Green Island (Western Australia) facts for kids
Green Island is a small island located in Oyster Harbour. It is about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) northeast of Albany in Western Australia.
The island covers an area of about 2 hectares (5 acres). In 1988, it became a Class 1A Nature Reserve. This means it is a very special protected area for nature.
The closest land is Bayonet Head. This mainland point is about 750 meters (2,460 feet) northwest of the island.
Island History
Green Island got its name from George Vancouver. He was an explorer who visited the area in 1791. He also named Oyster Harbour during his visit.
When people first settled in Albany in 1826, they used Green Island for farming. They planted vegetables there. By 1830, there was a vegetable garden and a small hut for the gardener.
In 1991, a company called Ocean Foods started farming blue mussels near Green Island. They have special areas north and northeast of the island for this.
Wildlife and Reproduction
Green Island is a very important place for birds. It is known as a breeding ground for the Australian pelican. These large birds come to the island to lay their eggs and raise their young.
In 1993, experts counted about 7 active pelican nests on the island. Green Island is one of only four places in Western Australia where pelicans breed all the time. The other places are Mandurah, Shark Bay, and Rockingham.
You can sometimes see the breeding pelicans from a boat called the Kalgan Queen Riverboat. This boat travels near the island, which is a protected reserve.
Images for kids
-
Green Island from Bayonet Head
-
Green Island in Oyster Harbour from the lookout at Bayonet Head
