Hamelin Island facts for kids
Hamelin Island is a small island located off the southwest coast of Western Australia. It sits in Hamelin Bay, just north of Cape Hamelin. The island is about 7 kilometers (4 miles) north of Cape Leeuwin, a famous landmark.
People noticed the island's location a long time ago. It helps protect part of Hamelin Bay from strong winds and bad weather. This makes the bay a safer place for boats to anchor.
Rabbit Island: A Furry Past
Did you know Hamelin Island was once called Rabbit Island? In 1930, a Christmas newspaper called Western Mail (Western Australia) showed a picture of the island. It mentioned that rabbits used to live there. An article from 1911 also said that "rabbits were to be shot upon it." This means people could hunt rabbits on the island back then.
The island stands right athwart the jetty, about half a mile from the shore. At one time rabbits were to be shot upon it.
Shipwrecks Near the Island
Hamelin Bay is known for many shipwrecks. However, fewer ships have wrecked directly on Hamelin Island itself. One boat, the fishing vessel Toba, wrecked there in December 1933.
More recently, in July 2016, a big storm hit the bay. A lone sailor's boat crashed into rocks. The sailor had to leave their ship in a small tender boat. They found shelter on Hamelin Island until help arrived.
The Island's Lighthouse History
For sailors, finding their way around Cape Leeuwin can be tricky. So, in 1935, plans were made for an automatic light on Hamelin Island. This light would help guide ships safely past the cape.
The automatic light was built on the island between 1937 and 1938. It served as an important navigation aid for many years.
However, in 1967, the lighthouse was moved. It was relocated to higher ground on the mainland, behind Cape Hamelin.
