Upgraded visitor facilities at the Golden Spike nearing completion
As part of the upgrades along the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail, construction of new visitor facilities at the site of the Ediacaran Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) is nearing completion.
Also known as the Golden Spike, the GSSP attraction is a brass marker identifying the end of the Elatina glaciation and Cryogenian Period and the start of the Ediacaran Period. Until now, its location on the edge of the Enorama Creek has been somewhat unknown but sought-after by geologists and visitors who are eager to see the layered chapters of time.
At the entry to the attraction, the former shale quarry has been repurposed into a parking area for 6 angled vehicle spaces and 40 metres of long-vehicle parallel parking.
A clear and defined turn-around space has been created with cypress bollards allowing for pedestrian safety adjacent to the trail leading to a new viewing platform.
From the parking area, a compacted shale trail provides universal access to a new viewing platform overlooking the Golden Spike and surrounding creek bed.
A low dry stone wall supports the paved viewing platform and includes seating and steps to the Trezona Loop Walk Track and closer access to see the Golden Spike marker up-close.
An interpretation post has also been incorporated in the design that will provide visitors with information of the area’s significance in the near future.
