Cape Grafton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape Grafton |
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 Location in Queensland
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| Location | Yarrabah, Far North Queensland |
| Coordinates | 16°51′54″S 145°54′58″E / 16.865°S 145.916111°E |
| Geology | Headland |
Cape Grafton is a headland located in Queensland, Australia. It is found north-east of the city of Cairns. This important cape was named in 1770 by Lieutenant James Cook. He was on his first big trip of discovery around the world. Cook named it after Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton. FitzRoy was the British Prime Minister at that time.
When Cook visited, he anchored his ship about two miles from the shore. He then briefly explored the cape with two botanists, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander.
Today, the Aboriginal community of Yarrabah is located at Cape Grafton. John Gribble founded this community in 1892. The cape also protects a large area of mangrove forests in the southern part of Trinity Bay.
History of Cape Grafton
The land around Cape Grafton has a long and rich history. It is part of the traditional country of the Gunggay people. The Gunggay language is an Aboriginal language from Far North Queensland. It is also known by other names like Gunggandji and Yidiny. The Gunggay language region includes areas within the Cairns Regional Council and the Yarrabah Community Council. This shows the deep connection the Gunggay people have to this land.
