A new book provides travellers on the road to the Flinders Ranges with an opportunity to better understand geology and the role it has played in shaping this stunning landscape.

The idea was the brainchild of well-known South Australian geologists Neville Alley and Reg Nelson who are passionate about sharing their vast geological knowledge with people of all ages and all walks of life.

The journey of around 500 km takes travellers over a variety of landscapes and geology which the authors have divided into five easy drive stages: Adelaide to Port Wakefield, Port Wakefield to Crystal Brook, Crystal Brook to Wilmington, Wilmington to Hawker and Hawker to Parachilna. Each stage has its own unique geological stories which are skilfully described and illustrated using straightforward text, maps, images and diagrams. Author anecdotes are true gems and the suggested sidetracks should seriously be considered by all travellers wishing to further enrich their journey.

The story behind the scenery: Adelaide to Parachilna stands as a landmark South Australian geotourism publication. Neville and Reg envision it as one of a roadside series with more travelogues in the pipeline.

Released in September 2018, it is available in both ebook and hardcopy formats.

The ebook is available from Amazon and Kobo, and will shortly be available from the Apple platform.

Hard copies may be purchased from the following outlets: the South Australian Museum, Adelaide; Dymocks, Adelaide and Glenelg; Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, Port Augusta; Teague’s Hawker Motors, Hawker; the Prairie Inn, Parachilna; and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Arkaroola.

– Andrew Rowett, February 2019

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