Capertee Valley: Canyons, Mesas, Diamonds and Shale
What do Airly, Torbane and Glen Davis all have in common ?
They are all part of the area known as Capertee Valley….the widest enclosed canyon in the world !
They are also all places that once, long ago, carried out mining operations for oil shale, used for the production of much needed fuel.
There are even a few remnants of Diamond Mines to be found !
Much of the historical infrastructure is now within National Parks, State Conservation Areas or on private property, but with a little planning, these places can be explored and enjoyed.
Not far from Capertee, heading into the valley along Glen Davis Road, you will also find the start of the Capertee Valley Bird Watching Trail.
This valley is one of the most Important Birdwatching Areas in the world ! In fact, Capertee Valley ranks in the top 50, and is famous for its sheer variety of bird life, and is also a place where you may be lucky enough to spot a rare and endangered Regent Honeyeater.
Pick up your copy of the brochure and map from our Seven Valleys Visitor Centre – it’s like a treasure map for spotting a huge variety of birds.
Don’t forget to take a selfie with the beautiful Regent Honeyeater mural, and post to your social media. This helps spread the word about protecting our endangered species – we can all be a Citizen Scientist !
At 30 kilometres wide and up to 1.6 kilometres deep, the dramatic landscape captures your attention as you drive through the valley from Capertee to Glen Davis. Along the way there are many great places to stop.
Mt.Genowlan and Mt.Airly are basalt capped mesas situated in the Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area.
Mesas form by weathering and erosion of horizontally layered rocks that have been uplifted by tectonic activity. Variations in the ability of different types of rock to resist weathering and erosion cause the weaker types of rocks to be eroded away, leaving the more resistant types of rocks topographically higher than their surroundings.
The most resistant rock types include sandstone, basalt, chert, limestone and quartzite. The less resistant rock layers are mainly made up of shale, a softer rock that erodes more easily.
The word ‘mesa’ comes from the Spanish word ‘mesa’, meaning table.
Here, colonies of endangered plants, mazes of pagodas, rare and diverse birdlife, and the relics of diamond, coal and shale mining can be found.
From diamond mines atop soaring mesas, to cool waters flowing through the canyon – The gorgeous Capertee River Trail, which starts at Coorongooba Campground, is a favourite !
Capertee Valley has a wonderful array of bushwalks to suit every level of hiker !
From the long walk to Genowlan Point – the only place you will find the endangered Genowlan pea, to the incredible Valley of the Dinosaurs, we have a great range of resources at our Visitor Centre, to help you plan an immersive walk with nature and history.
Did you know that Glen Davis was originally known as ‘Newnes North’ ?
The Glen Davis Shale Oil Works was one of the largest employers in Capertee valley. Here, for a time, gasoline was produced – this was an important resource during the World War 2 era.
Glen Davis was the backbone of Australia’s pioneering industrial infrastructure.
When the Glen Davis Oil Shale Processing Plant was constructed, life was really tough for the workers and their families. In 1938, there were no facilities and no accommodation. The early miners were determined and resourceful – often making dwellings from hessian and other material ! Eventually more permanent housing was constructed, but the remains of “Bag Town” as it was known, can still be seen today on the north side of the Capertee River.
Capertee Valley is a special place, a nature-lovers haven, and a history buff’s paradise.
There are many great camping and accommodation options if you would like to stay a little longer – with so much to explore, Capertee Valley will be a place to remember and to return to.
Although some areas are best suited to a 4 wheel Drive vehicle, there are many options suitable for 2 Wheel Drives.
Towering pagodas, impressive escarpments and spectacular views…..the drive through the valley and beyond is one to enjoy.
Whether you are planning on taking a leisurely drive through the valley, or would like to investigate the rich history of the area, or perhaps looking to tackle some of the amazing hiking trails, we would love to help you plan your Capertee Valley adventure !
