Protected areas of Queensland facts for kids
Queensland is the second largest state in Australia. It has many special places called protected areas. These areas are set aside to keep nature safe. There are 472 protected areas in Queensland, covering about 69,388 square kilometers. That's like protecting a huge part of the state!
Out of these, 223 are national parks. This is more than any other Australian state or territory. These national parks cover about 65,871 square kilometers. There are also seven Scientific National Parks, which are smaller, covering about 522 square kilometers. These special places help protect animals, plants, and important natural features for everyone to enjoy.
Contents
Land Protected Areas: Keeping Nature Safe on Land
Queensland has different types of protected areas on land. Each type helps protect nature in a special way.
Conservation Parks: Smaller Nature Spots
Conservation Parks are places that protect important natural areas, often smaller than National Parks. They are great for enjoying nature, like walking or birdwatching. Queensland has many of these parks.
- Anderson Street
- Baddow Island
- Bunya Mountains
- Daisy Hill
- Mon Repos (famous for turtles!)
- Springwood
- White Rock
Conservation Reserves: Special Places
These are areas set aside for conservation, often with specific natural features or wildlife to protect.
Feature Protection Areas: Protecting Unique Spots
Feature Protection Areas are small, specific spots that protect a unique natural feature, like a special tree or rock formation.
- Big Ironbark
- Goggrell's Tree
- Jowarra
National Parks: Big Wild Places
National Parks are large areas that protect important ecosystems, landscapes, and wildlife. They are often popular for camping, hiking, and seeing native animals. Queensland has the most National Parks in Australia!
- Boodjamulla National Park (formerly Lawn Hill)
- Carnarvon
- Daintree (a very old rainforest!)
- Girraween
- Great Sandy
- Lamington
- Moreton Island
- Noosa
- Springbrook
- Undara Volcanic (home to ancient lava tubes!)
- Whitsunday Islands
Resources Reserves: Balancing Use and Protection
Resources Reserves are areas where some natural resources might be used, but conservation is still important. They help manage land for both people and nature.
- Amamoor Forest
- Heathlands
- Jardine River
Scientific Areas: For Research and Study
Scientific Areas are protected mainly for research and study. Scientists can learn about nature here without much disturbance.
- Bald Mountain
- Helidon Hills
- The Lagoons
Marine Protected Areas: Protecting Our Oceans and Coasts
Queensland also protects its amazing marine environments, including coasts, rivers, and parts of the ocean. These areas help keep fish, coral, and other sea creatures safe.
Marine protected areas include "fish habitat areas" and "marine parks."
Fish Habitat Areas: Safe Homes for Fish
Fish habitat areas are special places where fish and other marine life can live, breed, and grow safely. They are like nurseries for the ocean. These areas are listed in two groups, 'A' and 'B'.
List 'A' Fish Habitats
- Annan River
- Baffle Creek
- Bowling Green Bay
- Burrum
- Fitzroy River
- Hinchinbrook
- Maroochy River
- Noosa River
- Trinity Inlet
- Tully River
List 'B' Fish Habitats
- Annan River
- Beelbi
- Burdekin
- Burrum
- Coombabah
- Noosa River
- Trinity Inlet
Marine Parks: Big Ocean Sanctuaries
Marine parks are large ocean areas protected for their natural beauty and importance to marine life. As of 2016, Queensland had three main marine parks under its control. The very famous Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is managed by the Australian government, but it's still a huge part of Queensland's marine heritage.
These protected areas, both on land and in the sea, are super important. They help make sure that Queensland's incredible wildlife and beautiful natural places are kept safe for you and for future generations to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Zonas protegidas de Queensland para niños
