Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Then why not head to Princess Royal Island, a place that offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Enjoy the sounds of waves crashing against the shore, watch colorful butterflies flutter around, and take in the refreshing smell of jasmine in the breeze. With so much to do and see, Princess Royal Island is a perfect getaway for anyone looking for a weekend escape or a full-blown vacation.
Contents
History
Princess Royal Island got its name from Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, who was the wife of Prince George, Duke of York. The island was originally part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and belonged to a branch of the princely family named after Saint Louis. In 1887, the island became a royal possession when Queen Victoria bestowed it on her granddaughter Princess Louise Augusta Victoria.
Today
The beauty of Princess Royal Island can still be found today. Over the past decades, there has been some coastal erosion and sloughing off of the island’s coastline by beach sand in areas such as Ebony Bay; however, this was done only to protect Sydney Harbour from further erosion which would have resulted if it remained unprotected. There is no man-made development on or around Princess Royal Island—it’s a pristine nature preserve home to a wide variety of wildlife.
The island is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and birding activities; however, the number of visitors has not increased over the years because it remains off-limits by day. This makes Princess Royal Island perfect for relaxation and enjoyment without disturbance from humans or other creatures that might have an impact on its beauty.
Climate
The climate of Princess Royal Island is temperate and is influenced by the Gulf Stream. The average temperature ranges from 16 degrees Celsius in winter to 26 degrees Celsius in summer but can exceed 30 degrees Celsius during heat waves. There are only a few short months where rain is common; however, most days see sunshine or some type of cloud cover.
Geography & Ecology
The island is at the west end of Jervis Bay and Parks Victoria has maintained a nature reserve around it since 1888 to protect its environment. One feature of the biodiversity on the island is that nearly all plants are endemic; this means they occur nowhere else in Australia. The flora comprises mainly low-littoral rainforest vegetation, with particular species or beds depending upon mainland location.
Typical examples include “Eucalyptus” and “Gahnia”, which may comprise up to 80% of the ground vegetation, clumps of tall trees such as hoop pines (e.g., Avicennias) and banksias that are found over most islands; dwarf eucalypts on their own or in mixed-species groups (“Araucaria”), principally but not exclusively low-growing forms; red box trees, kangaroo paw Myrtle (“Syzygium”) and other shrubs, the sea grape (“Conyza”), etc.; remnants of earlier forest communities such as sclerophyll, including understory species; plentiful herbaceous ground flora.
The vegetation is diverse in how it supports birds and provides food for animals that are parasitic or eat decaying material. Birds also use foraging habitats at different levels (e.g., small mammals).
Culture of Princess Royal Island
The people of Princess Royal Island have their own culture, just as do the people of any other island. Islanders have a rich history and tradition that is unique to them. The traditional way of life includes fishing and hunting, subsistence gardening and gathering, storytelling, music, and dancing.
There are also several active communities on the island that maintain cultural traditions including singing circles (a form of karaoke), potlatches (fundraisers), games days, cultural rituals, and celebrations of family reunions. It is most common for an islander in the Quandamooka country to credit their tribe’s name to take names from both tribal and historic places on the mainland; however, this practice has been discouraged by federal legislation since it perpetuates stereotypes based on race rather than equal recognition as Aboriginal peoples.
Politics
The people of Princess Royal Island are represented in the Australian Parliament by two Members of Parliament; one for the Division of Brand and another for the Division of Fairfax. Both members are drawn from the Liberal Party and both have strong ties to their constituency on Princess Royal Island. The current Members of Parliament for Brand and Fairfax are Bess Price representing the Division of Brand, since 1998, and Ted O’Brien representing it since 1996.
Government services
The people of Princess Royal Island have their own local government, the Shire of King Bay. The Shire is a self-governing body that provides services such as roads, water and sewage, councils, and emergency services. It also operates a post office (the only one on the island), a bank, an education center, and a public library.
Police service is provided by Australian Federal Police officers stationed in Norfolk Island. A lifeboat station was constructed between 1855 and 1881, but the boat was lost in a wreck near Newcastle Island. A new station opened on New Year’s Eve 2011. The nearest hospital is at Longreach (130 kilometers to the south). All emergency services are provided by police from Norfolk Island or mainland Australia; road access to Queen Bay is via Forest Highway’s two-lane bridge across Harvey Estuary.
Tourism
Princess Royal Island is a popular tourist destination due to its secluded and unspoiled nature. The island is well known for its cafes, including the world’s second-largest cave, which can be explored by boat or on foot. Other attractions include beaches and lagoons, bushwalking trails, and beautiful coves. Fishing is also an important part of the economy; there are good salmon rivers in the area as well as sharks.
Transport
Queen Bay is accessible by private boat, or on foot from the Longreach area. There are regular helicopter services to and from Norfolk Island (approximately four flights a week).
Conclusion
Introducing Princess Royal Island, a luxurious getaway that offers guests all the amenities they need to relax and rejuvenate. The island is situated in the heart of the Grenadines, a region famed for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Offering an unrivaled view of the Caribbean Sea, the island is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With plenty of activities and attractions to keep guests entertained, Princess Royal Island is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.
FAQs
What Is The Currency On Princess Royal Island?
The official currency on Princess Royal Island is the East Caribbean dollar.
What Are The Shuttles Provided By Princess Royal Island?
There is a shuttle service that connects Princess Royal Island with Longreach, Queensland on Australia’s mainland. This consists of two flights per week from Norfolk Islanders and returns to the island each Monday and Wednesday weekly. Also between Queen Bay, Grenada 50km away for all transportation needs including airport transfers, boat charters as well as car rentals at reasonable rates.
What Time Is Check In?
Check-in: 14:00 to 18:30 hours.
What Are The Overnights On Princess Royal Island?
The overnight rate varies according to size and type of accommodation at Queen Bay but generally, it will be 75% upon arrival applied till 16hrs of checkout with a 15% service charge added per nite taken. The price ranges from the US $25 – 45 depending on room size, groups, similar facilities, and demand.
What Is The Lost Property Office On Princess Royal Island?
There is no documented Lost Property Office at Queen Bay. However, if your packages are returned by mail due to insufficient funds, it may be sent again.
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