‘Dig the Tropic’ A Journey Through Time & Place!

Welcome to an ancient and mysterious land, hundreds of millions of years in the making. The Tropic of Capricorn sweeps through a host of geological wonders, from the vast Outback, through Central Queensland, to the stunning Capricorn Coast and Southern Great Barrier Reef.

The Tropic of Capricorn is one of Earth’s major circles of latitude. It lies 23.5 degrees south of the equator and marks the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. Running through Australia, Chile, Southern Brazil and South Africa, the Tropic of Capricorn links extreme conditions and dramatic landscapes, from brittle dry lands to regions of torrential rain. These environmental elements, along with geological forces, have crafted the sensational destinations seen today.

Before the flora, fauna and people inhabiting these areas today, even before the existence of the ‘Australia’ we know now, there existed another world. Gondwanaland linked colossal continents and was home to creatures we can hardly imagine. Following the break up of Gondwana, the earth shifted, erupted, sunk and eroded in a gradual, sensational, evolution of the land, resulting in immense changes across the Tropic of Capricorn.

A vast inland sea and its surrounding wetlands and rainforests receded, leaving behind the red dust plains of the Outback. Today this stark horizon is disturbed only by the vigilant mesas and steep escarpments that have survived the savage erosion of Jump-up country. Volcanic eruptions and a sinking coastline transformed the Capricorn seascape, leaving behind a host of conspicuous plugs. The rocky outcrops and labyrinth of limestone caverns in surrounding regions remain a testament to these natural phenomena.

What remains is a living museum, a country embedded with great mineral wealth and tell-tale fossils. Discover spectacular landscapes that whisper of another world – reminding us that true beauty does indeed come from beneath.

Explore ‘Dig the Tropic’ Country

Learn first-hand all about the geological wonders located along the Tropic of Capricorn, from the Great Barrier Reef and Yeppoon, to Boulia in Outback Queensland – this is ‘Dig the Tropic’ country – Australia’s newest geo-tourism destination.

This unique destination is ideal for keen naturalists, bush-walkers, birdwatchers, photographers, fossickers, camping enthusiasts, and all fans of the ancient and fascinating history of Australia. Dig the Tropic can cater for small to medium-sized groups with affordable accommodation to suit all needs and budgets. Explore the geo-tourism attractions and get a ‘hands on’ experience at a number of unique Dig the Tropic locations.

A Journey through Prehistory

Gondwanaland abounded with creatures we can hardly imagine, but as time passed the earth shifted in a gradual, sensational, evolution of the land. Australia’s vast inland sea and its surrounding wetlands disappeared, leaving behind a prehistoric burial ground. Experience the living museum that remains today, a route embedded with tell-tale fossils along the Tropic of Capricorn… From the fantastic to the frightening, meet the remains of Platypterigius, Eromangasaurus, Plesiosaur, Ornithopods and more on the Tropic of Capricorn!

Treasure Unearthed

Dramatic shifts in the earth’s crust, volcanic eruptions and environmental changes, have left behind a country embedded with great mineral wealth. Discover the secrets of the ages in the treasures atop and layers below the Tropic of Capricorn… Dig for opals in Opalton; Hunt for fossilised wood surrounding Alpha; Fossick for Sapphires on the Sapphire Gemfields; Explore the history of coal in Blackwater; Taste Gold Fever in Mount Morgan; Uncover 120 million year old thundereggs at Mt Hay.

Opals

Amazing landscapes to Capture

Climb underground and explore the ancient lime caverns of Capricorn Caves or take a stand at Captain Starlight’s Lookout near Longreach. Dig the Tropic is a photographers dream. Whether you stretch out on a stunning sun baked mesa or stand on the edge of a Blackdown Tableland’s sandstone wonderland, the secret of this great landscape lies 23.5 degrees south of the equator!