Geological map of Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

This geological map of Phillip Island was included in the excursion guide prepared for the 2013 Creation Supercamp. The excursion and guide were prepared so that people could see and understand the actual geologic evidence, as they explored and enjoyed their holiday on the island. When folk personally inspect the evidence and have it explained to them, they appreciate how geology works, and that the fundamentals are not particularly complicated. The next purpose of the excursion was to show how geologists use the evidence to construct a story about the past. In this way people will be able to distinguish between the geological evidence, which they can observe, and the story which is created. And finally, the guide shows how other stories can be developed to explain the evidence. In particular, it shows how the history recorded in the Bible can be used to explain the geologic evidence and how a geological story can be developed consistent with that history.

Different colours on the map represent the different kinds of rocks that you encounter as you travel Phillip Island. The map includes a legend that shows which rocks are represented by each colour. (There is an outcrop of Cambrian greenstone at Kitty Miller Bay that is not shown on the map because the outcrop is too small to represent.) This map will help you recognise what rocks you are looking at as you explore the island. With time you will become familiar with them. The legend is arranged like a time line, with the oldest rocks at the bottom, and the youngest rocks at the top. The order is not arbitrary, but worked out by observing the relationships between the rocks in the field. You will be able to see some of these relationships at some of the sites inspected.

Nineteen geological sites are described in the guide, and these are shown on the map. Site #1 is to the south west at the Nobbies. The other sites follow a general anticlockwise path. For each site, the guide describes how to access the site, and whether the access is difficult or easy. For each site too, the various features of the rocks are explained, highlighting what to look out for and notice.

On the Creation Supercamp we encouraged folk to visit the sites with friends. We suggested that someone read the commentary from the guide aloud for all to hear, as if there was a human guide speaking. We encouraged folk to discuss and observe the features together in order to ensure they can see and understand what is described. We also encouraged folk to answer the questions in the guide, and to make notes and sketches.

Geology is about history, and history is about understanding our past. Our view of our past impacts our actions in the present, and our vision for the future. Remarkably, our understanding of geology impacts us at the deepest personal level, your image of who you are, your outlook, and your purpose and goals. That is why we prepared the self-guided Phillip Island excursion.