Hope Islands National Park

Hope Islands National Park encompasses four islands with coral reefs, mangrove ecosystems, and sandy beaches across 1.74 square kilometers of protected marine environment.

Lieutenant James Cook named these islands on June 13, 1770, when his ship HMS Endeavour sought refuge after encountering difficulties at Endeavour Reef.

The islands maintain deep connections to Indigenous communities, with evidence of traditional fishing practices and maritime activities spanning thousands of years.

Access to the national park requires transportation by private vessel or authorized commercial operators departing from nearby coastal towns in Queensland.

The park functions as a scientific research site where experts study the interactions between coral reefs, marine species, and seasonal migrating birds.

Location: Cook Shire

Operator: Queensland Department of Environment and Science

Website: http://derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests

GPS coordinates: -16.29840,145.49829

Latest update: March 17, 2025 16:46