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The Patawalonga Lake system—locally nicknamed “The Pat”—is an artificial lagoon managed by the State Government. It plays an important role in local flood prevention, stormwater management, and marine ecology.
This location was very important for the local Kaurna people, who call it Pathawilyangga, meaning 'Swamp gums and foliage, young branches, brushwood'. It is a sheltered area, protected by a large dune on the beach side, with lots of nearby freshwater, food, and cultural resources such as reeds that could be used for weaving. The 'lake' was once a shallow creek, fed by four creeks at its northern end: Sturt Creek, Brownhill Creek, Keswick Creek, and Pathawilyangga Creek.
Where “The Pat” meets Gulf St Vincent, a boat lock operates to maintain water levels within the system. This important facility is owned and managed by Council, allowing fishing and leisure boats to pass between the gulf and the sheltered marinas.
Patawalonga Lake Emergencies
• Life-threatening: 000 (all hours)
• Flood events (S.E.S): 132 500 (all hours)
• Environmental (E.P.A): 8204 2004 (all hours)
Boat Lock Emergencies
• Life threatening: 000 (all hours)
• To report a fault: (08) 8406 2600 (all hours)
• General operational information: (08) 8229 9999 (Monday to Friday, 8.30 am - 5 pm)
Patawalonga Dolphins
The local Adelaide population of bottlenose dolphins regularly swim into the Pat when the lock is open, to hunt for fish. There are eight weir gates that open twice a day and these clever animals have figured this out and make their way in and out as they please.
- Dolphins are regularly seen in the Patawalonga, it is not a problem.
- Dolphins often swim into the Pat when the weir gates are open, looking for fish.
- Dolphins are very capable in this environment and can find their way out when they need to.
There are eight weir gates that open twice a day, except for a dodge tide, and the dolphins use these to make their way in and out of the Patawalonga.
If you see dolphins stuck in the boat lock, please call 8406 2600 to release the dolphins.
To find out more about them please go to the Patawalonga Dolphins website.