Partridge Island (Tasmania)

File:Partridge Island.jpg

Partridge Island from the air

Partridge Island is an island with an area of 103 ha, it is part of the Partridge Island Group, lying close to the south-eastern coast of Tasmania Australia. It is situated in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel between Bruny Island and the mainland of Tasmania. It is part of the South Bruny National Park.

Flora and fauna

The vegetation is mainly dry eucalypt forest with a grassy understorey. Little penguins breed on the island. The endangered forty-spotted pardalote is present. European rabbits were introduced to the island but have since been eradicated. The eastern blue-tongued lizard has been recorded.

Acquisition

The island was privately owned and purchased by Melbourne doctor, Richard Ham, from Dibbern estate on 8 January, 1974, for $50,000. Dr Ham intended to establish an outward bound style sailing school. On 16 May, 1975, an Inspector from the Department of Lands arrived on Partridge Island and presented Dr Ham with a letter indicating that the Government intended to resume the island. Today, Partridge Island is administered by the Parks and Wildlife Service as part of the South Bruny National Park. Since acquisition, the island's maintenance has been neglected. Blackberries and English ivy have invaded the bush and the jetty has become hazardous. In 1998, volunteers removed approximately 4 to 5 tonnes of washed-up rubbish.

See also

The other islands in the Partridge Island Group:

• Arch Rock
• Faith Island
• Hope Island