Gambier Islands Marine Park
General Marine Park Information
Covering a surface area of approximately 120km2, the Gambier Island Marine Park is the smallest marine park in South Australia. It is centered around Wedge Island in the mouth of Spencer Gulf, which houses a lighthouse, jetty and holiday accomodation. Wedge Island (and the surrounding smaller outcrops) are quite rocky in nature with exposed cliffs, some sandy beaches and extensive shallow and deep water reef systems.
There has been little fishing pressure over the years due to the isolation, resulting in some truly amazing fishing if you take the trouble to get out there. Charter tours are available from Pt. Lincoln and Marion Bay, or you can opt to fly in (there is a small airstrip) and stay on the island for several nights.
GPS Boundaries*
There are no specific GPS markers indicating intersections or boundary points around the island group. Rather, the marine park is designated as extending to a range of 3 kilometres (approx 1.6 nautical miles) out from median high water mark for the following locations:
- North Island
- Peaked Rocks
- South West Rock
- Wedge Island
Fishing Information
The fishing is excellent in pretty much any location around Wedge Island, be it offshore in a boat or just from the jetty, beach or shore rocks. Huge whiting (50cm+) are regularly caught here, as well as snapper, nannygai, flathead, tommy ruffs and the usual snook and sweep found on shallower reef systems.
Offshore in the deeper water, anglers encounter huge snapper, nannygai, trevally, Yellowtailed Kingfish, Blue Morwong, Samson Fish and even the odd tuna.
Wedge Island is also a favourite for divers, with the reef systems providing truly spectacular underwater scenery, plus the added bonus of plentiful abalone and southern rock lobster.