2 The story of Granite and Bega Cheese - Sapphire Coast

Geological study of this complex geological site has identified the granites as part of
the Bega Batholith. The nearest granite outcrop, the Cobargo Pluton, is 14km away.
The two sets of dykes on this headland are separated by some 323 million years.
Instead of returning to the cemetery, walk to the other headland at the northern end
of the beach. This headland is entirely made up of the Cretaceous lavas of the
Dromedary province encountered at 1080 Beach (the next headland north).
In the front boulder the mixing of chunks in the lava soup can be easily seen.
Granite shaping the landscapes
The term ‘granite’ embraces a wide range of rocks differing in their composition,
chemistry, depth and temperature at the time of formation. The Bega Batholith is
made up of over 130 plutons. Many of them are quite different in their crystalline
texture and composition and this has helped to map the extent of each pluton.
Some granites are more susceptible to weathering than others, so that they break
down more easily into sand and soil. Contrasts in weathering and susceptibility to
erosion in different rock types, including granites, is a major factor in determining the
shape and structure of the landscape we see today. One example is in the Cobargo
area shown below.
Google Earth