Nature never ceases to amaze. One of the most beautiful sights that can be witnessed from a distance, is an island covered in lush green vegetation. Big Green Island is an iconic example of this, and has been capturing people’s hearts for years.
If you’re looking to experience nature at its best, this is the place for you! Featuring over a thousand hectares of completely untouched rainforest, this island is perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike. If you’re curious about visiting this beautiful island, read on to find out how you can make it happen!
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History
Big Green Island first came to prominence in the 1920s, when a group of botanists set out on an expedition to study its flora. Over time, it has become one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Today, visitors can cruise along the island’s beautiful shores or explore its lush rainforest from horseback or bike. Big Green Island resembles the boughs of an old tree. However, this illusion is soon dispelled once you step on land. A combination of lush green foliage and numerous rivers make it incredibly difficult not to be in awe!
Climate
The climate on Big Green Island is temperate, with average high temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius and low temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius. The island receives around 1000mm of precipitation annually, making it a very lush and green place! Its rainfall means that the island is covered in lush tropical vegetation, which includes one of Sydney’s two mainland rainforests. This forest is a mixed hardwood and gum jungle, with many species of protected flora such as eucalypts, acacias and casuarinae among others!
Culture
Although the majority of Big Green Island is undeveloped, there are a few small villages located on it. These settlements are made up of Australian Aboriginals who still live traditional lifestyles. Visitors can experience their culture by visiting one of these villages and interacting with the locals. In addition to its Aboriginal population, the island also hosts a number of rare bird species such as Western Swamphens and Purple-Crowned Fairywrens. In addition to this, the island acts as a critical habitat for various species of endangered animal and plant life.
Politics
Big Green Island is part of the state of New South Wales. It is located in the Sydney metropolitan area and is bordered by Sydney Harbour to the east, Botany Bay to the south and Watsons Bay to the west. The island has a population of around 640 people, most of whom are Australian Aboriginals or tourists. Its commonwealth representative is currently the Member for Botany, Jamesahu Twomey of Western Sydney.
Government Services
There are no functioning government services on Big Green Island, but it is part of the federal Division of Riverina and is represented in Parliament by the Member for Page. It is also a part of the state government Division of National Murray and lies in electoral district 69. It is represented in the New South Wales Parliament by Members for Batman and Drummoyne.
Geography
The majority of Big Green Island lies within Botany Bay, between Darling Point on Sydney’s northern shoreline and Yamba Beach to the south. It bounds vegetation-rich bushland including Warrimoo Swamp Nature Reserve to the north, Watsons Bay Park running from Cammeray Pier past Birchgrove Marina via Watson ‘s Bay to the west, and Kirribilli Reserve from Elizabeth Street via Potts Point. The island protrudes a short distance into Sydney Heads’ Curl Curl Beach (the southernmost sand spit in Port Jackson) between upper Manly Cove on North Head and William St Yacht Club at Pepper’s Reef. Access is tot he beach by stairs or guided tour boat ferry service except for that which lands right at Watson’s Bay Park.
Tourism
The island is a popular tourist destination, with visitors able to take walks on its pristine beaches and enjoy views of Sydney Harbour. There are also picnic areas, restaurants and cafes. The island is part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which charges a park fee for use. The ferry ‘Watson’s Bay Express’ takes large groups to Watson’s Bay Park and there are cheaper shuttle services that take approximately 25 minutes between Watsons bay cafe/bar restaurants on either side of Bondi Beach by river or around Kilner pool at Watson’s Bay, finishing in Kirribilli.
Transport
The island can be reached by ferry from Sydney’s northern beaches, Bunnerong Point or North Head. From the southern suburbs of Sydney it is reachable by bus via Botany Bay which leaves Circular Quay about every 10 minutes and costs $4 for a single trip as well as buses between Narrabeen Bus station and Bondi Beach (the express service links both points). However, the direct distance between these points is only a short 4 minutes.
Cuisine
The island is well known for its fresh seafood and there are many restaurants serving local and international cuisine. In particular Port Jackson scallop, oysters (creevala or little bay), king prawns and fresh sea bream. Also available on most dishes is a locally made chilli sauce sometimes known as Watson’s Bay burn.
Wildlife
The island is a refuge for native birds such as the imperial pigeon, whistling kookaburra and common bristlebird. There are also introduced species including honey possum, pademelon and feral cats. The island is also home to two endemic reptiles – the yellow-tongued skink and the nightjar – both of which can be found in sheltered areas on the island’s surface. Seascapes: The island’s sheltered position protects it from storms and waves, which has resulted in its granite shoreline being a matrix of small rock platforms with ledges (called chicklets) on them. These provide shelter for hundreds of marine species including small fish, lobsters and the eagle ray who rest on the thin gravel-covered reef offshore at low tide.
Conclusion
After the devastating outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil, many people are looking for ways to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses. One popular way to do this is to install mosquito-proofing screens on doors and windows. However, if you live in an area with a lot of trees, this might not be the best solution for you. In this blog, we will show you how to create a “Big Green Island” that will protect you from mosquitoes. By following our simple steps, you will be able to create a mosquito-free environment all year round!
FAQ
Where Is The Island Located?
The island is located in the Gulf of Carpentaria, about 380km north-west of Cairns.
How Big Is The Island?
The island is about 2.5 km by 1.5 km.
How To Get To The Island?
You can fly to the island or take a boat.
Is The Island Dangerous?
The island is safe to visit. There is no infrastructure on the island, so you will have to bring your own food and water.
Can I Stay In The Island?
Yes, you can stay on the island if you want to.
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