Wedge Island (Western Australia) facts for kids
Wedge Island is a small community located on the coast of Western Australia. It sits north of Lancelin and south of Cervantes. This area is about 140 kilometres (87 mi) (87 miles) north-west of Perth, a major city.
The name "Wedge Island" refers to two things. It is the name for the mainland settlement, which is like a small town. It also refers to a real island nearby. This island is shaped like a wedge and is about 400-metre (1,300 ft) (1,312 feet) long. It is located just south of a place called "the point." Another small community, Grey, is about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) (9 miles) north-west of Wedge Island. Both of these places are part of the Shire of Dandaragan.
The actual island covers an area of 4.03 hectares (9.96 acres) (about 10 acres). It is located only 200 metres (656 ft) (656 feet) from the mainland coast. The highest point on the island is about 21 m (69 ft) (69 feet) above sea level. Wedge Island is part of a larger group of islands called the Turquoise Coast islands nature reserve. This reserve includes 40 islands spread out over 150 kilometres (93 mi) (93 miles) along the coast.
Wedge Island got its name in 1875. It was named after Charles Wedge, who was a government surveyor. The name was given by Staff-Commander William Edwin Archdeacon R.N., who was mapping the coast of Western Australia for the Admiralty.
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Life at Wedge Island
Wedge Island is home to about 350 beach "shacks." These are simple homes used by people who fish for crayfish (a type of lobster) and by families on holiday. These shacks are on land that is not officially owned by the residents.
Getting to Wedge Island
A new paved road, called Indian Ocean Drive, opened in 2010. This road makes it easier for regular cars (2WD vehicles) to reach Wedge Island. Before this road, it was harder to get there. Some people say the new road has changed the local environment.
You can also reach Wedge Island by driving a 4WD vehicle along the beach. This is only possible when the tide is out. The sand can be very soft in summer, and many vehicles get stuck. Sometimes, cars even get swept into the water. There is a military area nearby, and you cannot drive through it at any time. If you trespass, you could face big fines and even lose your vehicle.
What to do at Wedge Island
Wedge Island is usually quiet during the cooler months. But it gets very busy during big holidays like Christmas, New Year's Day, and Australia Day. During these times, almost every shack is full of people.
Camping is not allowed in the area anymore. However, it is thought that about 14,000 people use the shacks at Wedge and Grey throughout the year. There are no shops or running water in the area. Most people use generators to make electricity because there is no main power supply.
People enjoy many activities at Wedge Island:
- Driving: Many people enjoy four-wheel driving on the sand.
- Sand Sports: Sand boarding is popular, which is like snowboarding but on sand dunes.
- Water Sports: Surfing, kitesurfing, fishing, swimming, and snorkeling are common water activities.
- Motorbikes: Motorbike riding has been banned around Wedge Island. This is because there were many accidents, and people often needed to be flown out for medical help. Now, rangers give out fines to people using unlicensed vehicles or leaving rubbish.
Future of the Shacks
The government of Western Australia has thought about removing the shacks at Wedge Island. This is part of a plan to protect the environment from too much unplanned building.
In March 2010, the Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher, said that the leases for the shacks would not end right away. She wanted the government to consider other options first. In April 2011, a committee from the WA Legislative Council suggested that coastal shacks should be removed. They believed this would help protect the environment. The shack leases were supposed to end on June 30, 2011. However, the Wedge community was able to get a one-year extension for all the shacks that were being used.
Safety and Environment
Wedge and Grey are areas that can have bushfires in the summer. Sometimes, visitors staying in the beach shacks are asked to leave for their safety if there is a fire risk.
