Tiparra Reef facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tiparra ReefSouth Australia |
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Tipara Reef Screw Pile
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 Tiparra Reef
Location in South Australia
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| Location | 14 km (9 mi) west of Port Hughes |
Tiparra Reef (sometimes spelled Tipara) is a natural underwater structure called a reef. It is found in Spencer Gulf in South Australia. This reef is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) west of the town of Port Hughes.
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What is Tiparra Reef?
Tiparra Reef is like a large, shallow area under the sea. It is mostly a bank of sand. This sandy area stretches for about 4.6 kilometers (2.5 nautical miles). The water above it is less than 5 meters (16 feet) deep.
The Limestone Ledge
Part of Tiparra Reef is a special limestone ledge. This ledge is about 185 meters (0.1 nautical miles) long. It runs from north to south and is about 20 meters (66 feet) wide. This part of the reef can sometimes be seen above the water. It is located on the southwest end of the reef. This spot is about 9.3 kilometers (5 nautical miles) northwest of Cape Elizabeth. Cape Elizabeth is a point of land that marks the southern edge of Tiparra Bay.
The Old Tiparra Reef Lighthouse
For many years, a lighthouse stood on the limestone ledge of Tiparra Reef. This lighthouse started working in August 1877. Its job was to help ships navigate safely. It warned them about the shallow reef.
Why Was the Lighthouse Important?
Lighthouses are tall towers with bright lights. They act like traffic signals for ships. They guide boats and ships, especially at night or in bad weather. The Tiparra Reef lighthouse helped sailors avoid crashing into the reef. It made the waters of Spencer Gulf safer for everyone.
The Lighthouse Today
The Tiparra Reef lighthouse stopped being the main navigation aid in 1995. A new light tower took over its job. This new tower is located on Warburto Point. Warburto Point is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) to the northeast. Even though it's not the main light anymore, much of the old lighthouse structure is still there. It also has a smaller flashing light that still helps guide boats.
