Locke Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Locke Nature Reserve |
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|---|---|
| Lock Estate, Holy Mile (unofficial) | |
| Area | 37.5 hectares (93 acres) |
| Designated | 1920s |
| Owned by | Crown (public) |
| Administered by | City of Busselton |
| Designation | A-Class Reserve |
The Locke Nature Reserve, also called the Locke Estate, is a beautiful natural area in Western Australia. It sits right on the coast of Geographe Bay, about 10 kilometres (6 mi) west of the town of Busselton. This reserve is a special place where nature is protected, and people can enjoy the outdoors.
What is the Locke Nature Reserve?
The Locke Nature Reserve covers a large area of 37.5 hectares (93 acres), which is about the size of 70 football fields! It was set aside as an "A-Class Reserve" way back in the 1920s. This means it has the highest level of protection, and the land cannot be sold.
A Special Place for Camps
The main reason the Locke Estate was created was to provide places for "Recreational Campsites and Group Holiday accommodation". It was divided into 16 different sites. These sites are leased to churches and other community groups for a very small fee. This makes it possible for many people to enjoy holidays and camps by the coast without spending a lot of money.
Because so many church groups use the area, local people sometimes call it the "Holy Mile". It's a unique spot that offers affordable stays in a part of Western Australia where land is usually very expensive.
Helping Our Animal Friends
The Locke Nature Reserve is also important for local wildlife. In 2018, something exciting happened there to help animals. A special bridge was built over the Buayanyup River. This bridge helps two groups of western ringtail possums connect with each other. Before the bridge, these possums were separated, but now they can move safely between different parts of their habitat. This helps them find food, mates, and new places to live.
