Lacepede Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lacepede Bay |
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 Lacepede Bay
Location in South Australia
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| Location | Limestone Coast, South Australia |
| Coordinates | 36°48′56″S 139°48′05″E / 36.815455°S 139.801417°E |
| Type | Bay |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Max. length | 40.98 km (25.46 mi) |
| Max. width | 10 km (6.2 mi) |
| Max. depth | 11.0 m (36.1 ft) |
| Settlements | Kingston, SE Cape Jaffa |
Lacepede Bay is a beautiful bay in South Australia. It is located on the state's southeast coast. You can find it about 140 kilometers (87 miles) northwest of Mount Gambier. It is also about 240 kilometers (149 miles) southeast of Adelaide.
This bay got its name in 1802. It was named by the Baudin expedition, a French journey of exploration. They named it after Bernard Germain de Lacépède, a famous French scientist. Lacepede Bay is special because it is one of four "historic bays" in South Australia.
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What is Lacepede Bay Like?
Lacepede Bay stretches between two points. To the north, you'll find a place called Granite Rocks. To the south, it reaches Cape Jaffa. The bay has a sandy shore. Behind the sand, there are sandhills. These hills get smaller as you go south from Granite Rocks.
The town of Kingston is located at the head of the bay. It sits near the entrance to Maria Creek. Between Kingston and Cape Jaffa, the land is low and can be swampy. There is a wooded bank behind the sandy beach. You can also spot a bright white sand patch on the bank. This patch is about 9 nautical miles (17 kilometers) southwest of Kingston.
Why is it a "Historic Bay"?
Lacepede Bay is one of four bays in South Australia that the Australian government calls a "historic bay." This means it has a special legal status. Under the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973, the waters inside the bay are considered "internal waters." This is like the waters inside a country's land borders. This status was officially declared in 1987, 2006, and 2016.
Who Discovered Lacepede Bay?
Lacepede Bay was first explored by Europeans in 1802. It was named by Peron and Freycinet. They were part of the Baudin expedition that explored Australia between 1800 and 1803. They chose the name to honor Bernard Germain de Lacépède, a French naturalist.
Towns and Ports on the Bay
Two main settlements are located along the shores of Lacepede Bay. These are Kingston, SE and Cape Jaffa. Both towns have port facilities. They have jetties, which are long structures built out into the water. These jetties help boats dock safely. Cape Jaffa also has a marina, which is a special harbor for pleasure boats.
Protected Areas in the Bay
Lacepede Bay is home to some important protected areas. These areas help to keep the natural environment safe. The Upper South East Marine Park is located within the bay's waters. This park helps protect the marine life and habitats. The Butchers Gap Conservation Park also borders the bay. Conservation parks protect land and wildlife.
