Yankalilla Bay facts for kids
Yankalilla Bay is a large bay located in the south-eastern part of South Australia. It's found on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula, which is a popular area for visitors. This bay is on the coast of the Gulf St Vincent, where it meets the big Southern Ocean.
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Discover Yankalilla Bay's Rivers
Several rivers flow into Yankalilla Bay. These include the Bungala River, the Yankalilla River, and Carrickalinga Creek. The Yankalilla River actually meets the sea at a spot called Lady Bay.
How Rivers Affect the Bay
When rivers flow into the sea, they can sometimes bring things that change the water. This can affect the natural environment, also known as the ecology, of the bay. It's especially important to keep an eye on the health of the underwater reefs and the seagrass beds. These are vital homes for many sea creatures. You can find a reef near Carrickalinga and a popular beach at Normanville.
A Special Underwater Reef
Yankalilla Bay is famous for being the resting place of the HMAS Hobart. This was a large navy ship that was intentionally sunk on November 5, 2002. It was placed off the coast between Wirrina Cove and Normanville.
Why Sink a Ship?
The HMAS Hobart was sunk to create something special: a dive wreck and an artificial reef. This means it's now a cool place for divers to explore underwater. It also provides a new home for marine life, acting like an underwater apartment building for fish and other creatures. Its official name is the Fleurieu Artificial Reef. There's even a special spot called the HMAS Hobart Memorial Lookout at Little Gorge where you can learn more about the ship.
