Possession Island National Park

Possession Island (coord|10|43|36|S|142|23|49|E|type:landmark_region:AU) 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. [ [http://www.torres.qld.gov.au//council/History.shtml Local history page] at the Shire of Torres] 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. [gutenberg|no=8106|name=Captain Cook's Journal During the First Voyage Round the World]

In 2001 the Kaurareg successfully claimed native title rights over the island (and other nearby islands). [ [http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/disp.pl/au/cases/cth/federal%5fct/2001/657.html Kaurareg People v State of Queensland (2001)] , Federal Court report at AustLII] __NOTOC__

National park facts

*"Area:" 5.10 km²
*"Coordinates": coord|10|43|36|S|142|23|49|E|type:landmark_region:AU
*"Date of establishment:" 1977
*"Managing authorities:" Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
*"IUCN category:" II

ee also

* Protected areas of Queensland (Australia)

Aerial photos & maps

References

External links

* [http://www.ozoutback.com.au/postcards/postcards_forms/qld_cape_york/Source/12.htm Possession Island picture] at ozoutback.com.au