Tern Island (Queensland) facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 11°59′49″S 142°45′54″E / 11.997°S 142.765°E |
| Area | 0.08 km2 (0.031 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| State | Queensland |
Tern Island is a small island located in the beautiful Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Queensland, Australia. It is found near the very top of Australia, on the Cape York Peninsula. The island is only a few hundred metres north of a place called Tern Cliffs. It is also close to the Apudthama National Park. Tern Island is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of the town of Bamaga.
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Exploring Tern Island's Location
Tern Island is a tiny piece of land in a huge ocean. It is part of the amazing Great Barrier Reef. This reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It is home to many different kinds of sea creatures.
Where is Tern Island exactly?
Tern Island is in the northern part of Queensland, Australia. Its exact location is at coordinates -11.997 latitude and 142.765 longitude. This places it in a warm, tropical area. The island is very small, covering an area of only 0.08 square kilometres. That's about the size of 8 football fields!
Part of a Protected Area
Tern Island is inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This park helps protect the reef and its animals. It means the island and its surroundings are kept safe. This helps the plants and animals that live there to thrive.
What is a Tern?
The island is named after a bird called a tern. Terns are a type of seabird. They are known for their graceful flight. They often have long, pointed wings and a forked tail.
Terns and Their Life
Terns are often found near coastlines and islands. They feed on small fish and marine life. Many tern species nest on islands. They lay their eggs on the ground. This makes islands like Tern Island important for their reproduction.
The Great Barrier Reef Connection
Tern Island is a small but important part of the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is a World Heritage Site. This means it is recognized globally for its natural beauty. It is also important for its unique ecosystems.
Life Around the Island
Even small islands like Tern Island can support diverse life. The waters around it are part of the reef system. They are home to corals, fish, and other marine animals. These creatures depend on the healthy environment of the park.
