Most people have been to the Great Ocean Road, but only 1% have visited this extremely niche Pink Rocks. Pink Lake and Half Moon Bay are too popular, but we haven’t been there yet. Instead, we made a stop and checked in at the Pink Rocks Reserve.
This place satisfied my desire to see the Wave Rock in Western Australia and Uluru in the Northern Territory, which we can’t visit temporarily. It has unique geological features, resembling the undulating clay formations on the surface of the moon.
What is the history of the pink cliffs in Heathcote
Pink Cliffs Reserve is located in the southern part of the historic town of Heathcote and is a geological conservation area. These cliffs are the result of sluice mining activities during the gold rush era of the 1880s.
As per the information we found, in 1865, many European gold prospectors came here for gold mining. The coloured and red rocks are granite leftovers from the gold mining process. They have been stained by the infiltration and washing of underground water containing sodium, chloride, and carbonate, dissolving iron ore. As a result, they are dyed, forming a landscape resembling the surface of the moon, which is exceptionally spectacular.
How was pink cliffs formed
Although named “pink,” the predominant color here is brown for most of the time, and the hues of the hills change throughout the day, somewhat resembling Australia’s central – Uluru!
The landscape here resembles a volcanic crater on Mars, with the entire area covered in deep, fine pink clay cracks. The fine pink clay has a texture similar to talcum powder. The geological features here have evolved through the changes in the gold mining industry and the activities of sluice mining in the 1880s, gradually revealing their unique colours.
Pink Cliffs are perfect for family interested in geology (you can find various rocks on-site, including smooth iron ore) and those who want to capture stunning photos. The site is easily accessible from Heathcote (just a 20-minute walk from the town centre) and is free to enter.
Address – Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve Car Park, 68 Pink Cliffs Rd, Heathcote VIC 3523