Seal Island (Albany, Western Australia) Explained

Seal Island in the Great Southern region^[1] of Western Australia (located at -35.0753°N 117.9747°W) is approximately 8.5km (05.3miles) south-east of Albany and approximately 3km (02miles) offshore from Frenchman Bay in King George Sound. It has a total area of 2.8ha. The island is designated as a nature reserve (Reserve Number 32199).^[2]

The island is composed entirely of granite and is only accessible at the western end.^[3]

History

George Vancouver named Seal Island in 1791 along with Breaksea Island, Michaelmas Island and other features around King George Sound.^[4]

Matthew Flinders landed on Seal Island during the voyage of the Investigator in 1801, searching for items that were reportedly left by Vancouver^[5] and leaving behind a bottle containing a parchment with details of their own arrival and departure.^[6]

HMAS Perth was scuttled behind Seal Island in 2001, and is now one of Western Australia's premier dive sites.^[7]

Notes and References

1. There are 5 islands in Western Australia named "Seal Island"  - see Seal Island for more information.
2. Web site: South Coast Regional Management Plan 1992-2002 . 2002. 17 April 2008.
3. Book: Encountering Terra Australis: The Australian Voyages of Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders. 2007. 9781862546257. 17 April 2008. Fornasiero. F. J.. Monteath. Peter. West-Sooby. John.
4. News: SMH Travel - Albany . 2004 . 17 April 2008. The Sydney Morning Herald.
5. Book: The Life of Matthew Flinders. 2004. 9781741141528. 17 April 2008. Estensen. Miriam.
6. Web site: The History of Australian Exploration Chapter XVI. 2007. 17 April 2008.
7. Web site: Albany - The Wild South West. 2007. 17 April 2008.