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Low Island (Queensland) facts for kids

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Low Island
Low Isles panorama.jpg
Low Island is on the right.
Geography
Location Northern Australia
Coordinates 16°23′10″S 145°33′32″E / 16.386°S 145.559°E / -16.386; 145.559
Area 0.02 km2 (0.0077 sq mi)
Administration
State Queensland

Low Island is a small island located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of Port Douglas in Trinity Bay, Queensland, Australia. This island is quite small, only about 0.02 square kilometers (or 2 hectares) in size. It's one of the Low Isles, which also includes Woody Island, another island made of coral and mangroves where no one lives.

These islands are surrounded by a large coral reef, covering about 55 acres. The Low Isles area is a special Marine National Park Zone. This means it's protected to keep its marine life safe. Many people visit Low Island every day. Tour boats bring visitors to explore its beauty. There's a calm lagoon where private boats can anchor for the night, but you can't stay overnight on the island itself. You'll find a weather station and an active lighthouse on the island.

Rules for Visiting Low Island

Because Low Island is part of a protected marine park, there are important rules to follow to keep it safe and beautiful.

Boating and Water Sports

  • You are not allowed to fish in the lagoon or in a special buffer zone around the islands.
  • Motorized water sports, like jet skis, are not permitted in this area.
  • There is a speed limit of 6 knots for boats around the islands.

On the Island

  • You cannot have open fires of any kind on either Low Island or Woody Island.
  • Dogs are not allowed on either island.
  • The islands are closed between sunset and sunrise, meaning you cannot access them during these hours.

History of Low Island

Low Island has been a significant landmark for many years, especially for sailors because of its lighthouse.

Notable Event

On September 4, 2006, a well-known wildlife expert, Steve Irwin, was involved in a tragic incident with a stingray at Batt Reef, which is east of Low Island. He was brought to Low Island, where he passed away.

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