The smallest mainland on planet Earth is Australia. This continent is located in the Southern Hemisphere and is washed by the waters of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Australia has picturesque nature and a unique wildlife. Numerous attractions attract tourists from different countries.
The extreme points of the smallest continent
Each continent has 4 extreme points, and Australia is no exception:
- South Point is a cape located in the south of the continent.
- Byron is a point on the east coast of Australia.
- To the west is Stipe Point.
- Cape York is the extreme northern point.
If you draw a diagonal from the western to the eastern cape, the distance will be about 4,000 km. But the southern and northern points are a little closer to each other - about 3,200 km.
Each of these places has its exact geographical coordinates:
Cape york | 10 about 41 \ 21 s.sh. | 142 about 31 \ 50 east |
Cape Byron | 28 about 38 \ 15 s.sh. | 153 about 38 \ 14 east |
Cape Stipe Point | 26 about 09/05 S | 113 about 09 \ 18 east |
Cape South Point | 39 o 08 \ 20 s | 146 about 22 \ 26 east |
Cape australia
Cape York is located in the northern part of the Australian continent, on the Cape York Peninsula, which is over 600 km long. These territories are located at a remote distance from large cities and are undeveloped. The coast of the peninsula is washed by the waters of the Arafura and Coral Sea. About 150-160 km from the extreme northern point of Australia is the large island of New Guinea. It is separated from the mainland by the Torres Strait.
Geographically, Cape York belongs to the second largest Australian state - Queensland. The nearest town (Bamaga) is at a distance of 40 km.
The area of the peninsula is approximately 137 thousand sq. Km. Despite the fact that this territory is rather large, a population of 18,000 people lives on it. About 60% of these people are local natives and islanders.
Historical facts
Today, the northernmost point of Australia is known to us as Cape York. Who discovered this remote corner of the planet is not hard to guess. Those who carefully studied geography know that in 1770, the great navigator James Cook arrived on the eastern shores of the new continent. The discovery caused particular interest among Europeans, and after some time the British built the city of Sydney in the southeastern part of the mainland. By the end of the 18th century, Australia became one of the colonies of Great Britain.
Cape York and Cape York were named the British navigator in honor of the great English Duke of York. The same name has survived to the present day.
Description of the Cape York Peninsula
The Cape York Peninsula has a unique landscape. Its western part is a lowland, while in the east lies mountainous terrain. The highest point on the peninsula has a height of 823 m. It is located near the village of Cohen, on the Mac Irley Range. Low hills and mountains are a continuation of the Great Dividing Range. On the east and west sides they are surrounded by lowlands, which are called Laura and Carpentaria. The relief of the peninsula is dissected by numerous armholes and rivers.
Unlike other Australian territories, the soil in this area is barren, which is why the population density is too low. A humid marine climate and strong winds caused soil erosion, so it is extremely difficult to conduct agricultural activities in this region.
Cooktown is the administrative center of the peninsula. It is located in its southeastern part. Since the population in these places is not large, there are no large cities. Laura, Lakeland, Cohen - these are just small towns located near the central highway. Two small settlements of Seisia and Bamaga, which are located in the north of the peninsula, are inhabited mainly by natives.
Queensland nature
The area, located in northeast Australia (Queensland), in 1988 was included in the UNESCO list. Rainforests, with unspoilt wildlife, a unique landscape, including rivers, waterfalls, mountains and gorges, have become a World Heritage Site.
The fauna and flora of these places is amazingly rich. This is due to the climatic features of the region. The air temperature in summer is on average about 30 degrees Celsius, and the winters in these parts are quite warm. The bars of the thermometer drop only 5 degrees below. It’s a little colder near the cliffs and on the plateau: in summer plus 17-28, in winter plus 9-22 degrees.
The climate in this region is very humid, which is why the nature reserve is called Wet Tropics of Queensland, which means the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
More than 100 species of animals and approximately 380 species of plants, which are rare and endangered representatives of flora and fauna, live in forests.
Peninsula beaches
Many people like to travel, exploring previously unseen corners of the planet, they do not bypass the Cape York. Australia is fraught with many interesting and unknown: unique nature and wildlife, amazing landscapes with its splendor. There really is something to see here. If you decide to visit the northernmost point of this continent, do not forget to admire the sea views and beaches of the Cape York Peninsula.
Along the eastern coastline of the mainland lies the Great Barrier Reef, whose length is about 2,300 km. This is a kind of "Mecca" for tourists from all over the world.
The most popular beaches of Cape York are:
Their appearance resembles a paradise, tropical corner. Although these places have problems:
- The northern coast of Australia is characterized by strong ebbs.
- Poisonous jellyfish are found in sea waters.
- Ocean currents bring garbage to the shores, but this problem is eliminated by regularly cleaning the coast.
- Crocodiles are one of the many inhabitants of these places.
If you want to visit Cape York, the ideal time for this is May-November. This is the period of the dry season, although during the rains the surrounding nature becomes more picturesque and vibrant. This has a special charm. But in the rainy season, it is difficult to travel in these places, since you can’t even drive a jeep here.
Cape York is an outlandish, paradise in the tropics, where there are a large number of endemic animals and plants in Australia. To feel the beauty of untouched nature, it is worth visiting these places.