Cape Jervis
Dear Reader:
Cape Jervis is a rugged promontory at the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula overlooking Backstair’s Passage. It lies about 110 kms south of Adelaide along South Road. The little township is a fishing community with a lighthouse and the terminal for the Kangaroo Island ferry. The location was named by Matthew Flinders after John Jervis; a seaman who rose to the rank ‘Lord of the Admiralty’.
Ferry landing
The drive into Cape Jervis passes by open farmland and patches of scrub where there are often kangaroos grazing sometimes alongside sheep. Crows, magpies, rosellas and many smaller bird species including wrens live in the natural vegetation along with a variety of insects and reptiles. Occasionally wedge tailed eagles are seen circling on thermals searching for prey.
Kestrel hunting
The shoreline is strewn with pebbles and jagged outcrops of rock creating numerous rock pools. This intertidal zone is the habitat of numerous invertebrate species such as; crabs, anemones, sea snails, limpets and shrimps. Wading birds including oystercatchers, plovers and herons feed in this zone as well as gulls. Cormorants can often be seen drying their wings on the rocks.
Raven feeding on breakwater
Below the water the rocky shoreline is dominated by brown algae and silver drummer, sea sweep, kelp fish, morwong and parrot fish are just a few of the many fish species that live in the shallow margin close to shore.
Crab in algae
Further notes and comments:
- Snorkelling along the foreshore requires care as the rocks are sharp and entry to the water can be difficult. There is also a strong rip current running parallel to the shoreline so stay in shallow water.
- A pathway runs from the lighthouse to the beach front
- There are snacks for sale and public toilets at the terminal
- A variety of fish can be caught in this area from the shore and boats
- There is a public boat ramp
- Charter fishing excursions can be arranged from Cape Jervis
- The lookout on the left hand side entering the town provides sweeping views of Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island
- Southern right whales and dolphins are sometimes spotted in Backstairs Passage
- The Heysen Trail walk that goes all the way to the Flinders ranges begins here
Cheers
Baz
I have recently spent time in Africa and the link below will allow you to enjoy images and text describing some of my encounters with the wonderful wildlife of Botswana and Zambia. I will attach a new image and notes to accompany each post.
Naturally South Australia 
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