Geotourism is a form of natural area tourism that can and should focus on geology and landscape. It promotes tourism to geosites and the conservation of geo-diversity and an understanding of earth sciences through appreciation and learning. This is achieved through independent visits to geological features, use of geo-trails and view points, guided tours, geo-activities and patronage of geosite visitor centres. The character of geotourism is such that it is geologically based and can occur in natural, rural or urban environments. It fosters geoheritage conservation through appropriate sustainability measures and it advances sound geological understanding through interpretation. Tourists, seeking to have the natural environment interpreted for them, can expect explanations of geology as well as flora and fauna, creating a more holistic view of ecosystems. Geotourism has great potential as a new niche ‘nature-based’ product, but will require the same disciplines that apply to other niche, ‘high value-added’ tourism activities. The incorporation of the geotourism experience with traditional nature-based tourism and elements of cultural tourism represents a further move towards the ‘experiential tourism’ model.

1. Geotourism Characteristics of ‘ExperientialGeotourism Characteristics of ‘Experiential
Tourism’ and Enhancing Public Appreciation ofTourism’ and Enhancing Public Appreciation of
Earth SciencesEarth Sciences
Interpretation Australia National SymposiumInterpretation Australia National Symposium
Friday 12Friday 12thth
November, 2010November, 2010
Angus M RobinsonAngus M Robinson

2. Today’s AgendaToday’s Agenda
 Landscapes and natural heritage
 What do we mean by geotourismWhat do we mean by geotourism/experiential
tourism
 Who are the geotourists?
 National Landscapes
 Interpretation Techniques
 Take Aways

3. Scenery and Geology - a 1938 MusingScenery and Geology - a 1938 Musing
 SceneryScenery depends on landland
structurestructure - in other words,
its geologygeology..
 Everyone interested in the
countrysidecountryside, how it has
taken shape, why it
presents us with the varied
beauties of mountain and
woodland, river valleys and
fertile meadows, is, if often
unconsciously, appreciating
its geology.geology.
A.E. Trueman
Professor of Geology, Glascow University

4. Some Geomorphic Highlights
Kanawinka Geopark – Victoria and New South Wales

5. Volcanic Landscapes, Kanawinka Geopark, VictoriaVolcanic Landscapes, Kanawinka Geopark, Victoria

6. Warrambungles, New South WalesWarrambungles, New South Wales

7. ““Peeling Back the Layers”Peeling Back the Layers”
….of natural heritagenatural heritage through geotourism.geotourism.

8. Understanding Natural HeritageUnderstanding Natural Heritage
Natural heritage is the legacy of natural
objects and intangible attributes
encompassing the countrysidecountryside and naturalnatural
environmentenvironment, including flora and fauna,
scientifically known as biodiversity, and
geologygeology, landforms and soil landscapes, i.e.landforms and soil landscapes, i.e.
geodiversitygeodiversity..

9. 9
Therefore they will have similar:
 Geology
 Topography
 Vegetation
 Soils
 Geoheritage features
A Soil Landscape is:
a repeating pattern of soil and landforms resulting from a
common geological/geomorphic history.

10. 10
Fluvial GeomorphologyFluvial Geomorphology
River systems are an important part of landscapeRiver systems are an important part of landscape

11. Geotourism – Professor Tom Hose, UK (1995)Geotourism – Professor Tom Hose, UK (1995)
The provision of interpretive and service
facilities to enable tourists to acquire
knowledge and understanding of the geologygeology
and geomorphologyand geomorphology of a site (including its
contribution to the development of the Earth
Sciences) beyond the level of mere aestheticbeyond the level of mere aesthetic
appreciationappreciation.

12. Geotourism – National Geographic Society & theGeotourism – National Geographic Society & the
Travel Industry Association of America (1997)Travel Industry Association of America (1997)
 Geotourism is "best practice" tourism that sustains, or even
enhances, the geographical character of a placegeographical character of a place, such as its
culture, environment, heritage, and the well-being of its
residents.
 Like ecotourism, geotourism promotes a virtuous circlegeotourism promotes a virtuous circle
whereby tourism revenues provide a local incentive to
protect what tourists are coming to see, but extends the
principle beyond nature and ecology to incorporate allincorporate all
characteristics that contribute to sense of placecharacteristics that contribute to sense of place.
 Geotourism incorporates sustainability principles,sustainability principles, but in
addition to the do-no-harm ethic, geotourism focuses on thegeotourism focuses on the
place as a whole.place as a whole.

13. Geotourism CharacteristicsGeotourism Characteristics
A Geologist’s PerspectiveA Geologist’s Perspective
1. Is geologically basedgeologically based and can occur in either
natural, rural or urban environments.
2. Fosters geoheritage conservationgeoheritage conservation through
appropriate sustainability measures.
3. Advances sound geological understandinggeological understanding
through interpretation and education.
4. Generates touristtourist or visitor satisfaction.
Dowling, 2010

14. ‘‘Experiential’ Tourism –Experiential’ Tourism –
A New Product PropositionA New Product Proposition
 The global market is looking for unique productunique product
experiencesexperiences and a broader mix of experiences.
 The ‘geotourism’geotourism’ experience creates a more holisticmore holistic
experienceexperience, and is a move towards the ‘experiential’
tourism model.
 In short, ‘experiential’‘experiential’ tourists seek memorablememorable
experiencesexperiences.

