Page 26 - Port Douglas Magazine 42

DISCOVER THE HIDDEN

TREASURES OF LOW ISLES:

A postcard-perfect paradise
with a rich backstory

WORDS by Jamie Jansen PHOTOGRAPHY by Renata Musson
estled just 15 kilometres off the coast When noted by Captain Cook in 1770, Low Isles Did you know the first major research expedition
of Port Douglas, Low Isles have long was described as a “small low island” and it was on the Great Barrier Reef happened right here on
Nenchanted visitors with stunning officially named Low Isles in 1819. the Low Isles back in 1928-1929?
snorkelling opportunities, sun-kissed sands The site consists of two small coral cay islands, It was led by Sir Charles Maurice Yonge (1899-
and the sight of playful turtles elegantly which are surrounded by 55 acres of vibrant reef. 1986), a highly distinguished marine zoologist.
gliding through crystal-clear waters. But these The smaller coral cay is known as Low Island, This groundbreaking expedition, led by the Great
two charming islands offer much more than while the larger, Woody Island, is blanketed in Barrier Reef Committee and the Royal Society of
unforgettable marine experiences and stunning a mangrove forest and serves as a crucial bird London, established Low Isles as a pivotal site in
scenery. They are rich in ecological importance, nesting site and habitat for various species. marine science. It was the world’s first extensive
research history and cultural heritage. Are you scientific study of a coral reef and set the stage
ready to strap on your snorkel gear and dive This unique destination is a rare blend of coral for many modern theories on coral reef ecology,
into the fascinating backstory of Low Isles? cay and mangrove habitats, fostering a rich including insights into coral diets, bleaching
diversity of flora and fauna. The tranquil lagoon
For those yet to explore this magical paradise, let’s not only enhances this beauty but also provides events and growth patterns. It marked the
begin with an introduction. an ideal refuge and feeding ground for a thriving beginning of Australia’s rise as a major player in
Low Isles hold significant value for the Eastern population of turtles. coral reef science, conservation and management.
Kuku Yalanji and Yirrganydji Peoples, who Low Isles functioned as a research station from
know these islands as Wungkun. Recognised as A HISTORICAL MILESTONE 1994 to 2012 and was part of a broader initiative
a Commonwealth Heritage site, the indigenous that included other stations on Lizard, Orpheus,
communities have relied on its marine Low Isles are far more than just a picturesque Heron, One Tree, and Green islands. While
destination. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine
resources for thousands of years and view it as the Low Isles station is no longer in operation,
intertwined with their Dreamings, serving as a Park, they are a scientific hotspot that ranks the findings from the 1928-29 Great Barrier
vital storytelling place and a foundation of their among the most intensively studied coral cay on Reef Expedition continue to serve as important
spiritual connection to the land and sea. the planet. benchmarks for understanding changes in the
reef over the past century.