North Direction Island facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Coral Sea |
| Coordinates | 14°44′43″S 145°30′37″E / 14.74528°S 145.51028°E |
| Area | 0.51 km2 (0.20 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| State | Queensland |
North Direction Island is a small island located in Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Coral Sea and lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This island is known for its natural beauty and its role in the amazing Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.
Contents
Where is North Direction Island?
North Direction Island is found off the coast of Queensland. It is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) north-east of a place called Cape Flattery. The island is also around 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Lizard Island.
Island Size and Location
This island is quite small. It covers an area of about 0.51 square kilometers (or 51 hectares). To give you an idea, that's roughly the size of 100 football fields! It's part of a larger area known as Lizard, which is a coastal locality. The island is managed by the Shire of Cook, a local government area in Queensland.
Part of the Great Barrier Reef
North Direction Island is an important part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This park protects the world's largest coral reef system. The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of different marine animals and plants.
Why the Reef is Important
The Great Barrier Reef is a huge underwater wonder. It is made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. It's so big you can even see it from space! This area is vital for many sea creatures, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and sharks. Protecting islands like North Direction Island helps keep the entire reef healthy.
