Great Australian Bight Marine National Park, Marine national park at South Australian coast, Australia.
Great Australian Bight Marine National Park spans about 1,233 square kilometers along the South Australian coast and extends up to 3 nautical miles from the shore. The waters here are cold and rich with marine life, including kelp forests and diverse fish and mammal populations.
This marine protected area was established by the South Australian Government in 1996 to safeguard the ocean ecosystems along this coast. The creation reflected a growing awareness of the need to protect these waters and the animals that depend on them.
The Mirning and Wirangu Aboriginal peoples view these waters as their traditional country and share their knowledge of the marine environment with visitors who come here. Their presence and understanding help shape how this place is valued and cared for today.
The best time to see southern right whales is from June to October when viewing from the Head of Bight platform is possible. Bring wind-resistant clothing since coastal conditions here can be quite breezy and changeable.
These waters support roughly 80 percent of Australia's sea lion population, diving to the seafloor to hunt fish, squid, and small sharks. These marine predators have adapted to the cold conditions and are among the most frequently seen large animals here.
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