Holbourne Island National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holbourne Island National ParkQueensland |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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 Holbourne Island National Park
Location in Queensland
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| Established | 1982 |
| Area | 34 ha (84 acres) |
| Managing authorities | Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service |
| See also | Protected areas of Queensland |
Holbourne Island National Park is a special protected area in Queensland, Australia. It is located about 983 kilometers (611 miles) northwest of Brisbane. This beautiful island became a national park in 1982, which means it is protected to keep its nature safe for everyone.
Island History
Holbourne Island became famous in 1875 because of a shipwreck. The ship, called Gothenburg, sank nearby. Eighteen people who survived the wreck managed to reach the island's shores.
Four survivors arrived on a damaged lifeboat on February 25. They stayed alive by eating raw bird's eggs and drinking rainwater found in the island's rocks. The next day, 14 more survivors from another lifeboat also landed on the island.
Since they weren't sure if anyone would find them, the survivors carved their names into a large turtle shell. This special shell is now on display at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide.
On February 28, fifteen of the survivors left the island in a lifeboat. They headed for another island about 20 miles (32 kilometers) away to the south. They hoped this island would be closer to shipping routes. A rescue ship looking for Gothenburg survivors found this group and took them safely to Bowen. The ship then returned to Holbourne Island and rescued the three remaining survivors.
Wildlife and Nature
Today, Holbourne Island is known as a national park and a very important natural area. It is a safe home for many birds and a special place where sea turtles come to lay their eggs.
The island's beaches are vital nesting grounds for different types of turtles. These turtles return to the island year after year to lay their eggs in the sand. Many kinds of birds also live on or visit the island, making it a busy bird sanctuary.
Island Mysteries
Holbourne Island is sometimes called part of the Coral Sea's "Bermuda Triangle." This is because several strange events and disappearances of ships have happened in the area.
In 2001, a large ship called Pax Phoenix was passing Holbourne Island. An oil slick, which is a patch of oil on the water, was seen nearby. It was about 60 to 80 meters (200 to 260 feet) wide. People were worried about the island's wildlife. Luckily, the oil spread out into the sea naturally and did not harm the island or its animals.
Images for kids
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The Gothenburg Turtle Shell Roll, with names of survivors engraved on it.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Isla Holbourne para niños
