The igneous events of two geosynclines within the N.S.W. portion of the Tasman Orthogeosyncline are compared, not according to the actual ages of the igneous rocks, but on the basis of their position with respect to the development of the geosyncline. Thus, Cambrian volcanic rocks in one depositional area are compared with Lower Devonian in the other, Ordovician and Silurian with Middle Devonian‐Lower Carboniferous, and Devonian with Permian. Intrusive rocks are fitted into this scheme, and their ages discussed. Such a comparison reveals an apparent igneous cycle, and speculations on the cause of such a cycle are outlined.