Rattlesnake Island (Queensland) facts for kids
![]() Rattlesnake Island and surrounds
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Geography | |
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Location | Halifax Bay |
Coordinates | 19°01′59″S 146°36′36″E / 19.033°S 146.610°E |
Administration | |
Rattlesnake Island is a small island located in Halifax Bay, in northern Queensland, Australia. It is found south of the Great Palm Island group. You can also find it northwest of Magnetic Island and directly east of the town of Rollingstone.
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Military Training on the Island
Rattlesnake Island is used by the RAAF, which is Australia's air force. The RAAF Base Townsville uses the island for important training exercises.
Aircraft Training Exercises
The RAAF often uses the island for training with military aircraft. This training helps pilots practice important skills.
Survival Courses
When the air force is not doing flight training, they also use the island for survival courses. These courses teach soldiers how to survive in the wilderness.
A Hermit's Home
For several years, a person known as a hermit reportedly lived alone on Rattlesnake Island. A hermit is someone who chooses to live away from other people.
Plane Crash History
Rattlesnake Island has also been part of a historical event involving a plane crash.
1943 B-25 Mitchell Crash
On September 23, 1943, a B-25 Mitchell bomber plane crashed. This happened about 3 miles away from the island. The plane was doing a test flight at the time of the accident.