Bulwer Island facts for kids
Bulwer Island from Fort Lytton
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Australia |
| Coordinates | 27°24′30″S 153°08′25″E / 27.40833°S 153.14028°E |
| Area | 1.2 km2 (0.46 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| State | Queensland |
| City | Pinkenba |
Bulwer Island is a small island located at the mouth of the Brisbane River in Queensland, Australia. It covers about 1.2 square kilometers (120 hectares). This island was created by adding land to a natural mangrove area. It is part of the suburb called Pinkenba in Brisbane.
The island is named after Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton. He was a British politician who played a key role in making Queensland a separate colony from New South Wales in 1859. He also appointed Sir George Bowen as Queensland's first Governor.
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History of Bulwer Island
Bulwer Island has seen several important developments over the years. It has changed from a natural tidal island to an industrial area.
Plane Crash Event
In May 1961, a TAA DC-4 airliner crashed onto Bulwer Island. This happened while the plane was trying to land at Brisbane Airport. The pilot became unable to control the aircraft, which led to the plane diving into the island's muddy ground.
Oil Refinery Operations
Starting in 1963, more land was added to Bulwer Island. This connected the island to the mainland. An oil refinery began operating on the island in 1965. An oil refinery is a factory that processes crude oil into useful products like gasoline and diesel. In 2015, the refinery was changed into an import terminal. This means it now receives and stores refined oil products instead of making them.
Bulwer Island Lighthouse
A lighthouse called the Bulwer Island Light once stood on the island. It was active from 1912 to 1983. Lighthouses help guide ships safely, especially at night or in bad weather. This lighthouse was part of a pair of "leading lights." These are two lights that, when lined up, show ships the correct path. In 1983, a modern metal tower replaced the old lighthouse. The original Bulwer Island Light was then moved to the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane. You can still see it there today.
