# Cape Borda

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This article is about the headland in South Australia. For the associated locality, see [Cape Borda, South Australia](/source/Cape_Borda%2C_South_Australia).

Place in South Australia

Place in South Australia, Australia

Cape Borda Cape Borda Lighthouse Cape Borda Coordinates: 35°44′57.2274″S 136°35′15.612″E / 35.749229833°S 136.58767000°E / -35.749229833; 136.58767000 Country Australia State South Australia Location 70 km (43 mi) west of Kingscote Elevation [1] 61 m (200 ft)

**Cape Borda** is a headland in the Australian state of [South Australia](/source/South_Australia) located in the gazetted locality of [Cape Borda](/source/Cape_Borda%2C_South_Australia) on the north west tip of [Kangaroo Island](/source/Kangaroo_Island) about 70 km (43 mi) west of the municipal seat of [Kingscote](/source/Kingscote%2C_South_Australia). It was named after [Jean-Charles de Borda](/source/Jean-Charles_de_Borda) (1733–1799), the French mathematician, physicist, naturalist and sailor, by the [Baudin expedition to Australia](/source/Baudin_expedition_to_Australia) during January 1803. It has been the site of an operating [lighthouse](/source/Cape_Borda_Lighthouse) since 1858 and is currently located within the [Flinders Chase National Park](/source/Flinders_Chase_National_Park).

## Description

Cape Borda is located in the gazetted locality of Cape Borda about 70 kilometres (43 miles) west of Kingscote. It is the most north westerly point of the Kangaroo Island coast.[2] It is the termination for a pair of coastlines – the western coastline extending from [Cape du Couedic](/source/Cape_du_Couedic) in the south and the northern coastline extending from [Point Marsden](/source/Point_Marsden) in the east. It is described as ‘a bold cliffy headland, 61 metres (200 feet) high’ with ‘the upper half of the cliff is formed of white limestone, and the lower half is very dark volcanic rock’ and that ‘the hills at the cape rise to a height of more than 152 metres (499 feet) and are covered with small scrub.’[1][3]

## Formation, geology & oceanography

Cape Borda was formed when the sea reached its present level 7,500 years ago after sea levels started to rise at the start of the [Holocene](/source/Holocene).[4] The cliff line which includes Cape Borda consists of base strata of a metasandstone belonging to the [Kanmantoo group](/source/Kanmantoo_group) bedrock such as Middleton Sandstone and Balquhidder Formation, overlaid by a relatively thick capping of Bridgewater Formation [calcarenite](/source/Calcarenite) rock.[4][5] The water adjoining the cliff face at Cape Borda drops to depths ranging between 20 metres (66 feet) to 30 metres (98 feet).[5]

## History

### Aboriginal use

By 1999, the literature had not cited any archaeological discoveries specific to [Aboriginal](/source/Australian_Aboriginal) use of land in the immediate vicinity of Cape Borda.[6]

### European discovery

Cape Borda was named in January 1803 by the Baudin expedition of 1800-03 in the memory of Jean-Charles de Borda (1733–1799), the French mathematician, physicist, naturalist and sailor.[7][*[need quotation to verify](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability)*]

## Navigation aid

Further information: [Cape Borda Lightstation](/source/Cape_Borda_Lightstation)

The lighthouse at Cape Borda was the third of three provided for by legislation; the others being erected at [Cape Willoughby](/source/Cape_Willoughby) and [Troubridge Shoals](/source/Troubridge_Shoals) (now called [Troubridge Island](/source/Troubridge_Island)). The light was officially lit on 13 July 1858 and was named the ‘Flinders Light’ in August 1858 in memory of [Matthew Flinders](/source/Matthew_Flinders).[8][9][10]

## Fauna

The coast near the Cape Borda lighthouse previously supported colonies of [little penguins](/source/Little_penguins)[11] which are now believed to be extinct. Causes for local extinction are likely to include (but not be limited to) [predation](/source/Predation) by increasing [New Zealand fur seal](/source/New_Zealand_fur_seal) populations and changes in prey availability.[12]

## Protected area status

Cape Borda is currently located within the [protected area](/source/Protected_area) known as the Flinders Chase National Park.[13] As of 2012, the waters surrounding its shores are part of a sanctuary zone located within the boundaries of the [Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park](/source/Western_Kangaroo_Island_Marine_Park).[14]

