Rivoli Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivoli Bay |
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A long jetty at Beachport
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 Rivoli Bay
Location in South Australia
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| Location | Limestone Coast, South Australia |
| Coordinates | 37°31′00″S 140°04′12″E / 37.516594°S 140.070026°E |
| Type | Bay |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Max. length | 11.5 km (7.1 mi). |
| Max. width | 4 km (2.5 mi) |
| Max. depth | 16.5 m (54 ft) |
| Islands | Penguin Island |
| Settlements | Beachport Southend |
Rivoli Bay is a beautiful bay located on the southeastern coast of South Australia. It is about 311 kilometres (193 miles) south of Adelaide, the state capital. The bay is also about 65 kilometres (40 miles) northwest of Mount Gambier.
The bay was named in 1802 by a French exploration team. They named it after André Masséna, who was a Duke and Marshal of France. Rivoli Bay is special because it is one of four "historic bays" in South Australia.
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About Rivoli Bay's Shape and Features
Rivoli Bay stretches between two points: Glenns Point (also called Cape Martin) in the northwest and Cape Buffon in the southeast. The middle part of the bay has many reefs and rocky areas. This makes it tricky for boats to travel there.
The bay also has a sandy beach. A small island called Penguin Island is very close to Cape Martin. This island is about 16 metres (52 feet) tall.
Why Rivoli Bay is a "Historic Bay"
The Australian government considers Rivoli Bay a "historic bay." This means its waters are treated as part of Australia's land. This is important for how Australia manages its coastline. It follows rules from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Lights for Ships
There are special lights at both ends of the bay to help ships. The Cape Martin Lighthouse is on the northern side near Cape Martin. Another light is on the southern side at Cape Buffon. These lights guide boats safely into and out of the bay.
How Europeans Discovered Rivoli Bay
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Rivoli Bay got its name in 1802 from two explorers, Peron and Freycinet. They were part of the Baudin expedition. They named the bay after André Masséna, a famous French leader.
In the past, people used to hunt whales in Rivoli Bay. This happened from the late 1830s into the 1840s. Later, in the 1870s, Australian sea lions were also hunted here for their skins.
Towns and Ports on the Bay
Two towns are located right on the shores of Rivoli Bay:
Both of these towns have jetties. Jetties are long piers that stretch into the water. They help boats dock and people get on and off.
Protected Areas Around the Bay
Several special areas protect the nature around Rivoli Bay. These include:
- The Canunda National Park
- The Penguin Island Conservation Park
These parks help keep the local plants and animals safe.
