Christmas Rocks Conservation Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christmas Rocks Conservation Park Willalooka, South Australia
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Christmas Rocks Conservation Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Keith
Established	30 January 2014 (2014-01-30)
Area	19 hectares (47 acres)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Christmas Rocks Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It's located in a place called Willalooka. This park is about 224 kilometers (139 miles) south-east of Adelaide. It's also about 29 kilometers (18 miles) south of the town of Keith.

This park was created to protect important natural features. It's named after the unique "Christmas Rocks" found inside it.

What is Christmas Rocks Conservation Park?

Christmas Rocks Conservation Park is a place where nature is kept safe. It was officially opened on January 30, 2014. The park covers an area of 19 hectares (about 47 acres). That's roughly the size of 35 football fields! The Department for Environment and Water looks after this park.

Where is it Located?

The park is found in the area known as the Hundred of Willalooka. It sits on the east side of the Riddoch Highway. You can find it about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of the small town of Willalooka.

The Story of Christmas Rocks

The main feature of the park is the "Christmas Rocks" themselves. These are hills made of granite rocks. Imagine a time 25 million years ago! Back then, the area was covered by a shallow sea. These granite rocks were like small islands in that ancient sea.

Today, you can take a short walk to the top of Christmas Rocks. From there, you get a great view of the countryside around you. It's a nice spot to see the landscape.

Protecting Special Plants

Christmas Rocks Conservation Park is very important for one special plant. It's called the Monarto Mintbush (its scientific name is Prostanthera eurybioides). This plant is in danger of disappearing forever.

Both South Australian and Australian laws protect the Monarto Mintbush. This means it's illegal to harm or remove it. The park helps to keep this rare plant safe.

What Does "IUCN Category III" Mean?

The park is classified as an IUCN Category III protected area. IUCN stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Category III means it's a "Natural Monument or Feature." This type of park protects specific natural features. It also helps preserve the plants and animals living there.