## Climate

Climate data for Cape Borda (143m ASL) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 39.0 (102.2) 37.9 (100.2) 34.0 (93.2) 29.2 (84.6) 24.8 (76.6) 20.4 (68.7) 20.0 (68.0) 22.0 (71.6) 26.5 (79.7) 32.6 (90.7) 34.4 (93.9) 37.0 (98.6) 39.0 (102.2) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 23.0 (73.4) 23.3 (73.9) 21.3 (70.3) 18.7 (65.7) 16.4 (61.5) 14.6 (58.3) 13.9 (57.0) 14.0 (57.2) 15.1 (59.2) 16.9 (62.4) 19.4 (66.9) 21.2 (70.2) 18.2 (64.8) Daily mean °C (°F) 18.4 (65.1) 18.8 (65.8) 17.5 (63.5) 15.6 (60.1) 13.8 (56.8) 12.2 (54.0) 11.5 (52.7) 11.5 (52.7) 12.2 (54.0) 13.5 (56.3) 15.3 (59.5) 16.9 (62.4) 14.8 (58.6) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 13.8 (56.8) 14.3 (57.7) 13.6 (56.5) 12.4 (54.3) 11.2 (52.2) 9.8 (49.6) 9.1 (48.4) 8.9 (48.0) 9.3 (48.7) 10.0 (50.0) 11.2 (52.2) 12.5 (54.5) 11.3 (52.3) Record low °C (°F) 6.1 (43.0) 8.0 (46.4) 7.2 (45.0) 6.7 (44.1) 3.3 (37.9) 1.8 (35.2) 2.2 (36.0) 2.2 (36.0) 2.8 (37.0) 3.3 (37.9) 4.1 (39.4) 6.0 (42.8) 1.8 (35.2) Average rainfall mm (inches) 15.4 (0.61) 16.9 (0.67) 23.7 (0.93) 45.2 (1.78) 79.0 (3.11) 106.4 (4.19) 104.2 (4.10) 86.5 (3.41) 55.3 (2.18) 41.7 (1.64) 26.1 (1.03) 21.0 (0.83) 625.9 (24.64) Average rainy days 5.4 5.0 7.5 11.9 17.1 19.6 21.2 19.8 16.0 12.8 8.7 7.5 152.5 Average relative humidity (%) (at 3pm) 54 55 59 65 71 73 74 72 70 65 59 58 64 Source: [15]

## See also

- [Loch Sloy](/source/Loch_Sloy)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Pub175_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Pub175_1-1) [*Sailing Directions (Enroute),*Pub. 175:*North, West, and South Coasts of Australia*](https://msi.nga.mil/api/publications/download?key=16694491/SFH00000/Pub175bk.pdf&type=view) (PDF). *[Sailing Directions](/source/Sailing_Directions)*. [United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency](/source/National_Geospatial-Intelligence_Agency). 2017. p. 212.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-PLB_2-0)** ["Search result for "Cape Borda (Locality Bounded)" (Record no SA0050434 ) with the following layers being selected - "Suburbs and Localities", "Local Government Areas" and "Hundreds""](https://web.archive.org/web/20161012010923/http://maps.sa.gov.au/plb/). Government of South Australia. Archived from [the original](http://maps.sa.gov.au/plb/#) on 12 October 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Chart14and22_3-0)** 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. Charts 14 & 22, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7243-7603-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7243-7603-2)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-BSKIpage26_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-BSKIpage26_4-1) Robinson, A. C.; Armstrong, D. M. (eds.). [*A Biological Survey of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, 1989 & 1990*](http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/fb13b9bf-5c8e-445c-9c3c-a1c600c14815/ki-biological-survey-climate-geology-landuse-gen.pdf) (PDF). Adelaide, SA: Heritage and Biodiversity Section, Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, South Australia. p. 26. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0 7308 5862 6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0_7308_5862_6). Retrieved 1 May 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MESA47page28_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MESA47page28_5-1) Fairclough, Martin C (December 2007). ["KINGSCOTE Special 1:250 000 geological map"](https://sarigbasis.pir.sa.gov.au/WebtopEw/ws/samref/gui/image/DDD/MESAJ047.pdf.). *MESA Journal*. **47**. Government of South Australia, DMITRE: 28–31. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1326-3544](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1326-3544). Retrieved 18 May 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Robinson, A. C.; Armstrong, D. M. (eds.). [*A Biological Survey of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, 1989 & 1990*](http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/fb13b9bf-5c8e-445c-9c3c-a1c600c14815/ki-biological-survey-climate-geology-landuse-gen.pdf) (PDF). Adelaide, SA: Heritage and Biodiversity Section, Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, South Australia. pp. 34–35. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0 7308 5862 6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0_7308_5862_6). Retrieved 1 May 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-page119_7-0)** Robinson, A. C.; Canty, P.; Mooney, T.; Rudduck, P. (1996). ["South Australia's offshore islands"](http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/5a7dbb25-70b9-4ceb-bbfd-a25800961994/offshore-islands-gen.pdf) (PDF). Australian Heritage Commission. p. 119. Retrieved 13 December 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["SIR H. E. F. YOUNG"](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8778677). Colonial Times. 4 January 1855. p. 2. Retrieved 24 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Cape Borda Lighthouse, Kangaroo Island – Notice to Mariners"](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7298011). The Argus. 23 July 1858. p. 4. Retrieved 24 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Cape Borda Lighthouse"](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49781450). South Australian Register. 30 July 1858. p. 3. Retrieved 24 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["The Ornithologists' Camp. Interesting and successful research."](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4973685) *The Advertiser*, South Australia (1905-10-25). Retrieved 2014-03-12.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Wiebkin, A. S. (2011) [Conservation management priorities for little penguin populations in Gulf St Vincent. Report to Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board.](http://www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/Portals/2/Coast/Reports/FINAL%20for%20web%20-%20penguin%20report%2013-9-11.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140222182949/http://www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/Portals/2/Coast/Reports/FINAL%20for%20web%20-%20penguin%20report%2013-9-11.pdf) 22 February 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) *South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences)*, Adelaide. SARDI Publication No. F2011/000188-1. SARDI Research Report Series No.588. 97pp.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area and Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area Management Plans"](http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/937b2d35-3d3e-41f0-9e9e-9e4f00b1a9a9/PARKS_PDFS_KI_MISC_MP.pdf) (PDF). Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs. 1999. p. 5. Retrieved 1 May 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Western Kangaroo Island Park Management plan summary"](http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/5531fc53-c6cf-4f8c-b518-a11700a1d969/mp-gen-16westernkangarooisland-managementplan.pdf) (PDF). Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. p. 27 of 29. Retrieved 23 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Bureau_of_Meteorology_15-0)** ["Climate Data Online"](http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_022801_All.shtml). Retrieved 14 January 2018.

