Protected Areas
Protecting marine and coastal habitats both recognises and enhances the diversity of life in our oceans. Providing a safe refuge for marine plants, animals and their habitats also helps to balance the impacts of other threats.
About marine parks, Enjoy life in our marine parks, National Parks South Australia
Information and maps about South Australia’s marine parks.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, National Parks South Australia
The sanctuary, which features a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest, covers a 118 km² area including the inner Port, Barker Inlet, Outer Harbour and North Haven marina, reaching as far north as Port Gawler. A resident pod of about 30 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) live in the river, while another 300 regularly visit the area.
Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, Parks SA
Located north-west of Adelaide, the Bird Sanctuary covers a 60-kilometre stretch of coast from the Barker Inlet to Port Parham, including sections of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Much of the Bird Sanctuary lies adjacent to the Upper Gulf St Vincent Marine Park, protecting connected habitats from the coast into the sea.
Great Australian Bight Commonwealth Marine Reserve, Australian Government, Department of the Environment
Includes maps and details of the reserve.
Marine parks and sanctuary zones, Australian Marine Conservation Society
Information about Australia’s and South Australia’s state and federal marine parks.
Page credits
Page banner: Blue-throated Ascidian at Rapid Bay, Fleurieu Peninsula. Photo: Tom Westphalen.