Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve South Australia
IUCN Category II (National Park)
Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Aldinga Beach.
Established	1 December 1971 (1971-12-01)
Area	6.16 km2 (2.4 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA)
Footnotes	Coordinates Nearest town
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve is a special underwater area. It's a marine protected area in South Australia. This reserve is in the waters near the east coast of Gulf St Vincent. It also includes the land that gets covered by water at high tide. This area is found in the suburbs of Aldinga Beach and Port Willunga. It is about 40 kilometers south of Adelaide.

Discover Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve

Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve was created on November 30, 1971. Its main goal is to protect the amazing plants and animals that live there. This includes the large limestone reef. It also protects a cool underwater cliff called the 'drop-off'. The sandy areas around the reef are protected too. This reserve is important for learning and for fun activities.

Why is Aldinga Reef Protected?

The reserve was set up to keep its unique marine life safe. It's a place where you can see many different aquatic plants and animals. Protecting these areas helps keep our oceans healthy. It also allows people to enjoy and learn about marine environments.

What Can You Do There?

While the reserve protects marine life, you can still enjoy many activities.

• You can use boats in the area.
• Swimming is allowed.
• Snorkelling lets you see the underwater world up close.
• Scuba diving is also a popular way to explore.
• You can walk on the reef when the tide is low.

However, it's very important to remember that fishing is not allowed. You also cannot collect or remove any marine organisms. This helps keep the reef healthy for everyone.

Where is the Reserve Located?

The reserve stretches out into the sea for about 2 kilometers. It goes around a point called Snapper Point. In the south, it starts from Thomas Street in Aldinga Beach. In the north, it extends to Seaborne Avenue in Port Willunga.

Part of a Bigger Park

Since 2012, Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve has been part of something bigger. It is now inside a "sanctuary zone" within the Encounter Marine Park. This means it gets even more protection.

What Does IUCN Category II Mean?

The Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve is classified as an IUCN Category II protected area. This means it's managed like a national park. The main goal is to protect the ecosystem. It also allows for recreation and education.