Maʼalpiku Island National Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Maʼalpiku Island National Park Queensland
IUCN Category II (National Park)
Restoration Island, Cape York
Maʼalpiku Island National Park Location in Queensland
Nearest town or city	Lockhart River
Established	1989
Area	26 ha (64 acres)
Managing authorities	Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Website	Maʼalpiku Island National Park
See also	Protected areas of Queensland

Maʼalpiku Island National Park, also known as Restoration Island, is a special protected area in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is located near Iron Range in the Shire of Cook. The park is about 1928 kilometers (1198 miles) northwest of Brisbane. It is also very close to Cape Weymouth and the Iron Range National Park. The park includes part of Restoration Island and a smaller spot called Restoration Rock.

Island Environment and Landscape

This island is a continental island, meaning it was once connected to the mainland. It rises to a height of 116 meters (380 feet). The landscape here is quite interesting. You can find large granite boulders and thick, closed scrub. There are also open areas with paperbark trees and heath plants shaped by the wind.

A Glimpse into the Island's History

Captain Bligh's Visit in 1789

On May 29, 1789, a famous event happened near this island. After the mutiny on the Bounty, Captain Bligh and his loyal crew arrived here. They were in the ship's small boat. This was the first Australian island they reached. Bligh named it Restoration Island. He chose this name because the food they found, like oysters and native fruits, greatly helped them feel better. Also, that day was Oak Apple Day, which celebrates the return of King Charles II to the throne in 1660.

Signs of Early Inhabitants

Captain Bligh noticed signs that Aboriginal people had used the island. He saw rough huts and places where fires had been made. He also saw kangaroo tracks. Bligh wondered if the Aboriginal people brought kangaroos from the mainland to the island. He thought they might do this to make them easier to catch later, as the island was a smaller, more enclosed space. The next day, as they left, Bligh saw Aboriginal people on the opposite shore but did not talk to them.

Life on Restoration Island Today

David Glasheen: The Island Resident

Today, Restoration Island is not just a national park. About one-third of the island is leased to a man named David Glasheen. He was once a very successful mining businessman. After losing his money, he decided to live a quiet life alone on the island.

Glasheen lives in an old World War II outpost on Ma'alpiku Island. He has modern comforts like solar-powered internet and a mobile phone. He also has a small boat to reach the mainland when needed. A few times a year, he travels to the mainland to buy groceries. On the island, he gathers bananas and coconuts. He also catches crabs, fish, and oysters. He even has his own fruit and vegetable garden. David also makes his own beer. He trades this beer with passing fishermen for things like crayfish and prawns.

In July 2019, David Glasheen and Neil Bramwell wrote a book together. It's called The Millionaire Castaway. The book shares David Glasheen's experiences of living on Restoration Island for over 22 years.

Traditional Owners and Management

The island holds important cultural meaning for its traditional owners. In 2009, the Kuuku Ya’u people were officially granted native title over the island. This means they have special rights to the land. Now, the park is managed together by the Northern Kuuku Ya’u Kanthanampu Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC Land Trust and the Government of Queensland.

How to Visit the Park

You can only get to Ma'alpiku Island National Park by private boat. There are no public ferries or other ways to access it.

Images for kids

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  Restoration Island, Cape York

See also

In Spanish: Parque nacional Isla Restauración para niños