For many, the words 'Great Artesian Basin' conjure up images of underground water deep beneath Australia's vast outback, or of soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters at an artesian bath.

But there’s much more to the Great Artesian Basin. It is packed with information about a time when much of Australia was covered by vast river plains and inland seas, swarming with life. Its rocks record huge asteroid impacts; they shelter the fossil remains of dinosaurs and an abundance of ancient life; they harbour petroleum, coal, gas, precious opal and other minerals; they’re packed with the stories and secrets of our ancient continent. The story of the Great Artesian Basin is fundamental to the story of Australian opal. 

How did the Great Artesian Basin originate, how did the underground water, opal and other minerals come to be there, and how are they extracted? 

This best-selling handbook for travellers explores and explains the Great Artesian Basin, and describes what can be seen when travelling across its vast distances, particularly in Queensland. Its clear, non-technical approach makes it a perfect resource for everyone who lives or travels in outback Australia and anyone interested in understanding Australia today.

2017 Soft cover, 112 pages, 240 x 170 x .5 mm.