The geology of the Park has provided the physical foundation for the landscape, ecosystems and character of Wellington Range. Millions of years of geological construction, erosive processes and change have shaped the area to form the landforms we know today - the sheer dolerite of the Organ Pipes, Cathedral Rock and Wellington Falls, the hidden caverns of Lost World, the familiar features of Collins Cap and Collins Bonnet, the band of sandstone revealed beneath Wellington Range, and the intermittent mudstone waterfalls in the foothills.
The Park's geodiversity (ie the range of geological, landform and hydrological processes and soil types) is highly significant in a number of ways including:
- the scientific value of the high altitude periglacial landforms, the most extensive in the State which have not been affected by glacial processes;
- individual outstanding features (ie the Lost World 'pseudo karst' boulder cave system including the longest non-carbonate terrestrial caves known in Tasmania, and the Yellow Cliffs, one of the highest and most extensive sandstone cliffs in Tasmania containing rare examples of non-carbonate stalactites and stalagmites);
- the peat soils at Dead Island, the most south-easterly alpine peats in Tasmania; and
- the purity of the water in the Park and its role as habitat.
Non-living components are a vital part of the life sustaining systems within the Park, providing the foundations for other species. More information is available in the Geodiversity Overview. Additionally, there are many individually significant features. Geoconservation management ensures the preservation of these unique natural landforms.
There are various geodiversity research opportunities. Details are available from the Manager.
For more information on geodiversity in Wellington Park see the listed publications.