“Norville” and Rock Dhu are situated in a valley NE of Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales.

The landforms in the area are ancient and are the product of extinct volcanic activity and also contain sedimentary rock formations laid down over the ages.

There is a thick layer of topsoil, especially on the alluvial flats around Warlands Creek, sometimes up to 10m deep! This rich soil results from erosion of the basalts of the eastern Liverpool Range lava fields capping the surrounding mountains. This topsoil of basalt clay loam supports farming and grazing activity, as well as countless native grasses, ground-covers, flowers, shrubs and trees.

Father Paul Hanbridge, a Capuchin Monk who assisted in establishing a Hermitage near Murrurundi, has been invaluable in identifying types of rocks and rock formations, and also in labelling various specimens collected in the area.

Father Paul Hanbridge

Wallabadah Rocks rise over 300m above the creek and consist of quartz rhyolite.

Wallabadah Rocks

Father Paul's theory of the forming of Wallabadah Rocks

Rock specimens will be on display during the 2005 Exhibition and excursions to Wallabadah Rocks can be arranged.