Coquet Island (Queensland) facts for kids
Geography | |
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Location | Coral Sea |
Archipelago | Cole Islands |
Administration | |
Australia
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State | Queensland |
Local government area | Shire of Cook |
Coquet Island is a small island in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It's part of the amazing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This island is the easternmost one in the Cole Islands group. It lies about 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) south-east of Cape Melville.
What is Coquet Island?
Coquet Island is a special type of island called a sand cay. This means it's a small, low island made mostly of sand and coral. It's located about 25 kilometers (about 15 miles) from the mainland coast. The island covers an area of about 40 hectares. That's roughly the size of 100 football fields!
Home to Wildlife
Even though it's small, Coquet Island is a very important place for nature. It has lots of plants like coconut palms and sisal. These plants create a perfect home for many different animals.
- Birds: Many birds use the island as a safe place to rest and nest.
- Turtles: It's also a vital spot for green turtles and hawksbill turtles. These amazing sea creatures come to Coquet Island to lay their eggs.
Island Features
You might notice a large steel tower on Coquet Island. This tower is used for important work. It helps with reef research, allowing scientists to study the Great Barrier Reef. It also helps with navigation, guiding ships safely through the waters.
Coquet Island is a protected area. It's part of a national park, which helps keep its natural beauty and wildlife safe for the future.