The City of Onkaparinga has a rich and diverse natural landscape. This map identifies the dominant landform features from the ranges to the coast.
The City of Onkaparinga covers an area of 518 square kilometres. Thirty- one kilometres of diverse coastline, with open beaches, reefs, dunes and cliff formations, form the western boundary.
Extending inland from the coast are the Noarlunga and Willunga Plains which gently rise up to the foothills of the Southern Mt Lofty Ranges.
The Southern Mt Lofty Ranges define the southern boundary of the City, meeting the coast at Sellicks Beach and framing the plains along the eastern boundary. The north east region of council has the highest elevation reaching to 420 metres above sea level at Coromandel East.
Nine significant catchments and riverine systems carry large volumes of water from the ranges to the coast, especially during the winter months. The City of Onkaparinga ’s northern boundary is defined in part by the Sturt and Field Rivers and through its centre flows the Onkaparinga River . Other significant riverine systems in the region, include Christie Creek , Pedler Creek, Maslin Creek, Pt Willunga Creek, Washpool and Sellicks Creek.
