Possession Island (Queensland)
The Possession Iceland National Park (English: Possession Iceland National Park ) is a national park in the far north of the Australian state of Queensland. The small island located 17 kilometers south-west of Cape York, the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula and is a member of the Torres Strait Islands.
The National Park includes the two islands Possession Iceland with an area of 503 hectares and Eborac Iceland with an area of 5 hectares. Eborac Iceland is located about one kilometer north of Cape York.
History
The island were from there originally sovereign living Aboriginesstamm the Kaurareg called Bedanug or Bedhan lag. During his first voyage of discovery James Cook sailed along the east coast of Australia to the north, where he put also on the Botany Bay. When he reached the northern tip of Queensland, he landed on Possession Iceland and gave the island its name. This happened just before sunset on August 22, 1770. Cook, speaking on behalf of his King George III. the coast to the British territory.
He reported in his diary:
" Notwithstand [ing ] I had in the Name of His Majesty taken possession of several places upon this coast, I now once more hoisted English coulers and in the Name of His Majesty King George the Third Took possession of the whole Eastern Coast (... ) by the name of New South Wales, together with all the Bays, Harbours Rivers and Islands situate upon the coast Said, afterwhich we fired three volleys of small Arms Which were Answered by the like number from the Ship. "
"Although I had already taken the name of his Majesty different places on this coast in possession, I now again hoisted the English colors, and took the name of his Majesty, King George III. , The entire East Coast ( ... ) under the name " New South Wales " together with all the bays, harbors, rivers and islands on the coast mentioned in possession, after which we fired three rifle volleys, which were answered with the same number of bursts from the ship. "
1977 were declared a national park Possession Iceland and Eborac Iceland. 1988 was built on Possession Iceland a monument to the land by Captain Cook.
Flora
The islands are covered with sparse eucalyptus forest ( Corymbia ) and low acacia and Myrtenheiden. In between there are scattered heath and Tussockgrasland. Evergreen rain forest is found in most valleys and on wet slopes.
Facilities and access
On Eborac Iceland a lighthouse was built, which is important for vessel traffic in the Torres Strait. Camping is not permitted in the National Park.
The islands can be reached by private or charter boat from the nearest settlement Seisa from. Seisa is almost at the northern end of Telegraph Road.