:
 Abiotic – non-living aspects such as the sky,
climate, landscape and landforms, geology
and soils: inclusive of GEODIVERSITY.
 Biotic – the living parts eg. fauna (animals)
and flora (plants): BIODIVERSITY.
 Cultural – past & present, indigenous and
post European settlement, non-living and
built.
Holistic in scope, geotourism is booming
globally and a key driver for tourism,
particularly in Europe and Asia.
Source: Professor Ross Dowling

4. ‘Place Based’ Geotourism incorporating
all types of ‘nature-based’ tourism
Astrotourism
Cuisine
Agritourism
Indigenous
Tourism
Heritage
Tourism
Cultural
Tourism
ECOTOURISM
Geotourism
i.e. ‘experiential
tourism’

5. Australia’s National Landscapes Programme
Partnership between Tourism Australia and Parks Australia that aimed to:
 Promote world class, high quality visitor experiences
 Increase the value of tourism to regional economies
 Enhance the role of protected areas in those economies
 Build support for protecting our natural and cultural assets
 Engage local communities
The Green Cauldron (inc the
Scenic Rim) was one of 16
designated Australian
National Landscapes
‘To differentiate Australia’s iconic natural
and cultural destinations from anything else
available in the world’

6. Australia’s 16 National Landscapes

7. ‘Scenic Rim’– Green Cauldron National Landscape

8. Iconic Geotourism Themes of the Green Cauldron
National Landscape and the Scenic Rim
 A: Mount Warning shield volcano, and the Focal Peak
and Main Range volcanic rocks of Cenozoic age. Some
areas of sedimentary origin include parts of Mount
Barney and eastern Lamington national parks; late
Jurassic coal measures.
 B: World Heritage subtropical rainforests of Lamington
National Park including endemic fauna.
 C: Indigenous culture; and post European
settlement, principally current day agritourism
related activities.

9. ‘Green Cauldron’ National Landscape
Iconic ‘Scenic Rim’ Region Landforms

10. Some Geotourism Attributes of the Lamington National Park

11. Key Geotourism Resources of the Scenic Rim
 A: Mt Barney, Mt Lindsay, other peaks
and ranges.
 B: Lamington, Mt Barney, and Moogerah
Peaks National Parks, Tamborine
Rainforest Skywalk, Mt Barney, Binna
Burra, O’Reillys and Spicers Resorts,
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Araucaria
Ecotours, Gondwana Guides.
 C: Indigenous culture (????); and post
European settlement – historic
homesteads, villages (e.g. Templin), and
current day towns (e.g Mt Tamborine,
Boonah, Rathdowney etc) as well as
vineyards and other agricultural pursuits;
cultural activities.
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

12. Templin Historic Village – Boonah, Scenic Rim

13. Australian Geoscience Council
 The Australian Geoscience Council (AGC) is the
peak Council of geoscientists in Australia
representing nine major Australian
geoscientific societies with a total membership
of over 8,000 individuals.
 Under the current 2015-2020 Strategic Plan of
the AGC, and as a Geoscience advocacy
opportunity, the AGC has decided to formulate
a National Geotourism Strategy (NGS) to
accommodate the orderly development of
major geotourism projects and activities in line
with overseas trends and domestic regional
development imperatives.

14. National
Geotourism
Strategy –
Discussion
Topics
1. Geotourism as a means of celebrating
geoheritage.
2. Enhanced coordination nationally of
geoheritage listings.
3. Establishment of a national set of
administrative procedures for
‘georegional’ assessment.
4. New geotrail development.
5. Geotourism to strengthen Australia’s
international geoscience standing.
6. Training of geologists to improve
communication skills for geosite interpretation.
7. Collaboration with providers of other
areas of natural (bioregion) and cultural
(particularly mining) heritage content.

15. ‘The Rock Doctor’
Dr John Jackson of the Scenic Rim

18. Take-Aways
 A national geotourism strategy will provide a framework to
enhance the quality and scope of experiences in the Scenic Rim.
 Geotours must offer a variety of experiences for travellers to
succeed as a tourism product.
 Availability of augmented and virtual reality tools supported by
quality interpretative signage would enhance greatly the visitor
experience .
 The recent bush fires in the Scenic Rim have reinforced the
value of geotourism as a means of raising awareness of Climate
Change issues – a key UNESCO Global Geopark discussion topic.

19. Contact Details
angus@leisuresolutions.com.au
Tel: 0418 488 340
https://www.slideshare.net/leisuresolutions
http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/index.php/geotourism-industry-groups/
Information about Australian Geotourism and Geopark Development Activities
https://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/country_charm_scenic_rim/