West Island Conservation Park, West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve
Facts and practical information
West Island Conservation Park is a protected area occupying both West Island and Seal Island in coastal waters near Victor Harbor in South Australia. The park was proclaimed in 1972 following the enactment of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 with the protection initially applying to West Island only which itself previously had reserve status under the Fauna Conservation Act 1964-1965. Seal Island was added to the park in 1979. The purpose of the park is to protect the breeding populations of bird species present on both islands such as little penguins, silver gulls, crested terns, Caspian terns and fairy terns. The conservation park is classified as an IUCN Category Ia protected area. In 1982, it was listed on the now-defunct Register of the National Estate. ()
West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve
Best Ways to Experience the Place
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Little penguin
The little penguin, alternatively known as the fairy penguin or little blue penguin, holds the distinction of being the smallest species of penguin. These captivating birds reach a height of about 33 cm and a length of 43 cm.
Birds
Fairy tern
The fairy tern is a charming bird native to the southwestern Pacific, particularly notable for its delicate appearance and vulnerable status. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the fairy tern is categorized as "Vulnerable" with the...
Birds
Caspian tern
The Caspian tern is an impressive bird with a broad, albeit scattered, range. It is the sole member of its genus and lacks any recognized subspecies. Its name is derived from the Caspian Sea, and its genus name amalgamates ancient Greek and Latin words for "water"...
Birds
Silver gull
The silver gull is a familiar sight along Australia's coastlines. Smaller than the Pacific gull, it is a distinct species different from the herring gull found elsewhere. While once classified under the genus Larus, it is now placed in the genus Chroicocephalus.
Birds
Thalasseus
Thalasseus, commonly known as the crested terns, comprises eight tern species within the Laridae family. These birds have a global distribution. The genus was first described by Friedrich Boie in 1822 and was confirmed as a distinct group for crested terns in a 2005...
Birds
West Island Conservation Park – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Granite Island, Victor Central Shopping Centre, Newland Memorial Uniting Church, Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram.
South Australia