Paisley Islet is approximately 104 kilometres (65 miles) west south-west ofKingscote. It is an extension of the southern headland of West Bay and is only separated from the mainland by tide or wind driven waves. It can be reached by walking along the rock isthmus at low tide.[1]
Paisley Islet was formed about 7500 years ago after sea levels rose at the start of theHolocene.[2] The islet consists of basement rock ofKanmantoo group metasandstone which extends to the mainland. The central portion of the islet is topped with a layer of Bridgewater Formationcalcarenite which is in turn capped with a layer ofcalcrete. Layers of soil lie in depressions within the calcrete layer.[1] The islet is located in waters of a depth of about 9.1 metres (30 feet) that partially concealwave-cut platforms and that are subject to rolling seas.[3]
The islet is part of the Flinders Chase National Park and has been specifically proclaimed as a prohibited area in order to protect breeding seabirds such as crested terns.[1][4]Since December 2012, the waters around the islet has been part of a habitat protection zone located within the boundaries of theWestern Kangaroo Island Marine Park.[5]
^abcdeRobinson A. C.; Canty, P.; Mooney, T.; Rudduck, P. (1996)."South Australia's offshore islands"(PDF). Australian Heritage Commission. p. 295. Retrieved13 December 2013.
^South Australia. Department of Marine and Harbors (1985),The Waters of South Australia a series of charts, sailing notes and coastal photographs, Dept. of Marine and Harbors, South Australia, pp. Chart 14,ISBN978-0-7243-7603-2
^Robinson A. C.; Canty, P.; Mooney, T.; Rudduck, P. (1996)."South Australia's offshore islands"(PDF). Australian Heritage Commission. p. 147. Retrieved13 December 2013.
