Coffin Bay National Park hosts an impressive array of wildlife. Western grey kangaroos and emus are commonly seen throughout the park. The coastal areas provide important habitat for numerous bird species, including white-bellied sea-eagles, osprey, and various shorebirds. The waters around the park are home to bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions, and occasional visits from southern right whales during migration. The park's diverse ecosystems also support reptiles such as sleepy lizards, sand goannas, and various snake species.
The park supports diverse vegetation communities adapted to coastal conditions. Coastal heath dominates the landscape, featuring coastal wattle, coastal beard-heath, and various saltbush species. The protected areas contain stands of drooping sheoak and coastal mallee, while samphire flats occur in low-lying saline areas. The park is also home to several threatened plant species, including the winter spider-orchid and the silver candles. Seagrass meadows in the adjacent marine areas provide crucial habitat for marine life and help stabilize the coastal environment.
The park's landscape was shaped by ancient geological processes and sea level changes over millions of years. The coastline features dramatic limestone cliffs, formed during the Pleistocene epoch, rising up to 50 meters above sea level. The park's distinctive dune systems consist of both stable, vegetated dunes and mobile sand dunes. The underlying bedrock is primarily composed of calcarenite limestone, which has been eroded over time to create the park's characteristic rugged coastal features, including numerous caves and rock platforms.
The park was named after Sir Isaac Coffin, a Royal Navy admiral, by Matthew Flinders during his 1802 exploration of the South Australian coast. The area has a rich Indigenous history, with the Nauo people being the traditional custodians of the land for thousands of years. European settlement began in the 1840s, primarily for pastoral activities. The park was officially established in 1982 to protect the unique coastal landscape and diverse ecosystems. Historical remnants of early pastoral activities, including old fencing and water points, can still be found throughout the park.
The park's most striking features include the pristine Seven Mile Beach, the rugged Point Sir Isaac cliffs, and the spectacular Yangie Bay. Golden Beach offers excellent surf fishing opportunities, while Yangie Bay provides a sheltered area for swimming and kayaking. The park features several walking trails, including the Point Sir Isaac hike and the Yangie Bay Loop Trail, offering visitors panoramic coastal views. Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can explore remote beaches and sand dunes via designated tracks. The park also contains several designated camping areas, with Yangie Bay being the most accessible and well-equipped.
Coffin Bay National Park experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 25-35°C (77-95°F), while winter temperatures average 12-18°C (54-64°F). The region receives most of its rainfall between May and August, with an annual average of 500mm. Strong southerly winds are common, especially in the afternoon, making the area popular for windsurfing. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and are advised to check weather forecasts before engaging in outdoor activities.
Australia
-34.6170°, 135.2830°
1982
310
Coffin Bay National Park features pristine coastal scenery and sheltered waters. The park is known for its extensive sand dunes, limestone cliffs, and abundant marine life. It offers excellent opportunities for fishing, camping, and four-wheel driving.