Hayman Island is one of Australia’s top tourist destinations and an important part of the Great Barrier Reef National Park. The island is a popular spot for snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing, and has a rich history. The island was first settled in the 1870s, and it became a penal colony in the early 20th century. The island was renamed Hayman Island in 1931 in honour of PV Hayman, the Governor of Queensland at the time.
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History
The island was first settled by Aboriginal people around 1870, and it began to be used as a penal colony in the early 20th century. The first prisoners were transported there from Port Arthur in 1901.
In 1931, the island was renamed Hayman Island in honour of PV Hayman, the Governor of Queensland at the time.
Today, Hayman Island is one of Australia’s top tourist destinations and an important part of the Great Barrier Reef National Park. The island is a popular spot for snorkelling, diving and windsurfing, and it has a rich history that includes the first use of car-free living on an Australian island in 1971.
Climate
The climate on Hayman Island is tropical and moderated by the southeast trade winds. The average annual temperature is 23°C. There are frequent cyclones that can affect the island, with averages of 8 a year. The average period between major cyclones is 2 years.
Hayman Island has a permanent population of around 23, so changes in the size and number of visitors can cause significant impacts on the island. Tourism
It is a popular spot for snorkelling, diving and windsurfing.There are numerous viewing platforms around the island that allow tourists to get good views over Nemo Bay from land. Seashells can be found in abundance on the reef near Hayman Island which makes it a potential backpackers’ destination as well has being an important part of the Great Barrier Reef National Park.
Culture
There is an airstrip on Hayman Island that has regular flights to the mainland. There are also ferries that connect the island with Port Douglas, and cruises visit occasionally. There is a small town on Hayman Island called Hope Town which consists of a few shops, restaurants and bars. In the township you can find several camping sites, caravan parks and cottages available to rent.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority controls fishing off Hayman Island; snorkelling is permitted within a 12-nautical mile (22 km) limit as are scuba diving activities (inside a 30-degree depth contour).
Politics
The island is part of the Whitsunday Local Government Area. Education
Although the island is privately owned and it has no schools, children are able to attend Port Douglas State School on the mainland. Many schoolchildren in neighbouring communities choose to learn just off Hayman Island by way of attending Church of Christ primary school for pre-school aged children or St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Cairns.
There are some private colleges that offer distance education including Heritage College which places emphasis on English language issues.
Government Services
The island is serviced by a general store, post office and police station on the mainland. It has its own telephone service operated by Telstra (mobile services are also available) and there is no medical service.
The airstrip on Hayman Island provides regular scheduled flights to Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and Port Douglas as well as charter flights from various parts of Australia. Shops, pubs, accommodation and small hotels are also available for the use of visitors.
Tourism
Tourism is the main industry on Hayman Island with visitors coming to enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef and its colourful coral, secluded coves and gentle lagoons. With plenty of activities on offer such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing there is something for everyone to do. Seymour Island – A Remote Paradise
It’s a little out of the way, not so many people know about it.
Transport
The island is served by regular scheduled flights from Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney. Charter flights are also available from various parts of Australia. There is a well maintained airstrip on the island providing transport to the mainland. History
The people living on Hayman Island were the Minjambung (Minjaan) tribe and they spoke Murngin Aboriginal languages. The first Europeans to visit Seymour island was a group of British explorers led by John Oxley during 1819.
Cuisine
Hayman Island is famous for its succulent seafood and the island’s cuisine reflects this with dishes such as barramundi, prawns and crabs. Location
About 12 kilometres west of Cape Tribulation, Hayman Island is a small group of islands, stretching over three kilometers (1.86 miles). There are eleven islands in total with some reaching up to four hectares (10 acres), others only 25 meters high (80 feet) and most measuring less than 300 square metres . The longest island stretches 5.5 km from point 1 to 4 in an east-west direction.
Wildlife
The island is home to a wide range of Wildlife including turtles, dugongs, dolphins and whales. A refuge for Birds including honeyeaters, penguins and kingfishers. There are secluded spots on the island perfect to see Aboriginal rock art which dates back to approximately 2,500 years ago showing pictograms that depict birds being speared by hunters.
Conclusion
Hayman Island is one of the many islands that make up the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is located about 10 kilometres off the coast of Townsville and is home to a small, uninhabited island that was once used by the military as an airbase. Hayman Island is also known for its large population of sea eagles, which can be seen on the island’s cliffs.
FAQ
- What Is The Population Of Hayman Island?
There are no permanent inhabitants on Hayman Island, but there are a number of tourists who visit every year. In 2016, there were an estimated 1,500 visitors to the island.
- How Many People Live On Hayman Island?
There is no permanent population on Hayman Island, but during the tourism season (which runs from February to October), it can get very busy . During the peak season, it can reach around 2,000 visitors a day.
- What Is Hayman Island Like? Is There Anything I Should Do Before Visiting?
Hayman Island has a lot of parts that are worth exploring when you visit. The scenery on this island is truly beautiful and it’s easy to see why many travel here every year just to search for wildlife and view the sea eagles in peace and quiet! Since most of Hayman Island is uninhabited, there’s little to do on the island during tourist season.
- Can I Camp On Hayman Island?
No! There are no campsites or camping areas available in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park at all and it simply isn’t allowed as damage to this part of Queensland would be severe. If you wishdto use a small plastic tent that can fit two people holding hands, then you are advised to check back on our page under ‘Miscellaneous’ before you leave.
5. Is Hayman Island Suitable For Kids? How Many Can Come And If So, How Old Do They Have To Be?
The island is ideal for families with children! The buildings may look small but the people who live there will tell you that the island accommodates more than enough space in each one of them!
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