Owen Island (South Australia) facts for kids
 Owen Island
Location in South Australia
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Spencer Gulf |
| Coordinates | 34°51′30″S 136°00′31″E / 34.85846°S 136.0087°E |
| Area | 20.1 ha (50 acres) |
| Highest elevation | 12 m (39 ft) |
| Administration | |
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Australia
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Owen Island is a small island in South Australia. It is found in Spencer Gulf, off the coast of the Eyre Peninsula. The island is about 18.7 kilometres (11.6 miles) south-east of Port Lincoln.
Owen Island used to be called Rabbit Island. It is also known as Little Taylor Island because it is very close to a larger island called Taylor Island. Since 1972, Owen Island has been part of the Lincoln National Park. This means it is a special place where nature is protected.
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About Owen Island
Owen Island is about 18.7 kilometres (11.6 miles) south-east of Port Lincoln. It is also quite close to Taylor Island, only about 460 metres (1,510 feet) away. The highest point on Owen Island is about 12 metres (39 feet) above sea level.
The island has sandy beaches on its western side. There is also a sand spit that goes underwater near the south-western tip. Most of the island is covered in sand, with dunes formed by the wind. These dunes are home to many different kinds of plants. Owen Island is quite safe from big waves because Taylor Island, the mainland, and other islands protect it. People can usually reach the island by boat.
How Owen Island Was Formed
Owen Island was created about 6,000 years ago. This happened when sea levels rose at the start of a period called the Holocene. The island is mostly made of granite rock, with a layer of calcarenite on top.
The island rises steeply from the seabed on its eastern side. On the west and south sides, the slope is much gentler. The water between Owen Island and Taylor Island is not very deep. This is because both islands share the same rock base under the sea.
Plants and Animals on Owen Island
Owen Island has two main types of plant areas. Near the sandy coast, you can find plants like grey saltbush, sea spurge, and two-horned sea rocket.
The rest of the island is covered in shrubland. This area has many nitre bush and saltbush plants. Other plants found here include Australian hollyhock, black-anther flax lily, bower spinach, coastal lignum, karkalla, native juniper, and variable groundsel.
The island is also home to different animals. In 1996, five types of birds were seen there. These included Pacific gulls and rock parrots. A special bird called the white-faced storm petrel also has a breeding colony on the island. There is also one type of reptile, the southern grass skink.
Why the Island Was Renamed
Owen Island was first known as Rabbit Island. However, around 1960, its name was changed. This was done to avoid confusion with another Rabbit Island in Louth Bay.
The new name, Owen Island, was chosen to honor the Owen family. At that time, the Owen family was leasing Taylor Island, which is very close by. Because it is so close to Taylor Island, many local people still call it Little Taylor Island.
Protecting Owen Island
Owen Island first became a protected area on March 16, 1967. It was set aside as a place to protect animals under a law called the Crown Lands Act. Since 1972, Owen Island has been an important part of the Lincoln National Park. This helps make sure the island's unique plants and animals are kept safe for the future.
