The GOLD COAST SPIT – A History
- 00:06 The Spit on the Gold Coast is around 100 years old and not an ancient landscape.
- 01:23 Longshore drift has contributed to the formation of the sand islands in the area.
- 02:01 The mouth of the narang river has shifted significantly over time due to erosion and sand deposition.
- 03:36 The canvas Wallace shipwreck in 1894 further added to the changes on the Northern end of the Gold Coast.
- 05:06 The formation of the spit accelerated due to erosion caused by the canvas Wallace shipwreck and sand accumulation in the Broadwater.
- 07:24 Mundarowa, a planned town, was washed away as the spit grew Southwards, reclaiming the area later.
- 09:23 Engineering projects starting in 1984 fixed the mouth of the narang river, created Wave Break Island, and stabilized the spit’s movement.
- 12:05 A pump was installed to manage sand accumulation and prevent the spit from growing further north.
- 13:23 The Spit is both a natural and man-made environment due to natural sand deposition and human intervention to control its growth and protect South Stradbroke Island.
Gold Coast Buyers Agents
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Discover the captivating story of The Spit on the Gold Coast, where nature’s forces and human engineering intermingle, shaping a unique landscape that has stood the test of time.
The formation of the sand islands in the area owes much to the fascinating phenomenon known as longshore drift, which has played a crucial role in shaping the picturesque coastline.
Over time, the mouth of the Narang River has undergone significant shifts due to the dual forces of erosion and sand deposition, creating an ever-changing landscape along The Spit.
One intriguing aspect of The Spit’s history is the presence of the canvas Wallace shipwreck, which occurred in 1894. This event not only left its mark on the Northern end of the Gold Coast but also contributed to the acceleration of the formation of The Spit through erosion and sand accumulation in the Broadwater.
As the sandy expanse continued to grow Southwards, it encountered Mundarowa, a planned town that was eventually washed away and later reclaimed by The Spit’s expansion.
Recognising the need for intervention, ambitious engineering projects were initiated in 1984. These initiatives aimed to stabilise The Spit’s movement, fix the mouth of the Narang River, and even gave rise to the creation of Wave Break Island, adding another layer of intrigue to the region’s narrative.
In an effort to manage sand accumulation and prevent The Spit from encroaching further north, a pump was ingeniously installed, exemplifying the harmony between human intervention and the natural environment.
Today, The Spit stands as a testament to the dynamic interplay between nature’s handiwork and human stewardship. Its unique blend of natural sand deposition and carefully orchestrated management initiatives showcases a delicate balance between preserving the environment and protecting the cherished South Stradbroke Island.
The journey to The Spit offers an opportunity to witness the captivating evolution of a landscape that continues to intrigue and inspire travellers from all walks of life. As we explore this ever-evolving haven, let us cherish the harmonious coexistence of nature’s wonders and human endeavours on the Gold Coast.