Low Isles is a historic part of the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park named by Captain
Cook in 1770.
The Low Isles are under the protection of
the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authority.
The islands are surrounded by 55 acres of
coral reef very close to the islands, making
it an ideal area for snorkellers. The
mangrove island is Woody Island is
uninhabited except for a wealth of bird
species - a vital habitat.
The reef around Low Isles comprises of 150
species of hard corals and is dominated by
15 species of soft corals. Living amongst
the corals in the blue lagoon area large
variety of reef fish including angelfish,
damselfish, anemones, giant trevally,
sweetlip, fusiliers and many green turtles
are sighted daily.
A number of bird species reside on the
island. You may encounter pelicans,
honey-eaters, white-breasted wood swallows,
mangrove kingfishers, reef egrets with sea
eagles and ospreys wheeling overhead.
Weather data has been collected on Low Isles
since 1887 and scientific associations date
back to 1928 when it was the base for a year
long scientific survey which studied the
structure and ecology of the surrounding
reef.
This study was the first detailed study of a
coral reef from Low Isles anywhere in the
world and many current theories of coral
reef are based on the findings of this
expedition.
Taking the Island Heritage Walk is a 'must
do' when visiting Low Isles |
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