Clack Island is a small and uninhabited island located about 66 km off the coast of Victoria, Australia. It is home to the only known population of the endemic Australian parrot, the mainland dusky parrot.
The island is also home to a range of other endemic wildlife, including the endangered eastern rosella and the critically endangered Cape Barren goose. Clack Island National Park was established on Clack Island in 1982 and covers an area of 113 km². The park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
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History
The island was first sighted by Europeans in 1791 and it was charted as Clack Island in 1822. It is thought that the island may have been named after a sailor who died on board ship while en route to New Zealand. The first inhabitants of the island were probably aborigines who used it for hunting and fishing.
In 1862, Edward Arthur Close established a station on the island which lasted until 1870 when he was forced to abandon it due to problems with his flock. The station is the site of a reconstructed homestead and farm buildings, which are open for inspection by tourists.
In March 1872 Captain Alfred J Burrows anchored at Clack Island as he was making an international survey across Bass Strait from Cape Otway; some 25km southward, on the mainland side (S Bremer Bay). Charles Murdoch who had been researching Australian parrots found several birds on Wednesday.
Climate
The climate is temperate and the island experiences a warm tropical wet season.
Flora and Fauna
The dominant tree on the island is an ironbark, which also grows on mainland Australia. Other plants include a bottlebrush, pandanus and eucalyptus trees. There are also many heathland species including Waitllia cunninghamii, Acacia Dealbata and Leucopogon martinii. The most common animal is the spottedtail quoll which has been reintroduced.
Culture
The culture of Clack Island is based on the traditional way of life of the aborigines. This includes hunting, fishing and gathering. Activities
The largest tour holiday all-inclusive accommodation and orientation day, hosted annually on the island. There is also an annual lecture recorded by National radio in which visitors can be part of or listen to the participants’ account of life on Clack Island over several decades. This group are called Hammers Open Air Museum Society”.
Politics
In 1928 Clack Island became part of the state of Victoria. The majority of the population were Victorian Aboriginal people, who are still an important part of island life. The Phillip Island RSL is a branch for indigenous ex-residents about 3km from Clack island on a mainland suburb called Millhaven which was founded in 1978.
Government Services
Services provided: Public Primary School, Aquaculture Centre for Pacific Oysters and associated education.
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Tourism
There is currently no tourism in Clack Island.
Transport
There is no public transport in Clack Island.
Clack Island is located off the Victorian coast and can only be reached by ferry from Phillip Island. Refueling is possible from the mainland at small port on Poinciana Road Millhaven. Tourist flights are available from the nearby Macedon airport and Melbourne Airport.
There is a local bus service that runs between Shepparton Station in Woolworths Shopping Centre and Kilmore Branch Library (located very close to Bay 5).
Cuisine
There is no main cuisine on Clack Island, however there are a few local restaurants that offer the traditional Aboriginal fare.
Crafts and Hobbies
Most of the islanders engage in subsistence farming or fishing. There is also a small arts and craft community who make items such as jewellery, baskets and pottery. The local art gallery has an extensive collection of works and records for sale. A few residents belong to the arts department at University of Melbourne where they study sculpture, music or drama.
Aboriginal Culture Program
The main area that Canberra runs a program is in Clack Island Primary School building which houses Classrooms on the 1st Floor with Lectures rooms Sitting Area above this space through 2nd level including a large multipurpose room
Wildlife
There are a number of native animals that can be found on Clack Island including possums, tabbies and platypuses. The island also has boatloads of rosellas, brushtail possums and quolls. History and Places of Interest
Clack Island’s history is vast. Settlements go back at least 4,000 years where evidence in the form of artefacts has been found throughout many parts of Clack Island. Original inhabitants include the Bunurong peoples who inhabited coastal areas such as Sorrento before being relocated by European settlers for their use and threat towards sheep farming on coastline during 1840s-1880s .
The original indigenous name for the area of Clack Island is Krkoo. Research suggests that this name could have been a combination of karangaroo and cloud, which refers to its position north-west side where it is shielded from the ocean by surrounding hills.
Other records suggest “Clakka” was an Aboriginal term referring to a foaming discharge at Coochin Creek (Goulburn). Traditionally on account of a blackened gum (Eucalyptus dehiscens) the creek was named after a native possum, which is still found on Coochin Creek near Goulburn.
Early European Settlers who came to establish businesses along the mountain ranges of North East Victoria and access countrytowns such as Kyneton around 1835 were not always cordial neighbours with neighbouring Aborigines living off-grid in isolated trawls, taking shelter.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a secluded getaway, look no further than Clack Island. This small island off the coast of Nova Scotia has plenty to offer tourists, from pristine beaches to picturesque quays. But what makes Clack Island truly unique is its history. This former penal colony was home to several notorious criminals, including Daniel O’Brien and Edward Drinker Cope. Today, Clack Island is a popular tourist destination, and its past makes it an interesting place to visit.
FAQ
Where Is Clack Island Located?
Clack Island is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, northeast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
Clack Island’s seaside location and proximity to Cape Breton means its climate can be windy and changeable. The summer months are sunnier than inland cities, with a high of 16 degrees Celsius (60 F) in July but temperatures are cooler during wintertime at roughly 10 C (50 F). Because it is located away from other major population centres, the island experiences less
How Big Is Clack Island?
The island is about 1 kilometer wide by 3 kilometers long.
How To Get To Clack Island?
There is no public transportation to Clack Island; visitors must bring their own vehicle.
What are the hours of operation?
The island is open year-round, though peak season varies depending on weather conditions. The staff at the Visitors Centre will be able to give you more detailed information about specific times of year.
Is The Clack Island Island Dangerous?
No, Clack Island is not dangerous. The island’s only crime is being an isolated location with a few rustic cottages and no public transportation.
Can I Stay In The Clack Island Island?
There are no accommodations on Clack Island. Visitors must bring their own camping gear and sleep in their vehicle or a designated camping area.
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