Wedge Island (Western Australia)

Wedge Island is located north of Lancelin and south of Cervantes on the Western Australian coast.

The name mainly refers to the mainland settlement but also refers to a 400-metre (1,300 ft) long wedge shaped island located just south of "the point". The island itself is a declared nature reserve. The settlement of Grey is about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) north-west. Both are within the Shire of Dandaragan.

The island occupies an area 4.03 hectares (9.96 acres) and is situated 200 metres (656 ft) from the mainland. The island has a maximum elevation of 21 m (69 ft).

It lies within the Turquoise Coast islands nature reserve group, a chain of 40 islands spread over a distance of 150 kilometres (93 mi) from north to south.

Wedge Island was named after government surveyor Charles Wedge, in 1875 by Staff-Commander William Edwin Archdeacon R.N., who was in charge of the Admiralty survey of the coast of Western Australia.

The settlement is now home to approximately 350 beach shacks on unvested land that are used by crayfishermen and holiday-goers. A new sealed road, Indian Ocean Drive, was opened in September 2010, and there are claims that this has changed the local environment.

Wedge can also be accessed via the beach if the tide is out. The beach is very soft during summer and many vehicles become bogged or are swept into the water. There is no access at any time through the military range. Trespassers face large fines and possible loss of vehicle if caught.

Wedge is often quiet during the cooler months but during major public holidays such as Christmas, New Years Day and Australia Day there are people in nearly every shack. Camping in the area is now officially prohibited. It is estimated that 14,000 individuals may use the shacks at Wedge and Grey. There are no shops, mains electricity nor running water, so generators are common. Activities include four wheel driving, sand boarding, surfing and kitesurfing, fishing, swimming and snorkeling. Motorbike riding has been banned in the area surrounding Wedge Island after many accidents resulted in people needing to be air lifted to get medical attention. The ranger now hands out fines to those caught using unlicensed vehicles in the vicinity, or leaving rubbish there.

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Wikipedia