Sturt Gorge Recreation Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sturt Gorge Recreation ParkSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Sturt Gorge Recreation Park
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Adelaide |
| Established | 4 October 1973 |
| Area | 2.44 km2 (0.9 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| Website | Sturt Gorge Recreation Park |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
The Sturt Gorge Recreation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It is located in the suburbs of Bellevue Heights, Craigburn Farm, and Flagstaff Hill. This park is part of the Adelaide city area, about 13 kilometers south of the city center.
Discovering Sturt Gorge Park
This park was officially opened in 1973. It protects an area that is very important for understanding how our Earth was formed. The park also helps guide the Sturt River as it flows down towards the flat lands known as the Adelaide Plains.
Earth's Ancient Ice Age
One of the most exciting things about Sturt Gorge is its rocks. You can find a special rock formation here called the Sturt Tillite. This was the first place in the world where scientists found clear proof of a huge ice age. This ice age happened about 800 million years ago.
Scientists call this time the Cryogenian period, or sometimes the "Snowball Earth" period. They believe that the land here was shaped by material dropped from huge glaciers. These glaciers floated in an ocean that covered this area long, long ago.
Park Rules and Protection
To keep the park safe, all types of fires are not allowed.
Sturt Gorge Recreation Park is classified as an IUCN Category III protected area. This means it is recognized as a "Natural Monument or Feature." It protects specific natural features like the amazing rock formations. In 1980, the park was also listed on the former Register of the National Estate. This was a list of important natural and cultural places in Australia.
