Volcanoes Discovery Centre
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How are volcanoes formed? What rocks come from volcanoes? What do volcanoes leave behind? How does lava flow?
There are many questions about volcanoes and we don't have many volcanoes in Australia, but they have an impact on the landscape today. Most people know little about volcanoes but a visit to the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre has people leaving with a lot more knowledge.
The Volcanoes Discovery Centre has displays of all types of volcanoes, and specific information on volcanic activity in Western Victoria. Through videos and posters the wonder of volcanoes is on show for everyone. The centre interests tourists as well as students. Many schools make a special trip to Penshurst to learn about geology.
A visit to Penshurst should also include a climb of Mount Rouse, our very own dormant volcano.
The centre is housed in the former council chambers, an historic building. The foyer has many interesting displays and information for tourists.
Teacher Earth Science Education
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On 5th & 6th May 2012 the Volcanoes Discovery Centre was host to the Teacher Earth Science Education Programme (TESEP). TESEP is an organisation that provides classroom teachers with Professional Development workshops to make better use of their time teaching Earth Sciences, an area that for years has often been overlooked by the education system. Teachers from Victoria's West/South West region visited Penshurst to participate in two workshops. Geologist Greg McNamara who is also TESEP’s Executive Officer facilitated the workshops.
Fire towers on Mt Rouse
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A prominant aspect of Mt Rouse, our dormant volcano, is the number of towers on its summit. The fire spotter's tower has an interesting history. Here is some of that history, related by Alex Sparks who was involved from early stages.