Wilsons Promontory
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Wilsons Promontory [1] is a peninsula that forms the southernmost part of the Australian mainland and is located at 39°02′S 146°23′E / 39.033°S 146.383°E. South Point at 39°08′06″S 146°22′32″E / 39.135°S 146.37556°E is the southernmost tip of Wilsons Promontory and hence of mainland Australia. Located at nearby South East Point, (39°07′S 146°25′E / 39.117°S 146.417°E) is the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse.
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[edit] Human History
Evidence of Aboriginal occupation at Wilsons Promontory dates back at least 6,500 years and the park is highly significant to the Gunai–Kurnai and the Boonerwrung Clans who call it Yiruk and Warnoon respectively.[2]
The first European to see the promontory was George Bass in January 1798.[3] He initially referred to it as "Furneaux's Land" in his diary, believing it to be what Captain Furneaux had previously seen. But on returning to Port Jackson and consulting with Matthew Flinders he was convinced that the location was so different it could not be that land. Bass and Flinders recommended the name Wilsons Promontory to Governor Hunter, honouring Flinders' friend from London Thomas Wilson. Little is known of Wilson except that he was a merchant engaged in trade with Australia.[4]
The promontory has been a National Park, to one degree or another, since 1898. Wilsons Promontory National Park, also known locally as "the Prom", contains the largest coastal wilderness area in Victoria. The site was closed to the public during World War II, as it was used as a commando training ground. The only settlement within Wilsons Promontory is Tidal River which lies 30 km south of the park boundary and is the focus for tourism and recreation. This park is managed by Parks Victoria.[1]
In 2005 a burn started by staff got out of control and burnt 13% of the park, causing the evacuation of campers. [2]
A lightning strike on 8 February 2009 struck the Eastern side in the Cathedral Range near Sealers Cove, and has burned approx. 88Ha to this point. Since the fire is 11km ENE of Tidal River and there is a southerly wind, unless there is a change in direction, Tidal River will be unaffected. As a precautionary measure, Tidal River camping ground was evacuated and closed to the public until further notice.[3] (Update, 16 March 2009 -- The total area finally affected was approximately 25,000 Ha, mostly in the northern part of the Park. A map of the affected area appears at http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mresources/fire/prom-map.pdf. All fires are now under control. It is expected that the Tidal River camping area will be re-opened for Easter, although major walking tracks such as those to Sealers Cove and the Lighthouse will remain closed for the time being.)
[edit] Geography
Coastal features include expansive intertidal mudflats, sandy beaches and sheltered coves interrupted by prominent headlands and plunging granite cliffs in the south, backed by coastal dunes and swamps.
[edit] Rivers
Tidal River is the main river in Wilsons Promontory. It runs into Norman Bay and swells with the tide (hence the name 'Tidal River'). The river is a very interesting colour, a purple-yellow. This is due to the large amount of tea trees in the area, which stain the water with tannin, giving it a tea-like appearance.
[edit] Wildlife
Wilsons Promontory is home to many marsupials, native birds and other creatures. One of the most common marsupials found in the prom is the wombat, which can be found in much of the park (especially around camp-sites where it has been known to invade tents searching for food). The peninsula is also home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and emus. Some of the most common birds found on the promontory include crimson rosellas, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos and superb fairy-wrens.
[edit] References
- Wilsons Promontory Resources, Parks Victoria [4]
- ^ "Wilsons Promontory". Gazetteer of Australia. Geoscience Australia. http://www.ga.gov.au/bin/gazd01?rec=258451. Retrieved on 2009-06-14.
- ^ Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, Parkweb Victoria
- ^ A Voyage to Terra Australis by Matthew Flinders at Project Gutenberg
- ^ The Life of Captain Matthew Flinders by Ernest Scott at Project Gutenberg
