Coast and marine

Our stunning coastline is 31km long. It stretches from Sellicks Beach in the south to Lonsdale in the north. It has a huge influence on our way of life, has featured in many movies and is where many of us live and play. 

Some of our coastal habitats are home to rare plant and animal species that are now only found within a few spots in South Australia.

Like many coastal areas around Australia, our remaining habitats are under pressure from development, growing populations and our love of the coast. This has unfortunately disturbed fragile environments, increased pollution and opened the door to weed invasion and feral animals.

What we do on land affects the health of our marine environment. To manage, understand and protect our coastal and marine environments we work in partnership with many other organisations including State Government departments and community groups. We are all responsible for the protection of this important natural asset.

We manage and protect more than 330 hectares of coastal vegetation with the help of trained staff, contractors and volunteers.

O'Sullivan Beach Shellfish Reef

A shellfish reef constructed in the waters off O'Sullivan Beach provides significant environmental benefits, local tourism and recreational opportunities.

Coastal adaptation

Using an evidence-based approach we have identified the action needed to help Onkaparinga’s coastal communities, infrastructure and ecosystems adjust to the impacts of climate change, particularly sea-level rise.

Hooded Plovers

The Hooded Plover is Australia's most threatened beach-nesting bird.
They lay their eggs directly on the beach and dunes from August to March each year.

Harmful algal bloom

Our coastline is being significantly impacted by a harmful algal bloom, resulting in the death of thousands of marine animals in recent months. Here are some frequently asked questions and further links for more information.

The South Port Noarlunga Dunes contain the last examples of some native plant species on Adelaide’s coastline.

Hooded Plovers are under threat of extinction. They make their nests on our beaches each summer and their tiny chicks need our support to allow them to feed near the water.

Pale Twinleaf (Zygophyllum glaucum). Many local native plants are at risk of becoming extinct in this region. They need our help to survive.