Melville Island facts for kids

Melville Island is a name used for several different islands around the world. It can be a bit confusing because there are three main islands called Melville Island. Each one is unique and has its own interesting history and features.

Melville Island in Australia

Melville Island is located in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is a very large island, about 5,786 square kilometers (2,234 square miles) in size. This makes it the second-largest island in Australia, after Tasmania.

Home of the Tiwi People

Melville Island is part of the Tiwi Islands, which also include Bathurst Island. The traditional owners of Melville Island are the Tiwi people. They have lived on the island for thousands of years and have a rich culture. Their art, ceremonies, and language are very important to them.

Nature and Wildlife

The island has a tropical climate with lush forests, wetlands, and sandy beaches. It is home to many different animals. You can find unique birds, reptiles, and mammals here. The waters around the island are also full of marine life, including various fish and sea turtles.

A Brief History

European explorers first visited Melville Island in the early 17th century. The first British settlement in northern Australia was established on Melville Island in 1824. It was called Fort Dundas. However, this settlement did not last long due to challenges like the climate and difficulties with supplies. Today, the island is mainly home to the Tiwi people and is managed by the Tiwi Land Council.

Melville Island in Canada

Melville Island is also found in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. This island is much further north than the Australian one. It is shared between two Canadian territories: Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Arctic Environment

This Melville Island is a large, uninhabited island. It covers an area of about 42,149 square kilometers (16,274 square miles). The island has a very cold, polar climate. Most of the land is covered by tundra, which is a treeless plain. The ground is often frozen all year round, a condition known as permafrost.

Discovery and Exploration

The British explorer William Edward Parry was the first European to discover Melville Island in 1819. He named it after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville, who was the First Lord of the Admiralty. Parry and his crew spent the winter on the island, facing harsh Arctic conditions. Their journey was part of the search for the Northwest Passage.

Arctic Wildlife

Despite the cold, Melville Island is home to several hardy animals. You might find muskoxen, caribou, and polar bears roaming the icy landscape. Various Arctic birds also visit the island during the warmer months. The island is an important habitat for these animals.

Melville Island in Nova Scotia

There is a third, much smaller Melville Island located in Nova Scotia, Canada. This island is found in Halifax Harbour, near the city of Halifax.

A Small Island with a Big History

Melville Island in Nova Scotia is very small, only about 1.6 hectares (4 acres) in size. Despite its small size, it has played several important roles throughout history.

Past Uses

In the early 19th century, Melville Island was used as a quarantine station. Ships arriving in Halifax with sick passengers would stop here. This helped prevent the spread of diseases into the city. Later, during the War of 1812, the island served as a place where prisoners of war were held. It was also used by the Royal Navy for various purposes. Today, the island is part of a private yacht club.