Bird Islands (Queensland) facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Australia |
| Coordinates | 11°47′24″S 143°04′59″E / 11.790°S 143.083°E |
| Area | 0.21 km2 (0.081 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| State | Queensland |
The Bird Islands are two small islands located in the northern part of Shelburne Bay. You can find them in far north Queensland, Australia. They are about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) north of Cape Grenville, which is on the Cape York Peninsula. These islands are a part of the amazing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Together, the Bird Islands cover an area of about 21 hectares, which is roughly the size of 21 international rugby fields.
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Discovering the Bird Islands
The Bird Islands are a pair of tiny landmasses in a very special part of Australia. They are not very big, but their location makes them important. Being part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park means they are protected. This protection helps keep the natural environment safe for all the plants and animals that live there.
Where are the Bird Islands located?
These islands are found off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Queensland is a large state in the northeastern part of Australia. The Bird Islands are quite far north, close to the tip of the Cape York Peninsula. This area is known for its beautiful coastline and clear waters. The islands are surrounded by the Coral Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean.
How big are the Bird Islands?
The total area of the Bird Islands is about 0.21 square kilometers, or 21 hectares. To give you an idea, a hectare is about the size of a soccer field. So, these two islands together are roughly the size of 21 soccer fields. They are considered very small islands.
What does "uninhabited" mean for the islands?
The Bird Islands are "uninhabited," which means no people live there permanently. This is common for many small islands, especially those in protected marine parks. Without people living on them, these islands can remain wild and natural. This helps to preserve the habitats for birds, marine life, and other creatures that might visit or live on the islands.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
The Bird Islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This is one of the world's largest and most famous marine parks. It protects a huge area of coral reefs, islands, and ocean.
Why is the Marine Park important?
The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of different kinds of fish, corals, and other marine animals. It's like a giant underwater city! The Marine Park helps to protect this incredible ecosystem from harm. This means rules are in place to make sure the reef stays healthy for future generations. Islands like the Bird Islands play a role in this park by providing safe places for wildlife.
What kind of wildlife might be found near the islands?
Even though the islands are small and uninhabited by humans, they are likely visited by many types of wildlife. Birds might use them as resting or nesting spots. The surrounding waters would be full of marine life typical of the Great Barrier Reef, such as colorful fish, sea turtles, and various types of coral.
