Watson Island (Queensland) facts for kids

Watson Island is a small, special island located in a very important part of Australia. It's found within the amazing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This island is also the most southern part of the Howick Group National Park. It is about 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) south-east of Cape Melville, which is in Queensland. Watson Island is quite small, covering an area of about 9 hectares, which is the same as 0.09 square kilometers.

The island is located to the north-west of Howick Island.

Where is Watson Island?

Watson Island is in the northern part of Queensland, Australia. It is part of a group of islands known as the Howick Group. These islands are found off the coast of mainland Australia. Being in this area means it is surrounded by the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Part of the Great Barrier Reef

One of the most exciting things about Watson Island is that it is inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It is made up of thousands of individual reefs and hundreds of islands. This huge natural wonder is home to many different kinds of sea creatures.

The Marine Park helps to protect this amazing place. It makes sure that the plants and animals living there are safe. This protection is important for the future of the reef.

A National Park Island

Watson Island is also part of the Howick Group National Park. A national park is a special area of land or sea that is protected by the government. The main goal of a national park is to keep nature safe. This includes plants, animals, and the natural environment.

Being a national park means that there are rules to follow. These rules help to make sure the island stays healthy. They protect the unique wildlife and habitats found there.

Size and Location Details

Watson Island is a very small island. Its area is about 0.09 square kilometers. To help you imagine this, it's roughly the size of nine football fields. This small size makes it a quiet and untouched place.

It is located off the coast of Queensland. The coordinates for the island are 14.465 degrees south and 144.893 degrees east. These numbers help pinpoint its exact spot on a map. The island is also near Cape Melville. This cape is a well-known landmark in the region.

Nearby Islands

Watson Island is not alone in the ocean. It is part of the Howick Group. This group includes other islands like Howick Island. Watson Island is just north-west of Howick Island. These islands often share similar natural features. They are all part of the same beautiful marine environment.

Why is Watson Island Important?

Even though Watson Island is small, it plays a role in the ecosystem. Its location within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park makes it valuable. It provides a safe habitat for marine life. It also contributes to the overall health of the reef system.

Islands like Watson Island are often important for birds. They can be nesting sites or places for birds to rest. They are also important for the plants that grow there. These plants can be unique to island environments.

Protecting small islands like Watson Island helps protect the bigger picture. It helps keep the Great Barrier Reef healthy for future generations.