Entrance Island (South Australia) facts for kids
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Geography | |
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Location | Spencer Gulf |
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Australia
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Entrance Island is a small, low island located right at the mouth of Franklin Harbor in South Australia. It's part of the Eyre Peninsula region. This island is about 100 hectares in size, which is like 250 football fields! It's also a protected area, falling within the Franklin Harbor Conservation Park and Franklin Harbor Marine Park. The highest point on the island is only about 4 meters above sea level, which is quite low.
About Entrance Island
Entrance Island is a special place for many reasons. It's found in the Spencer Gulf, a large bay on the coast of South Australia. The island's low elevation means it's close to the water, making it a perfect spot for certain types of wildlife. Being part of a conservation park and a marine park means the island and the waters around it are protected. This helps to keep the natural environment safe for all the plants and animals that live there.
Wildlife on the Island
The island is a very important home for many different kinds of birds. It provides safe places for them to rest, called roosting, and also to build their nests and raise their young. These birds include various sea and shorebird species. They rely on the island's quiet environment and its location to find food and stay safe from predators. Protecting Entrance Island helps these bird populations thrive.
A Giant Visitor
Something very interesting happened near Entrance Island a long time ago. On September 23, 1910, some people called shearers were working on the island. They saw a very large whale that was in trouble. This whale was reported to be an amazing 90 feet long! It had gotten stuck in the shallow water when the tide was low. Luckily, when the water rose again, the giant whale was able to swim away and escape.
Smaller southern right whales have also been seen from Entrance Island. These whales are known for their unique V-shaped blowholes and their friendly nature. Seeing whales near the island shows how important these waters are for marine life.