Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area South Australia
IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Port Lincoln
Established	30 September 2004
Area	93.36 km2 (36.0 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
Website	Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area is a special place in South Australia. It is a protected area located on the very tip of the Jussieu Peninsula. This area is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) south-east of Port Lincoln. It also includes several nearby islands.

Memory Cove became a protected area in 2004. Before that, it was part of the Lincoln National Park. This place is very important. It has amazing nature, a rich history of Aboriginal people, and interesting stories from early European explorers.

What is Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area?

This protected area covers the south-east tip of the Jussieu Peninsula. It also includes several islands. These islands are Hopkins, Little, Lewis, and Smith in Spencer Gulf. It also includes Williams in the Great Australian Bight.

The land part of the area has a coastline boundary. On the east, it goes from near Taylor's Landing south to Cape Catastrophe. The southern boundary goes from Cape Catastrophe west to West Point. The western boundary follows the coast of Jussieu Bay north from West Point. The western and northern sides of Memory Cove touch the Lincoln National Park.

How Memory Cove Became Protected

The land that is now Memory Cove was part of Lincoln National Park since 1941. In the 1980s, people realized that the area around Memory Cove had some of the best wilderness qualities in South Australia.

To help protect it, a locked gate was put on the road to Memory Cove in 1992. This helped to limit how many people could visit. In 1999, there was a plan to make this area a special wilderness protection area. This plan included the islands of Hopkins, Lewis, Little, Smith, and Williams.

Many people supported this idea. So, on September 30, 2004, Memory Cove became its own protected area. Before it was a park, the land was home to the Barngarla and Nauo Aboriginal tribes. Some European settlers also used the land for farming.

The Memory Cove Tablet Site is also located here. This site marks one of the few places where explorer Matthew Flinders landed in South Australia. It is listed on the South Australian Heritage Register because of its historical importance.

Why Memory Cove is Special

The government agency that manages Memory Cove has found many reasons why it is unique:

• Amazing Plants: Over 180 different types of native plants grow here. Seven of these plants are very important for conservation. This means they need special protection.
• Rich Cultural History: The area has a deep history with the Barngarla and Nauo people. They lived here long before Europeans arrived. Their connection to the land is very significant.
• Important European History: In February 1802, eight crew members from HM Sloop Investigator were lost at sea near Memory Cove. This ship was commanded by Matthew Flinders. This event is a very important part of the area's history.

Visiting Memory Cove

You need to plan your visit to Memory Cove. There is a locked gate within the nearby Lincoln National Park. Only 15 vehicles are allowed to enter each day.

There is a camping ground at Memory Cove where you can stay. If you have a boat, you can anchor safely in the calm waters of Memory Cove or near Williams Island. People also enjoy fishing and other water activities in the waters around the protected area.