Chinamans Hat Island facts for kids
Chinamans Hat Island as viewed from the nearby coastline
|
|
 Chinamans Hat Island
Location in South Australia
|
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Investigator Strait |
| Coordinates | 35°17′20″S 136°55′05″E / 35.28876°S 136.91795°E |
| Administration | |
|
Australia
|
|
Chinamans Hat Island is a small island, also called an islet. It's found off the southern coast of Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. The island is in a place called Investigator Strait. It's about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) southwest of Stenhouse Bay. It's also very close to the shore, only about 350 meters (1,150 feet) away. Since 2014, Chinamans Hat Island has been part of the Innes National Park.
Contents
About Chinamans Hat Island
Chinamans Hat Island is located quite close to the mainland. It's about 350 meters (1,150 feet) from the shore. The island is a leftover piece of a cliff. It rises about 11 meters (36 feet) high.
The island sits on a flat rock area that is sometimes covered by the ocean. This rock platform connects the island to the mainland on one side. The island got its name because its shape looks like a conical Asian hat.
To visit the island, it's best to use a small boat. You need to be careful of shallow rocks and reefs in the water around it. The name 'Chinamans Hat' is also used for other nearby places. This includes a small bay and a reef that connects to the mainland. It also refers to some visitor facilities in the Innes National Park.
How the Island Was Made
Chinamans Hat Island was formed a very long time ago. This happened between 7,500 and 8,900 years ago. At that time, sea levels started to rise. This rise in water separated Yorke Peninsula from Kangaroo Island.
The island is made of a type of rock called Bridgewater Formation calcarenite. This rock has clear layers of hard calcrete. The island rises from the ocean floor, which is about 10 meters (33 feet) deep around it.
Plants and Animals
Island Plants
In 1996, a study found eleven different kinds of plants on the island. These included plants like sea celery and marsh saltbush. Other plants found were round leaved pigface and ruby saltbush. You could also find grey samphire, nitre-bush, bower spinach, and common iceplant.
Island Animals
As of 1996, the main animals seen on the island were birds. These included little penguins, feral pigeons, and sooty oystercatchers.
Protected Status
Chinamans Hat Island has been part of the Innes National Park since 1980. This means it's a protected area. Since 2012, the waters around the island are also protected. They are part of a special sanctuary zone within the South Spencer Gulf Marine Park. This helps protect the sea creatures that live there.
