Bunker Bay Reserve

Statement of Significance

Bunker Bay Reserve, a largely untouched natural resource, has cultural heritage significance as a place that holds high scientific significance as it contains fine examples of sea cliffs and sea caves. The site continually draws widespread local interest as a recreation area, exemplifying geological unconformity, particularly one outlining the main principles of geological science. The caves boast a spectacular collection of stalactite and other limestone cave features. Its importance is also attributed to its potential as a source of knowledge for geology students. There has also been international interest with visits by International Geological Congress parties.

Physical Description

A largely natural coastline site. Spectacular cliff exposures on the west side of Bunker Bay, near Cape Naturaliste, show the unconformable contact between high-grade metamorphic gneiss of the late Proterozoic Leeuwin Complex (550 million-570 million years) overlain by beds of Pleistocene Tamala Limestone (approximately 100,000 years). The top surface of the underlying gneisses formed a wave cut platform which is essentially flat, but with indentations and hollows, now filled with coarse marine conglomerate, the first of the Pleistocene sediments; these are followed by typically cross bedded Aeolian Tamala Limestone. About 1km west of the bay, a sea cave, which is cut into the gneiss but roofed by the limestone at the plane of unconformity, is a further attractive feature, as are the abundant stalactites within the cave.

History

The area was partly developed for farming and used for fishing and recreation in a low-key manner until the late twentieth century when a fresh round of development was contemplated. The place now has a resort development under construction outside the reserve area.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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