15. Geotourism incorporatingGeotourism incorporating
all types of ‘placed-based’ tourismall types of ‘placed-based’ tourism
Boley, B.B. after Thompson, S. 2009
Sightseeing
Cuisine
Agritourism
Indigenous
Tourism
Heritage
Tourism
Cultural
Tourism
ECOTOURISM
GeotourismGeotourism
i.e. ‘experientiali.e. ‘experiential
tourism’tourism’

16. Key Concepts – EcotourismKey Concepts – Ecotourism
 According to Ecotourism Australia, ecotourism is
ecologically sustainable tourismecologically sustainable tourism with a primary
focus on experiencing natural areasexperiencing natural areas that
fosters environmental and cultural
understanding, appreciation and conservation.
 Ecotourism Australia believes that the ultimate
definition of ecotourism is compliance with thecompliance with the
core criteria stated within the Eco CertificationEco Certification
Program.Program.

17. Cultural Tourism Aspects of GeotourismCultural Tourism Aspects of Geotourism
Visitor AttractionsVisitor Attractions
 Museums or art galleries.
 Theatre, concerts or performing arts.
 Art/craft workshops/studios.
 Festivals/fairs or cultural events.
 Aboriginal art/craft and cultural displays.
 Aboriginal site/community.
 History/heritage buildings, sites or monuments.
Hossain Heaney & Carter, 2005

18. Kanawinka Geopark - Art and CultureArt and Culture

19. Geotourism -The PlayersGeotourism -The Players
GeotourismGeotourism
GeomorphologistsGeomorphologists
Local GovtLocal Govt
Flora/FaunaFlora/Fauna
InterestsInterests
GeographersGeographers
‘‘Geologists’Geologists’
(Various types)(Various types)
LandownersLandowners
Geol Surveys/Geol Surveys/
Planning Agencies/Planning Agencies/
Park ManagersPark Managers
Tour OperatorsTour Operators
Govt TourismGovt Tourism
AgenciesAgencies

20. Geotourism – Diversity of SitesGeotourism – Diversity of Sites
GeotourismGeotourism
IconsIcons
(Inc National Landscapes)(Inc National Landscapes)
Mine SitesMine Sites
National Parks/Reserves/National Parks/Reserves/
Urban ParksUrban Parks
Geo-trailsGeo-trails
Geo-sitesGeo-sites
Geoparks/Geoparks/
PaleoParksPaleoParks
Caves/Karst AreasCaves/Karst Areas
Landforms
WHAsWHAs

21. Definition of Karst
Karst is a distinctive landform formed on rocks that have a greater degree of
solubility (e.g. limestone) than is commonly found.
This process typically occurs over thousands or millions of years resulting in a
variety of unusual surface and below ground features such as arches, gorges,
sinkholes and caves.
Cooleman Plains karst environments (Kosciuszko NP) Photos copyright A. C. Baker/DECCWCooleman Plains karst environments (Kosciuszko NP) Photos copyright A. C. Baker/DECCW

22. Wellington Caves, NSWWellington Caves, NSW

23. Definition of Karst EnvironmentsDefinition of Karst Environments
Integrated, yet dynamic, systems of landforms, life, energy, water, gases,
soils and bedrock.
Karst environments may contain significant geodiversity, biodiversity,
aboriginal cultural heritage, historic cultural heritage, aesthetic, scientific
and social values.
Photos copyright A. C. Baker/DECCW and S.Reilly/DECCW (middle imagePhotos copyright A. C. Baker/DECCW and S.Reilly/DECCW (middle image))

24. GSA GEOtouristsGSA GEOtourists
FiveFive MostMost Important Travel PurposesImportant Travel Purposes
1.1. Increasing knowledgeIncreasing knowledge of geological sites and
landforms.
2. To satisfy my curiosity.curiosity.
3. To have a memorable experiencememorable experience.
4. To obtain intellectual stimulationintellectual stimulation.
5. Visiting destinations offering a uniqueunique
bundlebundle of features and attractions (i.e.
ecology, geology, culture and history).

25. Branding ‘Iconic’ Geotourism –Branding ‘Iconic’ Geotourism –
Ensuring a Memorable Experience!Ensuring a Memorable Experience!

29. Scenic Rim –Scenic Rim – Green CauldronGreen Cauldron National LandscapeNational Landscape

30. ‘‘Green Cauldron’ National LandscapeGreen Cauldron’ National Landscape
The ‘Scenic Rim’ RegionThe ‘Scenic Rim’ Region

32. Two Geotour Leaders –Two Geotour Leaders –
Different Interpretation TechniquesDifferent Interpretation Techniques
Dr John JacksonDr John Jackson
‘‘The RockThe Rock
Doctor’Doctor’
Bob BrownBob Brown
Bob & Nancy Geological Tour SiteBob & Nancy Geological Tour Site

33. ‘‘Gondwana Coast’ – Fossils WalksGondwana Coast’ – Fossils Walks
Ulladulla, NSWUlladulla, NSW

34. Kanawinka Geopark - Education

35. Take-AwaysTake-Aways
1. Geotourism is ‘best practice’ tourism that
sustains, or even enhances, the geographical
character of a place and the well-being of its
residents, as well as interpreting its
landscapes and its geology.
2. Geology and landscapes can be readily
interpreted by professionally trained guides if
innovative and effective communication
techniques are employed.

36. Take-AwaysTake-Aways
3. Geotourism can also assist in re-educating
society and environment/science teachers in
pleasant (non-classroom) environments.
4. Courses in geotourism can provide school and
university teachers in the physical
sciences/environmental sciences with
alternative career paths.

37. Contact DetailsContact Details
www.leisuresolutions.com.auwww.leisuresolutions.com.au
angus@leisuresolutions.com.auangus@leisuresolutions.com.au