This new track would incorporate the dramatic landscape of the heritage-listed quarry. The Bombo Headland’s clusters of hexagonal basalt columns are a geological phenomenon of international importance and look more sculptural than natural.
In 1926, Bombo was the site of the discovery of the longest known geomagnetic polarity interval called the Kiaman Reverse Superchron. Named after the region of Kiama, this Superchron is said to have lasted for more than 50 million years (from 312 to 262 million years ago).
The area is also historically important because the NSW quarrying industry had its beginnings in the Kiama area. The transportation of basalt to Sydney became known as the ?Blue Diamond Trade?.
A conservation order was placed on Bombo in 1983. Today Kiama Council controls the area.
Due to the incredible rock formations the area has been used for everything from weddings to a Power Rangers movie. Now deputy mayor Warren Steel sees it as a walking track.
?There is nothing like this in Australia that has all these shapes and colours in the one location,? Cr Steel said. He added that he has lobbied Kiama MP Gareth Ward for funds to construct the track through the quarry with steps to rise up the old quarry walls.
Sources: Heritage Council New South Wales, Illawarra Mercury, Sydney Water