## External links

- [Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources official page for Cape Borda Lightstation](http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Find_a_Park/Browse_by_region/Kangaroo_Island/Cape_Borda_Lightstation)

- Rowlett, Russ. ["Lighthouses of Australia: South Australia"](https://www.ibiblio.org/lighthouse/sa.htm). *The Lighthouse Directory*. [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/source/University_of_North_Carolina_at_Chapel_Hill).

v t e Kangaroo Island Major townships American River Kingscote Parndana Penneshaw Beaches American Beach Baudin Beach Brown Beach D'Estrees Bay Emu Bay Island Beach Nepean Bay Vivonne Bay Coastal features Western end of island Cape Borda Cape du Couedic Cape Gantheaume D'Estrees Bay Fides Bluff Maupertuis Bay Nepean Bay Pelican Lagoon Point Marsden Ravine des Casoars Stokes Bay Vivonne Bay Dudley Peninsula Cape St Albans Cape Willoughby Kangaroo Head Moncrieff Bay Pink Bay Protected areas National parks Flinders Chase Conservation parks Baudin Beatrice Islet Beyeria Busby Islet Cape Gantheaume Cape Willoughby Cygnet Estuary Dudley Kelly Hill Lashmar Lathami Lesueur Mount Taylor Nepean Bay Parndana Pelican Lagoon Seal Bay Seddon Simpson Vivonne Bay Marine parks Encounter Western Kangaroo Island Southern Kangaroo Island Wilderness Protection Areas Cape Bouguer Cape Gantheaume Cape Torrens Ravine des Casoars Western River Islands adjacent to Kangaroo Island coast Beatrice Islets Busby Islet Casuarina Islets Douglas Rock Nobby Islet Paisley Islet Pelican Lagoon Islets Pelorus Islet Related and uncategorised 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires County of Carnarvon Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island Hundred of Dudley Kangaroo Island Council Kangaroo Island wine region Kingscote Airport Middle River Reservoir Category Commons

v t e Australian places named by French explorers in the 18th and 19th centuries South Australia Cape Bedout Cape Borda Cape Bouguer Cape Carnot Casuarina Islets (Îlots du Cassuarina) Cape du Couedic D'Estrees Bay (Baie d'Estrées) Dorothee Island (Île Dorothée) Fenelon Island Fleurieu Peninsula Cape Forbin Cape Gantheaume Guichen Bay (Baie de Guichen) Jussieu Peninsula Lacepede Bay Masillon Island Maupertuis Bay (Baie Maupertuis) Ravine des Casoars Rivoli Bay (Baie de Rivoli) Cape Thevenard Veteran Isles (Île du Vétéran) Vivonne Bay (Baie Vivonne) Western Australia Adele Island Bernier Island Bonaparte Archipelago Bonaparte Gulf Cape Bossut Cape Bouvard Cape Clairault Faure Island Cape Freycinet Freycinet Harbour Gantheaume Point Geographe Bay Hamelin Pool Institut Islands Cape Keraudren Lagrange Bay Lancelin Island Cape Latouche Treville Legendre Island Cape Leveque L'Haridon Bight Cape Mentelle Middle Island (Îles du Milieu) Montalivet Islands Montebello Islands Cape Naturaliste Peron Peninsula Recherche Archipelago (Archipel de la Recherche) Taillefer Isthmus Thevenard Island Only places with the name still in use in either the original or anglicised version are listed above. Many names have been anglicised; for these the original French name appears in brackets.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Cape Borda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Borda) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Borda?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.