Maclear Island facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Australia |
| Coordinates | 14°12′36″S 144°15′00″E / 14.210°S 144.250°E |
| Area | 0.08 km2 (0.031 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| State | Queensland |
Maclear Island is a small island located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It's a part of the amazing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This island is found near the very tip of Cape Melville in a place called Bathurst Bay.
Maclear Island is positioned north of Denham Island and south of Flinders Island. Both of these are part of the Flinders Group National Park. The island's exact spot is at Latitude -14.210 and Longitude 144.250. It was named after a person called John Maclear.
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About Maclear Island
Maclear Island is quite small, covering an area of about 0.08 square kilometers. That's like a tiny speck in the vast ocean! It's an uninhabited island, meaning no people live there permanently. This helps to protect its natural environment.
Location in Queensland
The island is located in the northern part of Queensland, a large state in Australia. This area is known for its beautiful coastline and many islands. Being in this region means Maclear Island is part of a very special natural area.
Part of a National Park
Maclear Island is included in the Flinders Group National Park. National parks are areas set aside by the government to protect nature. This means the island's plants, animals, and natural features are kept safe for everyone to enjoy and for future generations.
The Great Barrier Reef Connection
Maclear Island is an important part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It's home to thousands of different kinds of marine animals and plants.
Protecting Marine Life
Being inside the Marine Park means Maclear Island and its surrounding waters are protected. This helps to keep the coral reefs healthy and safe for all the fish, turtles, and other sea creatures that live there. It's like a giant underwater playground and home!
Why Protection Matters
Protecting places like Maclear Island helps keep the ocean healthy. A healthy ocean is important for the planet and for all the amazing animals that call it home. It also allows scientists to study these unique environments.
Who Was John Maclear?
Maclear Island was named after John Maclear. He was a British naval officer and explorer. Naming islands and places after explorers was a common way to honor them for their discoveries and mapping efforts.
