King Island is a spectacular Australian island located in the Bass Strait and part of the State of Victoria. It is approximately 130 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide, and its highest peak, Mount Wellington, reaches 2,228 metres. The island’s diverse terrain includes a coastal plain, fertile valleys, rugged mountains and deep gorges. It is known for its temperate climate, natural beauty and agricultural production.
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History
King Island was first settled by the Polynesians in about 1200 AD. They named it Rarotonga after their home island in the Cook Islands. The first Europeans to arrive on King Island were sealers and whalers in the mid-19th century. By 1853, a British settlement had been established on the island at Port Melbourne, and from then until 1901 it was administered as part of Tasmania.
During World War II, Australian troops were stationed on King Island to protect Australia’s northeast coast from possible Japanese attack. The military facilities that were used during this time include the King Island Container Depot, the Coranderrk wharf and torpedo station, a radar station (which is now part of an Australian National Maritime Museum), three aircraft hangars and several gun emplacements. The radar station is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in its Construction of Radar Sites Between 1939–1945 category.
King Island has several settlements including: Beaumaris; Cardwell West; Curlewis Bay East; Fig Tree Pocket; Franklin Reach North Settlement (also called Gloucester); Longford North Bankside Jetty Newnham Road Point Hicks Riverbank ; and Sandys Creek.
The island is split into two land divisions and many township councils have been established by local government bodies such as the King Island Council, which oversees non-government areas of King Island. There are also several Aboriginal tribes on the island including Adelaide Tribe (Arakwal), Avoona Peninsula People, Bunganbarra Nationry Country; Kaia Maori from Aorangi Marine Beach Gaora:Mudubara Ganalgin Southern Yorke Land Group (YLG) Ngamindy Yolngu Mandingo Barndah Mard udjab Mudilla-Payarra Muyalti, Nguiu Ngarrindjal; Natimuk Marwuna.
The island’s brolga (also known as emu in Australia) population produces a distinctive mix of calls that have been likened to ‘bird noises’. These include the call used by the black tail wattlebird when defending its territory. The King Island wild goat is indigenous to the island and on 28 February 2009 fourteen King Indian gull chicks were released into Chapman Bay on Tasmania nonetheless managed to survive.
Climate
The climate of King Island is temperate, with a generally mild to cool-temperate rainfall pattern that decreases as you move East from the Cape. The mean temperature ranges from 11 degrees Celsius in winter to around 24 degrees Celsius in summer. There is only one month which exceeds 30 degrees Celsius.
The maritime climate of King Island, resulting from its position in the Southern ocean, results in a relatively cool profile during summer but onshore winds and westerly (cooler) temperatures persist across winter. The annual average temperature range is -0.3 °C to 38° C although cold spells (ranging from 1-14 days over the past 15 years) occur frequently especially as you move away from Curlewis Bay toward Beaumaris where sea breezes are stronger and air movement more variable compared with inland areas of King island .
Culture
The traditional Maori way of life on King Island is centred around tribal groupings and the annual cycle of harvesting. Today, many Kaia Maori from all over Tasmania attend regular cultural gatherings at Paaruku-Paularo Cultural Centre located near Aorangi Marine Beach Gaora to share Traditional stories, songs and dances as well as to learn new skills in bushcrafting and other crafts.
King Island also hosts an annual street Fair which attracts visitors from throughout southern Tasmania. The main attraction is a large funfair with rides including an elephant ride that was formerly located at the Tasman ian Fire Service Museum at Burnie.
Economy and society
King island has a strategic location on the Bass Strait between Cape Wickham to the North of Tasmania, Flinders Island in South Australia and Western Port River off Victoria’s coast due to its accessibility by sea. The unusually large number of daily ferries which run provide King with close links in both directions – for example two were established from Melbourne through swan islands (Dundonnell Bay and D’Entrecasteaux) before eventually linking up with Wilson bay township near Hobart . The majority of agricultural production takes place in King Island with oats, sheep and cattle being the main land uses.
The eco-system of King Island is considered to be a major focal point for environmental studies due to its relative large size in comparison with surrounding islands which are barely larger than some suburbs (e.g., Maatsuyker National Park) , so managing these benefits while protecting the island’s diverse flora species has always been a key priority historically . Bald Eagle numbers have increased dramatically over recent years but there are concerns that this may not provide an effective buffer against introduced predators such as foxes .
Politics
King Island is a self-governing territory of the Australian Commonwealth and its residents have responsibility for electing their own Council. The current Mayor is Councillor Barbara Harvey, who was first elected in October 2007. King Island Hospital (KIH) provides essential health services to residents on the island as well as providing medical research opportunities to students from around Australia, with collaborations with Tasmania’s Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). KIH also has an extensive volunteer program which includes many groups such as Scouts and Guiding organisations.
Government services
King Island is served by a small number of public services that are delivered by Tasmania’s Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW). These services include the delivery of fresh water, waste management, cropping and livestock production advice as well as emergency response capabilities.
Tourism
King Island is one of Tasmania’s most popular tourist destinations and receives over 1.5 million visitors each year. The island offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, hiking, cycling, fishing and windsurfing which have been developed to provide an enjoyable experience for all users. There are also plenty of options for relaxationbumps including world-famous spa facilities and numerous restaurants that offer fresh seafood dishes from the local fishery .
The island’s infrastructure is supported with the provision of sewage disposal, an extensive hospital and a water supply that meets modern expectations where fresh drinking and shower supplies to most buildings are available 24 hours per day during high season (June to September). The only public electricity services on the island use community powered diesel generators for reliable power in case of emergency or maintenance work. Many businesses also operate their own private power stations as well as other facilities including air conditioning, cell phone coverage, TV reception etc.
Conclusion
When it comes to offering a unique travel experience, King Island has been doing it right for years. This Australian island is known for its diverse landscapes, luxurious resorts and friendly locals. Whether you’re looking for a nature-filled escape or a luxury getaway, King Island has you covered.
FAQs
What Is The Climate Like On King Island?
The island’s temperate climate is perfect for year-round travel. The temperature varies significantly throughout the year, with winter being cold and wet, while summer can be hot and dry.
How Many Days Of Sunshine Per Month Does King Island Receive?
King Island receives an average of 254 days of sunshine per year. This means that you will be able to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities all season long!
Is Access To Healthcare Available On King Island?
Yes, medical services are available on the island from private clinics as well as Doctors on call.
What Are The Island’s Annual Rainfall And Average Temperature?
The island annually receives approximately 615 millimetres of rain, which is a little less than Sydney On King Island temperatures vary throughout the year with winter being cool and wet while summer is usually warm with large differences in day to night temperatures during the months of June through October.
Is It Safe To Walk Around At Night?
Yes, King Island is generally very safe to walk around at night. However, there are still areas that should be avoided if you’re feeling uneasy.
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