Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park Aldinga Beach, South Australia
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Reserve as viewed from Seagull Street, Aldinga Beach
Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Adelaide
Established	7 November 1985
Area	2.66 km2 (1.0 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
Website	Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It is located in the suburb of Aldinga Beach. This park is about 46 kilometers (29 miles) southwest of Adelaide, the state capital.

History of Aldinga Scrub

Before European settlers arrived, the Kaurna people lived on this land. Their traditional lands stretched from the Adelaide plains down the western side of the Fleurieu Peninsula. There was a Kaurna camp at Aldinga called Camp Coortandillah. Kaurna people lived in the Aldinga Scrub area until the 1870s.

Changes to the Land

Sadly, in the 1870s, the remaining Kaurna people were sent to a mission. This mission was located at Poonindie. This event marked the end of their long connection to the Aldinga area. After they left, some Aboriginal people from the Goolwa area, known as the Ngarrindjeri people, lived there for a time. The Kaurna name for Aldinga was Ngaltingga.

European Settlement and Protection

The first European settler, Mr. F. Culley, arrived in the scrubland in 1857. People tried to farm the land before World War I, but it was very difficult. The local council, the District Council of Willunga, became worried. They feared that the land might wash away due to erosion. Because of this, about 300 hectares (740 acres) were bought. This land was then looked after by the State Planning Authority as an open space.

The Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park was officially created to protect this undeveloped land. It was seen as an important part of the natural environment. This type of habitat used to be found all along the southern Adelaide coastline.

Exploring Aldinga Scrub

The conservation park includes specific areas of land within the Hundred of Willunga. It was officially created on November 7, 1985. More land was added to the park on March 14, 1991. As of 2016, the park covers an area of 2.66 hectares (6.6 acres).

Natural Features

The park is located in the Willunga sub-basin. It features beautiful sand dunes and small areas of coastal plants. The park is home to many rare plants. It is considered a very important place for protecting different types of plants and animals.

Plants and Animals

Some of the rare plants you might find here include:

• Lacy coral lichen
• Nardoo
• Hairy sedge
• Various types of orchids

The park's natural environment is also home to many animals. You might spot Short-beaked echidnas, different kinds of lizards, bats, and many bird species. This park is classified as an IUCN Category III protected area. This means it is protected for its unique natural features.