Yampi Sound facts for kids
Yampi Sound is a special part of the Indian Ocean located off the coast of north-western Australia. You can find it in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It sits between two other areas called King Sound and Collier Bay. Yampi Sound is nestled between the Yampi Peninsula and the many islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. These islands are very important because they hold large amounts of iron ore, a valuable mineral.
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Discovering Yampi Sound's Past
The land around Yampi Sound has a long and rich history. The Umiida people are the traditional owners of this area. They have lived here for thousands of years.
Early Visits and Naming
In March 1838, a man named Lieutenant John Lort Stokes visited Yampi Sound. He was sailing on a ship called HMS Beagle. Stokes named a place called Yampee Point. He learned that "Yampee" was a word used by the local Aboriginal people for fresh water. The sound is next to the Yampi Peninsula. This peninsula is bordered by King Sound to the south and Collier Bay to the north. Inland, to the north-east, are the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges.
Yampi Sound During World War II
During World War II, Yampi Sound played a role in defending Australia. The Royal Australian Air Force used Cockatoo Island, which is in Yampi Sound, as a base. From here, they launched special planes called Catalina Flying Boats. These planes carried out missions against Japanese forces in places like Borneo and Java.
What Yampi Sound Looks Like Today
Yampi Sound is located between King Sound and Collier Bay. It is home to many islands that are part of the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Important Islands
The biggest island in Yampi Sound is Koolan Island. Other important islands include Cockatoo Island, Conilurus Island, Irvine Island, Bathurst Island, Gibbings Island, Hidden Island, and the Baylis Islands.
Mining and Resources
Since 1951, valuable iron ore has been dug up from Koolan and Cockatoo Islands. This high-quality ore is a key resource. There was also a small copper mine at Coppermine Creek, on the mainland side of the sound. This mine operated for a short time between 1915 and 1916.
Training for Defence
The Australian Defence Force has used Yampi Sound as a training area since the 1970s. This shows how important the area is for Australia's defence.
