Marino Conservation Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marino Conservation ParkSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Marino Lighthouse
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View of coast and city
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 Marino Conservation Park
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Marino |
| Established | 2 November 1989 |
| Area | 30 ha (74 acres) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| Website | Marino Conservation Park |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
Marino Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It is located in the Adelaide suburb of Marino. From the park, you can see parts of Adelaide and the beautiful coastline of Gulf St Vincent.
This park was once part of the traditional lands of the Aboriginal Kaurna people. The area, including the park, is important in the Tjilbruke dreamtime stories.
The park was created in 1989 to protect its unique plants and animals. It is a place where nature is kept safe.
Contents
Discover Marino Conservation Park
Marino Conservation Park is a protected area. This means it is a place where nature is kept safe. It helps protect important plants and animals. The park covers about 30 hectares (74 acres). It is managed by the Department for Environment and Water.
Plants and Flowers in the Park
The park is home to many interesting plants. You can find ground cover plants like desert saw sedge (Gahnia lanigera). There is also the twiggy daisy bush (Olearia ramulosa).
Native grasses like Danthonia and Stipa grow here. These grasses cover the central and eastern parts of the park. You might also spot the elegant wattle (Acacia victoriae).
Rare Plants on the Hillside
The steep hillside facing west is very special. It has a rare type of coastal heath vegetation. This means it has plants that grow well near the coast. Some rare plants found here include lemon beauty heads (Calocephalus citreus). You can also find shiny ground berry (Acrotiche patula) and native apricot (Pittosporum phylliraecoides).
Animals Living in the Park
Even though the land was used differently in the past, many animals still live here. The park provides a safe home for them.
You can see about 29 different types of birds. These include owls, falcons, and honeyeaters. Rosellas, which are colorful parrots, also visit the park. The eastern brown snake and many insects also find shelter here.
Visiting the Park
The park is easy to reach by train. The Marino Rocks railway station is very close by.
There is a 1.5 km (about 1 mile) walking trail. It is a self-guided botanical trail. This means you can learn about the plants as you walk. The trail has two gentle hills. It is not suitable for wheelchairs. There are also special trails where you can walk your dog.
The park does not have picnic areas or toilets. Camping is not allowed.
Friends of the Park
The park has a group called "Friends of Parks." These are mostly local people. They volunteer their time to help care for the park. They regularly remove weeds and look after the area.
Park Protection Category
Marino Conservation Park is a Category III protected area. This is a classification by the IUCN. It means the park protects a specific natural feature.
Marino Rocks Lighthouse
The Marino Rocks Lighthouse is located inside the conservation park. It is also known as the Marino Lighthouse.
It is a white, square concrete tower. It has a round light on top. This lighthouse started working in 1962. It is managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Bushfire in the Park
On the night of December 4, 2020, a grass fire started in the park. About 75 firefighters worked to control it. They put out the fire within an hour. It took several more hours to make sure it was completely out.
The Seaford railway line, which runs next to the park, had to close for a short time. A large part of the park was damaged by the fire. An investigation was done to find out what caused the fire.
