New South Wales New South Wales is dominated by a southern continuation of Palaeozoic fold belts, and volcanic units host some large porphyry style copper-gold deposits (e.g. Cadia-Ridgeway). Major coal measures occur in Permian and younger sedimentary basins. Fascinating insights into climatic changes and early human habitation have been found at Lake Mungo in the southwest of the state. In the west, the fabulous Broken Hill lead-zinc-silver mine is nearing the end of its life, which began in the 1880s, and the town has become a major centre for artists. The Murray Darling Basin hosts extensive heavy mineral sand resources and is the nation’s major agricultural region.

Victoria The Palaeozoic fold belt geology continues south into Victoria, where there are many historic gold mining towns. Along the Great Ocean Road the younger sedimentary strata have been weathered and eroded to form fabulous coastal scenery ­ from great beaches to rugged and colourful cliffs and islands that resulted in numerous shipwrecks in past times. Offshore is one of Australia’s main petroleum fields.