Restoration Island National Park
The Ma'alpiku - Iceland National Park ( CYPAL ) (English: Ma'alpiku Iceland National Park ( CYPAL ) until 2011 Restoration Iceland National Park ) is a national park in northeastern Australian state of Queensland. It is located 1928 km northwest of Brisbane and about 20 kilometers north -northeast of Lockhart River, just a few hundred meters in the sea off Cape Weymouth and the Kutini - Payamu National Park.
The park consists of two small islands, Restoration Iceland with an area of 41 hectares and Restoration rock with an area of 0.2 hectares, which is located one kilometer east of the main island.
The park is managed by the local Aboriginal people, together with the National Park Authority of Queensland under the Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land Status ( CYPAL ).
History
In the 18th century
On May 29, 1789 after the mutiny on the Bounty, Captain Bligh landed and 18 men who had remained faithful to him in the lifeboat of the ship on this island. It was the first island, which they reached after 4000 km sea voyage, and they called Restoration Iceland, because the food that they found - oysters and native fruits - their spirits again awakened (English: Their spirits restored ). This was also the anniversary of the reinstatement (English: restoration) of Charles II in 1660.
Bligh found traces of visits by Aborigines on the island as simple huts and fireplaces. He found kangaroo tracks and wondered if the natives might have brought over the animals from the mainland to breed them because they would have been easier to catch on the small island later. As the group two days later left the island, he saw natives on the opposite coast of the island, but took no contact with them.
Modern Times
In 1989, the National Park was established on Restoration Iceland. The western third of the island is, however, were exempted. 1993 this part was leased to the former businessman David Glasheen, who settled on the island. Visitors who want to live on the island for an extended period, you must first Lockhart River in contact with friends from Glasheen and ask them to arrange a meeting. In December 2008, Glasheen advertised on an Internet dating site to find a girlfriend who wanted to live with him and his dog on the island.
Provincial nature
The two islands are made of granite. Restoration Iceland rises 116 meters above the sea surface, while Restoration rock reaches a height of 33 meters.
Flora
The lower slopes of Restoration Iceland are covered by thick undergrowth, while in the higher lying areas Myrtenheiden spread. On the peaks and ridges of the island there is windblown heaths. Restoration rock has only sparse vegetation.
Facilities and access
The tents on the island is prohibited. There are no maintained tracks or other facilities.
The islands are accessible only by private boat.