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OTHER
RAPID BAY ATTRACTIONS
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Boat
Launching Facilities
| Diving
|Fishing
| Taliska
Mine Conservation Park | Heysen
Trail |
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| Boat Launching Facilities |
Boat launching facilities at:
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| Diving |
Rated
as “novice plus great snorkelling” in the Dive South Australia
brochure. Expect a large variety of fish and a vast array of marine
life. Once described by Reg Lipson as one of the best jetty dives
in Australia. Rapid Head (western headland) great reefs and caves
with plenty of sea grass camouflaging a vast array of marine life.
Large variety of fish, leafy sea dragons and blue devils. Beach
launch at Rapid Bay, Jetty entry from dive platform and ladder
near end of jetty, or boat launch from Cape Jervis or Wirrina
Cove. Contact Dolphin
Dive for local dives. Click
here for a picture of divers enjoying our southern waters.
To return to this page close the small window.
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| HMAS Hobart |
The
destroyer HMAS Hobart, was sunk on Melbourne Cup Day 2002.
It is specially prepared for divers to swim through and inspect
at a depth of about 30 metres, and about 3 nautical miles from
Rapid Bay Jetty near Rapid Head. Check-out Dive
South Australia for more details. Click
here for a picture of the Hobart being prepared at Port Adelaide.
To return to this page close the small window.
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| Fishing |
Supplies
can be obtained from the General Store at Delamere, Cape Jervis,
or at the bait and tackle shop at Normanville. The Jetty is popular
for fishing but plenty have been caught from the beach and from
the eastern headland. Click
here for a picture of fishing on the Jetty and
here for another view. To return to
this page close the small window.
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| Taliska Mine Conservation Park |
Turn
onto Range Rd between Delamere and Cape Jervis. This is a small
park containing the ruins of the old Taliska silver-lead mine
and Silverton township. The old Cornish miners’ diggings, surrounded
by steep wooded hills, are listed on the state’s register of heritage
items. An interpretive display and walking trail explore the mine,
its history, natural features and vegetation.
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| Heysen Trail |
The
famous Heysen Trail, at 1,500 kilometres the world’s longest walking
trail, begins near Cape Jervis on its path north to the Flinders
Ranges. The Fleurieu Peninsula section of the trail is excellent
for both day treks and longer walks and takes you through some
superbly varied terrain. From Cape Jervis, the trail follows the
coast to Newland Head, where it pushes inland up Newland Hill
and on to Myponga Conservation Park, It then turns north-east
for Mount Compass and northwards through the Mount Lofty Ranges.
The trail is marked with orange triangles, wherever possible,
in the tops of pine posts. While close to Adelaide, access to
the trail from public transport is generally not available. Some
sections of the trail, require bushwalking experience, and, advice
should be sought from the Recreation Institute. This section of
the Heysen Trail is extremely rugged, there is little flat walking
and the majority of the path requires a high degree of walking
fitness. The native forest, which covers much of the country through
which the trail passes, is very dense. Native plants, such as
Kangaroo Thorn, defend themselves against predators by being armed
with tough thorns. Long sleeves and pants as well as tough gloves
are essential. The area, being exposed to the Southern Ocean,
undergoes rapid, unpredictable weather changes. Unwary walkers
may find themselves suddenly engulfed by thick sea mist making
navigation impossible and a mockery of time. Drinkable water,
abundant in one season may well be unobtainable the next. No food
or other supplies can be purchased between Cape Jervis and the
store in Inman Valley without undertaking long detours from the
trail. This section of the Heysen Trail is one of the most spectacular
in the State. To enjoy it you must be fit, well equipped and be
accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable leader. South
Australian coastal waters are frequented by several species of
whales during their annual migration from the Southern Ocean.
All whales and dolphins are protected in South Australian waters.
The Southern Right Whales (Baleana galcialis), visit this coastline
between June and October on their annual breeding migration. This
whale was hunted to the verge of extinction during the early 19th
century because it was a valuable source of oil. With full protection,
the number of these whales visiting South Australian waters appear
to be increasing. From your vantage point on the Heysen Trail,
you may be fortunate enough to observe these whales, some with
calves, close in shore.
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| Deep Creek Conservation Park |
The
Deep Creek Conservation Park comprises steep cliffs, waterfalls,
bush and coast inhabited by western grey kangaroos, blue wrens,
yellow-tailed black cockatoos, wedge-tailed eagles and scarlet
robins. The 4,030 hectares park is on the southern coast of Fleurieu
Peninsula, not far from Cape Jervis. It consists of rugged hills,
from which flow streams that water the valleys where native orchids
and ferns luxuriate. Vegetation varies from tall forest to wind-blown
heath and the park is rich in birdlife and native animals. Where
Deep Creek meets the coast, high cliffs provide stunning vistas
across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island. Only occasionally
are the cliffs broken by small coves. The Heysen Trail and other
walking paths wind through the park and simple camping grounds
have been set aside. Maps are available from the State Information
Centre, Plaza level, 25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide.
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| Cape Jervis |
Situated
on the south-western tip of Fleurieu Peninsula it is the terminal
for the ferry service to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Cape
Jervis was named by Flinders in 1802. Views of the island can
be had across Backstairs Passage. Charter fishing tours depart
from here visiting spots locally and on Kangaroo Island. |
| Wirrina |
Wirrina
Paradise Cove at Wirrina, 10 minutes north, 14 kms, is a tourist
resort and marina, offering golf and many other activities.
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| Second Valley |
Second
Valley is only 5 minutes north of Rapid Bay. Visitors can fish
or stroll along the jetty. The pathway leading south from the
jetty gives views of the geological faults in the cliffs. The
old boat sheds and the steep coastal range provide spectacular
photographic opportunities. Once part of the district of Rapid
Bay, it is now more widely known in its own right with Leonards
Mill Motel and Restaurant and Paradise Cove Wirrina Resort promoting
the district widely.
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An
ideal spot to use as a jump-off place to visit Kangaroo Island.
Daily trips can be made on the ferry from Cape Jervis, departing
from Cape Jervis at 9am and returning at 8.10pm. You can take
your car on the ferry, or take a coach tour or hire a car on the
island. For more information contact Sea
Link Ferries.
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