Quail Island (Northern Territory)
Quail Island is an island in the Northern Territory of Australia in the Beagle Gulf about 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the territory capital of Darwin.
![]() LANDSAT true color image of Quail Island Group, Northern Territory, Australia | |
Geography | |
---|---|
Coordinates | 12.519°S 130.435°E |
Archipelago | Quail Island Group |
Total islands | 3 |
Administration | |
Australia | |
Territory | Northern Territory |
Region | Top End |
Bay | Beagle Gulf |
Locality | Bynoe Harbour[1] |
Quail Island belongs to the Quail Island Group. The other two islands in the archipelago are Bare Sand Island (southwest of Quail Island) and Djadjalbit Island (south).[2]
The islands are known for being a breeding ground for flatback turtles.[3]
History
On 9 October 1881 when SS Brisbane, an 85.8 metres long passenger, cargo and mail ship, built by A & J Inglis, Pointhouse, Glasgow, struck the nearby Fish Reef, while heading there with cargo from Hong Kong.[4]
Quail Island Air Weapons Range
The Quail Island Air Weapons Range was used a training ground for defense forces from 1945 to 1979.[3] There are large munitions scattered around the island as a result. A three-year clean-up began in 2011 to remove hazards such as unexploded ordnance.[5] Visitors such as tourists and recreational anglers have been banned from the islands during the clean-up process.[2]
See also
- Islands of the Northern Territory
- List of islands of Australia
References
- "Localities within Un-Incorporated area (map)" (PDF). Northern Territory Government. 29 October 1997. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- "Northern Territory islands off-limits while ADF clears bombs". The Australian. News Limited. 19 May 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
- "Quail Island Group". 7:30 NT. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 27 June 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
- "WRECK OF THE BRISBANE". Illustrated Australian News (311). Victoria, Australia. 5 November 1881. p. 206. Retrieved 30 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- "Islands closed for unexploded bomb disposal". ntnews.com.au. News Limited. 25 May 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2012.