Sawn Rocks is the best example of the geological process of ‘organ piping’ in Australia. It majestically towers over visitors as they walk beneath the hexagonal columns, and explore fallen pieces in the creek bed below.

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21 million years ago, the lava flow from the now extinct Nandewar volcano cooled from the outside in, very slowly and evenly, allowing the crystals in the magma to align perfectly. The shape of the columns is thought to be because of tensional stress. The cracks between the columns are now emphasized, and some parts broken off due to vegetation and biological organisms forcing the rock apart at weaker points.

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This lava flow was part of a larger volcanic region that is the Nandewar Range. It is the remnant of an eroded basalt shield volcano, and over the years the landscape has revealed lava terraces, volcanic plugs and dykes. The variation in geology has also produced great diversity in habitats, climate and therefore biodiversity. Mount Kaputar National Park is home to some incredible endemic species. Check out the Red Slug when you get a chance!

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Thanks for playing! For more information on Sawn Rocks and Mount Kaputar National Park check out the links below.