Possession Island National Park

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Possession Island ( 10°43′36″S, 142°23′49″E) is a small island and national park in the Torres Strait in far north Queensland, Australia.

This island is part of the Torres Strait Islands

The island is called Bedanug by the local Kaurareg aboriginal people.^[1] It was named Possession Island by Captain Cook when he landed there on 22 August 1770 to formally take possession, in the name of King George III, of all the lands along the east coast of Australia which he had surveyed. ^[2]

In 2001 the Kaurareg successfully claimed native title rights over the island (and other nearby islands). ^[3]

[edit] National park facts

• Area: 5.10 km²
• Coordinates: 10°43′36″S, 142°23′49″E
• Date of establishment: 1977
• Managing authorities: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
• IUCN category: II

[edit] See also

• Protected areas of Queensland (Australia)

[edit] Aerial photos & maps

• Possession Island National Park is at coordinates 10°43′30″S 142°23′53″E / -10.725, 142.398 (Possession Island National Park)Coordinates: 10°43′30″S 142°23′53″E / -10.725, 142.398 (Possession Island National Park)

[edit] References

1. ^ Local history page at the Shire of Torres
2. ^ Captain Cook's Journal During the First Voyage Round the World, available at Project Gutenberg.
3. ^ Kaurareg People v State of Queensland (2001), Federal Court report at AustLII

[edit] External links

• Possession Island picture at ozoutback.com.au