Encounter Bay, Marine Park

So tell me more….

Just a short drive from Adelaide you are treated with spectacular snorkelling and diving locations, whale watching areas and great fishing spots.

Stretching from Fleurieu Peninsula to the north-eastern coast of Kangaroo Island and the Coorong, the park provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the diverse marine life including leafy sea dragons, Australian sea lions, dolphins and southern right whales.

Camping Options

National parks which you can stay in which border Encounter Marine Park

Glamping Options

Check out one of our favourites Victor Harbor Holiday & Caravan Park

Along the shoreline boundary of the marine park there are numerous, council and privately owned, facilities that might be useful to marine users especially jetties, boat ramps and carparks.

Jetties

Port Noarlunga
Normanville
Second Valley
Rapid Bay
Cape Jervis
The Bluff
Granite Island (Encounter Bay)
Kingscote (Kangaroo Island)
American River (Kangaroo Island)
Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island)

Drive on beaches

Moana
Aldinga
Sellicks
Goolwa

Getting there …

Encounter Marine Park stretches for many kilometers of coast and has multiple access points, try these popular locations:

Port Noarlunga
Aldinga
Rapid Bay
Cape Jervis
Victor Harbor
Port Elliot
Bashams Beach
Antechamber Bay (Kangaroo Island)
Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island)
American River (Kangaroo Island)
Kingscote (Kangaroo Island

What can I do at Encounter Marine Park?

Before you think it is too cold for a Marine Park visit thin again… Winter sees the arrival of whales as they find a place to give birth. Whilst the stormy shoreline has hundreds of natural treasures washed up by the surf .

Visit the Victor Harbor Whale Centre and learn about marine life, traditional owners, and whaling history

Explore the different sized rocks at Myponga Beach and keep an eye out for shorebirds

Wander along the Moana Beach shoreline and see what types of shells, sponges and seaweed you can find

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Looking for a cool school holiday idea? Head to @natureplaysa's Park of the Month for January – Encounter Marine Park – for some fun in the sun. From sea stars to leafy sea dragons, to reef gardens and cuttlefish there’s plenty to see. Download the '20 things to discover' list today https://goo.gl/gVqvGp. [????Jason Tyndall] #NationalParksSA #adelaidekids #adelaidefamilies #NaturePlaySA #encountermarinepark #schoolholidays #southaustralia #beach #ocean #summer #ParkoftheMonth #seeaustralia #visitsa #seastar #marinepark

A post shared by National Parks and Wildlife SA (@nationalparkssa) on Jan 4, 2016 at 11:34pm PST

At low tide explore the rockpools at Aldinga and see how many dome-shaped Limpets you can find (round striped shells attached to rocks)

When it turns warmer….

Explore Port Noarlunga Reef, by snorkeling or using goggles to spot the marine life beneath the surface

Spend a day at Horseshoe Bay and be sure to get an ice-cream or some fish and chips

Go swimming in Port Noarlunga Reef with friends

Some other great information we found includes:

Dogs are welcome in marine parks but please check with the relevant local council as by-laws may vary.

Offering everybody the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of picturesque Normanville beach, there are two beach wheelchairs available for short term loan. The Sandcruiser and Sandpiper wheelchairs have large balloon-like tyres which make for easy access on soft sand and in shallow water

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There is room for two on the new #SAmarineparks beach wheelchair! #AccessNPSA #encountermarinepark #nationalparkssa

A post shared by Bridge Doudy (@bridgedoudy) on May 1, 2018 at 1:01am PDT