Spencer Gulf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spencer Gulf |
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Location of Spencer Gulf in Australia
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 Spencer Gulf
Location in Australia
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| Location | South Australia |
| Coordinates | 34°25′S 136°45′E / 34.417°S 136.750°E |
| Type | Gulf |
| Part of | Great Australian Bight |
| Basin countries | Australia |
The Spencer Gulf is a large bay located on the southern coast of Australia. It is the westernmost of two big inlets in this area. You can find it in the state of South Australia, facing the huge Great Australian Bight.
This gulf is quite long, stretching about 322 kilometers (200 miles) from end to end. At its widest point, where it meets the ocean, it measures around 129 kilometers (80 miles) across.
On the western side of the Spencer Gulf is the Eyre Peninsula. To the east, you'll find the Yorke Peninsula. This peninsula also separates Spencer Gulf from another, smaller bay called Gulf St Vincent. A famous explorer named Matthew Flinders described the entrance to the gulf. He said it stretched from Cape Catastrophe on the Eyre Peninsula to Cape Spencer on the Yorke Peninsula.
Contents
Amazing Animals in Spencer Gulf
The Spencer Gulf is home to many interesting sea creatures. It's a special place for marine life.
Giant Cuttlefish
One of the most amazing animals here is the giant cuttlefish. These clever creatures are related to squid and octopuses. The Spencer Gulf is famous for having the world's largest known gathering of giant cuttlefish when they come together to breed. This happens every year and is a truly incredible sight to see.
Little Penguins
You can also find little penguins breeding on some of the islands within the Spencer Gulf. These are the smallest type of penguin in the world. They are often called fairy penguins because of their small size. They come ashore to nest and raise their chicks.
Towns and Harbors
Many towns are located along the shores of Spencer Gulf. These towns often have harbors that are important for fishing, shipping, and tourism.
Port Broughton
Port Broughton is one such town on the eastern shore of the Spencer Gulf. It has a harbor that is popular for fishing and boating.
Moonta Bay Jetty
Another well-known spot is the Moonta Bay Jetty, also on the eastern side of the gulf. Jetties like this are long piers that stretch out into the water. They are often used for fishing, walking, and sometimes for boats to dock.
Images for kids
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The world's largest known breeding group of giant cuttlefish gathers in Spencer Gulf.
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Little penguins breed on islands in Spencer Gulf.
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The harbor of Port Broughton on the Eastern shore of Spencer Gulf.
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Spencer Gulf seen from one of NASA's Satellites.
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Moonta Bay Jetty on the Eastern shore of Spencer Gulf.
See also
In Spanish: Golfo de Spencer para niños
