Moana, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MoanaAdelaide, South Australia |
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A view of Moana from the south
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 Moana
Location in South Australia
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| Postcode(s) | 5169 | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Onkaparinga | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Southern Adelaide | ||||||||||||||
| County | Adelaide | ||||||||||||||
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| Footnotes | Adjoining suburbs | ||||||||||||||
Moana is a beautiful coastal suburb located south of Adelaide, South Australia. It's about 36 kilometers (22 miles) from the center of Adelaide. Moana is part of the City of Onkaparinga area. Its neighbors include Seaford, Maslin Beach, and Seaford Rise.
A small waterway called Pedler Creek divides Moana into two parts. The beach here is very popular and is often called Moana Beach. Just south of Moana, you'll find Ochre Point and Ochre Cove. This area is special because it has a large deposit of red ochre. The Kaurna people, who are the traditional owners of this land, used this ochre for important ceremonies. The cove was known by names like Potartang or Mulgali. It's a significant site along the Tjilbruke Dreaming Trail.
Contents
Discovering Moana's Past: A Journey Through Time
Traditional Lands of the Kaurna People
Moana sits on the ancient lands of the Kaurna people. For thousands of years, they lived here and used the natural resources. Red Ochre Cove was a very important place. The Kaurna people collected red ochre from here. They used it for ceremonies and for body paint.
There is a special plaque in Moana that marks a freshwater spring. This spring is said to have been created by Tjilbruke, a powerful ancestor creator in Kaurna stories. This site is part of the Tjilbruke Dreaming Track, which was created in 1986.
Early European Settlement and Naming Moana
After British settlers arrived in South Australia, they began farming in the Moana area around 1841. For a while, the beach was known as Dodd's Beach, named after a local landowner. In 1855, a ship called Nashwauk was wrecked on the beach near Pedler Creek.
In 1927, people became more interested in Moana as a holiday spot. A company called Lake Beach Estate Ltd divided the land into blocks. They held a competition to name the new town. The winning name was "Moana," which is a Māori-language word meaning "ocean." Wide streets were planned for holiday homes. However, the Great Depression in 1929 slowed down development.
Moana's Growth as a Tourist Destination
In the 1950s, Moana became popular again. More people owned cars, making it easy to drive to the beach from Adelaide. It was a pleasant 40-minute trip. This made Moana a favorite spot for families and tourists.
One well-known building in the area was the Moana Roundhouse. It was a landmark for many years before it was taken down in 2006.
Exploring Moana's Unique Beachfront
The beach at Moana, along the Gulf St Vincent, has low cliffs, sand dunes, and firm sand. What makes Moana Beach special is that you can drive your car right onto the sand. It's one of the few beaches in the area where this is allowed. This makes it very convenient for families and visitors.
Understanding Moana's Geography
Moana is a seaside suburb divided by Pedler Creek and its sand dunes. The northern part is often called "old survey Moana." The newer housing area to the south is known as the "new survey."
Near Red Ochre Cove, there's a large deposit of red ochre. This area is sometimes called Serpent's Tongue.
The Coast to Vines rail trail also goes through Moana. This trail follows the path of an old railway line that once had a station in Moana.
Getting Around Moana: Transport Options
Moana has several bus routes that help people get around. Buses 741, 745, 747, 749, and 750 serve the area. These routes connect Moana to larger shopping centers like Colonnades Shopping Centre and the Noarlunga Centre railway station.
Fun Things to Do and See in Moana
Enjoying Moana Beach Activities
Moana has a lovely sandy beach with small waves, perfect for beginner surfing. This makes it a great place for families. The Moana Surf Life Saving Club keeps the beach safe during summer. They also have a beachfront cafe called Duke's. It's named after a famous Hawaiian surfer who helped make surfing popular in Australia.
Another cafe, Deep Blue Cafe, is across from the surf club. There's also a playground nearby with grassed areas and barbecue spots. Other shops in Moana include a fish and chip shop and a health food shop.
Events and Landmarks in Moana
A monthly market is held at the Pioneer's Memorial Hall. In front of the hall, you can see an anchor from the Nashwauk shipwreck.
Because you can drive cars onto the beach, Moana is a very popular spot on sunny days. Many people visit in the evenings to enjoy takeaway food by the ocean.
Foreshore Improvements and Beach Access
In 2008, the foreshore area of "old survey" Moana was updated. Improvements were made to the road, walkway, and sea wall. A new toilet block and a shaded "gazebo" shaped like a seagull were added. On warm nights, you might even see buskers performing or people drawing chalk mandalas here.
Access to the beach has been affected by storms. A sloping ramp at the north end was damaged by cliff erosion in 2007. Several ramps and a staircase provide beach access along the cliffs. Storm surges, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, continue to impact these access points. The local council works to maintain and repair them.
Trails and Wildlife in Moana
The Willunga Basin Trail now reaches Moana Beach, following Pedler Creek. This trail is great for walkers and hikers. The sand dunes are home to threatened birds like the hooded plover. Bird watchers enjoy seeing them, but their chicks are at risk from dog walking and vehicles driving too close to the dunes.
Images for kids
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A view of Moana from the south
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In the Ochre Point reserve area south of town
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Moana beach
