Palfrey Island facts for kids
 Palfrey Island
Location in Queensland
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Great Barrier Reef, Australia |
| Coordinates | 14°41′33″S 145°26′47″E / 14.69250°S 145.44639°E |
| Archipelago | Lizard Islands |
| Major islands | Lizard Island |
| Area | 7 km2 (2.7 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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Australia
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| State | Queensland |
| Local Government Area | Shire of Cook |
Palfrey Island is a small island located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Lizard Island Group, which is found within the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Palfrey Island is about 270 kilometers (168 miles) north of a city called Cairns. You can even find an automated lighthouse on this island!
Contents
Exploring Palfrey Island's Location
Palfrey Island is one of four islands that make up the Lizard Island Group. The main island, Lizard Island, is a large granite island covering about 7 square kilometers (2.7 square miles). The other smaller islands are Palfrey, South, and Bird Island. These islands are surrounded by a well-developed coral reef. This reef creates a calm, deep area of water known as the Blue Lagoon.
What's on the Nearby Islands?
While Palfrey Island itself is small, the main Lizard Island has a few important spots. These include a special research station where scientists study the reef, a resort for visitors, and a basic camping area.
Protected Areas Around the Islands
All the islands in the Lizard Island Group are part of the Lizard Island National Park. This park is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The waters around Lizard Island are also part of the larger Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This huge marine park is looked after by both the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency. If scientists want to do experiments or research in this area, they need special permits.
The Reef's Location
The Lizard Island Group is considered a "mid-shelf reef." This means it's located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away from the Australian mainland. From the research station, scientists and visitors can easily reach many different types of reefs and islands that are typical of the Great Barrier Reef.
Palfrey Island's Historical Importance
Palfrey Island and the Lizard Island Group have a connection to a famous explorer. In 1770, during his epic journey, Captain James Cook climbed the highest peak on Lizard Island. From there, he was able to map a safe path for his ship to sail out to sea. This was very important because he was surrounded by a confusing maze of coral reefs.
