Hook Island

Coordinates: 20°07′S 148°55′E / 20.117°S 148.917°E / -20.117; 148.917

Hook Island is one of the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of the Australian state of Queensland. The island is almost uninhabited, quite rugged and almost completely contained within a section of the Whitsunday Islands National Park . The island has two prominent geographical features on the southern side of Hook Island; the Nara and Macona inlets, two fjord-like recesses that are used as anchorages for the Whitsunday tourist fleet. The island's northern coast is noted for its colourful underwater coral growths, to which snorkelling and diving enthusiasts are attracted.

In 1964, an image taken at the islands circulated globally after what was believed to be some kind of sea monster was visible.

On 12 February 2008 a yacht ran aground at Cape Cove.^[1] The yacht became wedged on dangerous rocks requiring the rescue of 37 people by helicopter. The incident was Australia's largest helicopter rescue operation from a vessel.^[1] At least two people have died from irukandji jellyfish stings while snorkeling off Hook Island.^[2]

Some of the oldest archaeological sites ever found in Eastern Australia are the caves and midden of the Ngaro People on Hook Island. A site at Nara Inlet is the oldest indication of Aboriginal occupation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.^[3]

Hook Island Wilderness Resort

The only habitation on Hook Island is the Hook Island Wilderness Resort which is serviced in irregular days by large catamaran. The resort has a combined bar/restaurant with meals and snacks available. Some activities available at the resort are swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving. There is a now closed underwater observatory on the island due to health and safety deeming it to have inadequate ventilation.

Panorama of Hook Island

See also

• List of islands of Australia

References