Boyne Island

Located in the Australian state of Victoria, Boyne Island is a stunning getaway for tourists and locals alike. The island is known for its natural attractions, such as the Twelve Apostles and convict-era buildings, as well as its lush greenery. What sets Boyne Island apart from other tourist destinations, however, is its history. Dating back to the 18th century, when it was used as a penal colony, Boyne Island has a rich history that makes it a fascinating place to explore.

History

Boyne Island was first discovered by Europeans in 1722. At the time, it was uninhabited and known only as an offshore island. Over the next few decades, however, various groups of settlers began to settle on the island, making it one of Victoria’s earliest settlements.

Between 1802 and 1805, Boyne Island served as a penal colony for convicted criminals from mainland Australia. The prison camp on the island housed some 27,000 prisoners. As the prison was established on an uninhabited island in the middle of Australian waters, it had no fences or guards and served as a place for convicts to work off their sentences. When released from Boyne Island they faced just one direction: back to Australia where they were free once again. However, these ex-convict settlers began drifting northwards towards areas new settlements would form by 1830 .

Climate

Boyne Island has a temperate climate with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. The island experiences two seasons: the wet season, which lasts from December to February, and the dry season, which covers April to November. In 2015, the island had 1281 days of sunshine and 25.67cm of rain during its wet season, which is on par with urban Melbourne’s annual rainfall average

Species Rich Shoreline The rocky coastline brings a stark contrast to Boyne Island’s lush greenery at high tide . This makes for some truly sensational scenery from April to November each year when water levels typically reach up to 10m above normal high tides.

Culture

Marine life is abundant here, with a variety of invertebrates and fish that can be found swimming near the shore. species rich coastline There is also a diverse floras, visible especially at high tide. Animals such as lizards and birds can be observed on the shoreline during the wet season.

The island provides an important ecosystem for migratory fish species from surrounding areas, including baitfish that are found in nearby Bass Strait . Indigenous animal population includes wallabies (the most common mammal), blacktailed tortoises , spattsie rabbits, platypuses and echid

Politics

Since the 1830s, when it was first settled by ex-convicts, Boyne Island has had a diverse range of political orientations. At its height in the 1850s, there were more than 120 people living on the island. However, due to increasing competition for resources and conflict between settlers over land ownership and governance, the island’s population decreased by nearly half within 50 years

In 1853 James Arthur (the son of an Irish convict transported to Australia), bought 200 acres area on the east coast of Boyne Island and established a homestead, called Arthur’s Point. He also built a jetty in northern waters for his fishing business.

Government Services

The island is now a part of the state of Victoria, and administered by the Shire of Western Port.

Attractions

The most famous attraction on Boyne Island is undoubtedly its lighthouse , which dates back to 1848 and can be seen from a great distance across Bass Strait . The island also has several beaches that are popular with sun worshipers and surfers alike, as well as an extensive forest including koalas, deer, poss ums and echidnas.

When you travel here, it’s hard to believe that this place is not only virtually empty of humans but also lies way in the middle of a highly populated country: over 700 kilometres from Melbourne .

Tourism

Boyne Island is currently not a very popular tourist destination, but this may change in the future as its unique attractions (such as the lighthouse) become more well-known. Sports & Recreation

The sole purpose of the island is to provide accommodation for all animals: sheep, deer and, since 2001 , goats .  Sheds have been built in recent years to increase this number.

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Transport

The island is serviced by air and water, with regular flights from Melbourne Airport to Boyne Island Airport. There are also several ferries that depart Melbourne for the island, taking around 11 hours to get there. Affordability

‘Sonebhanwanoe,’ a special class of passholder, can stay for free (except on ferries). However the accommodations provided by VFlyers are not very comfortable, with only 10 beds and showers sharing one tiny room. Cost is $30 per adult/per night including meals at the Barramundi Bar…shamefully pricey considering you’re spoiled for choice in tranquil Australia’s idyllic

Cuisine

There is no restaurant on the island, so you will need to bring your own food with you. The only source of water is from rain or the freshwater ashore.

Availability

The island is open seasonally (Oct-Apr) and can be booked through VFlyers . Communication

The island’s general store is open on weekdays monday to friday from 8am – 4pm. Internet access (wifi) is available in the bar at $2 per hour and can be used for emailing or uploading photographic evidence of your stay!

Wildlife

There is plenty of wildlife on the island, including kangaroos, wombats and several types of birds. You can also expect to see friendly goats grazing around the township! You can also see Aboriginal rocks at the walking trail, a sign that the French first visited in 1791. There is no bridge to this Rocky River.

Overview 39 photos + map (at time of writing)

Conclusion

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and soak up some much-needed nature, Boyne Island is the place for you! The island is located in Australia, approximately 160 kilometres off the coast of Melbourne. Its tranquil environment and abundance of natural attractions make it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world.

FAQ

Is There A Camping Ground Near Boyne Island?

No, there is no camping ground near Boyne Island. However, one can camp on the mainland at Woodgate Beach in Loch Lomond National Park. The closest town with facilities is Bright, which is approximately 10 kilometres away from the island.

What Is Boyne Island?

Boyne Island is an Australian island located approximately 160 kilometres off the coast of Melbourne. It is open seasonally (Oct-Apr) and can be booked through VFlyers . The only source of water on the island is from rain or freshwater ashore.

How Far Is It From Boyne Island To Port Macquarie And Coffs Harbour Airports?

Boyne Island is approximately 280 kilometres from Port Macquarie airport and 380 kilometres from Coffs Harbour airport. What time of day will the water taxi arrive?

The boat arrives at 12pm and departs just past 6.45am (approx). Smaller tours can sometimes be arranged to start earlier, however this is not guaranteed.

Can I Go Kayaking On Boyne Island?

Yes, kayaking is available on Boyne Island. There are several kayaking companies located in Bright, which can be your starting point.

Is There A Café Near Boyne Island?

Yes, there is a café located in Bright.