Albany Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Pabaju
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Albany Island (Pictured in center)
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Admiralty Plan No. 1937. Plan drawn in 1862 showing site on Albany Island advised for the proposed Cape York Station, and the best position for the township on the mainland opposite.
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| Geography | |
| Archipelago | Torres Strait Islands |
| Length | 6 km (3.7 mi) |
| Administration | |
Albany Island, also known as Pabaju, is a small island located off the north-eastern coast of Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Torres Strait Islands group. You can find it near the tip of the Cape York Peninsula, close to a place called Somerset.
Contents
Exploring Albany Island's Location
Albany Island is situated in the Adolphus Channel. This channel is a waterway that separates the island from the mainland. The island is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Bamaga. It is also about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southeast of the very tip of Cape York.
What is Albany Passage?
The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water called the Albany Passage. This passage is an important waterway in the area.
Island Features and Nature
Albany Island is part of the Maner group of islands. It is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long. The island was formed by volcanoes a long time ago. It also has beautiful coral reefs around its edges. These reefs are home to many different kinds of sea creatures.
Traditional Owners of the Land
The island is traditionally part of the land belonging to the Djagaraga or Gudang people. These Indigenous groups have lived in the Cape York area for thousands of years.
Early Surveys and Naming
In 1848, a British Royal Navy officer named Owen Stanley surveyed the island. He mapped out parts of it. A section of the island was then named Port Albany.
A Look Back at Albany Island's History
Albany Island has an interesting history. It was once a place where people collected sea cucumbers, which are a type of sea animal. This happened in 1862. Later, there was a plan to build a settlement on the island. However, the settlement was built on the nearby mainland instead, at Somerset, in 1863.
Modern Activities on the Island
Even in 1995, there was a farm on the island that collected trochus shells. These shells were used for making buttons and jewelry. Today, Albany Island is home to a working pearl farm. This farm grows pearls inside oysters.
The Tragic Sinking of the RMS Quetta
Albany Island is also known for a sad event in maritime history. In 1890, a passenger ship called the RMS Quetta sank very close to the island. The ship hit a rock that was not marked on any map. It sank extremely quickly, and 134 people lost their lives. This was one of Queensland's worst shipwrecks.
Naming the Island
The island was officially named Albany in 1846. It was named by Lieutenant Yule of the HMS Rattlesnake. He chose the name to honor Frederick, Duke of Albany. Frederick was the brother of King George IV.
