Visiting Mornington Shire
| Mornington Shire |
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Mornington Shire comprises 21 islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria. 14 islands are part of the North Wellesley group of islands, of which Mornington Island is the largest, estimated to be 700 square kilometers in area. The South Wellesley group of islands is domainated by Bentinck Island, and includes Sweers Island. The only township, Gununa, on Mornington Island, is serviced by regular passenger flights from Mt Isa and Cairns, and barge from Karumba.
The Wellesley Islands and surrounding seas are the traditional lands and waters of the Lardil, Yangkaal, Kaiadilt and Gangalidda peoples who have successfully managed their land and sea resources for millennia. The region remains one of the most pristine in Australia and is renowned nationally and internationally for its Indigenous art and culture, as well as its fishing. The land is covered by low scrub with ti-tree and swamp flats providing a habitat for many species of wildlife. There are windswept beaches lined with sea-oak trees, rocky outcrops and mangroves. The surrounding sea is abundant with fish and marine life, such as turtle and dugong. The Lardil, Kaiadilt, Yangkaal and Gangalidda people manage a number of land and sea management projects aimed at maintaining the unique natural environment and supporting future generations to live off the land. Tourism is in its infancy on the island and there are only two tourist accommodations (Birri Fishing Paradise, located some 30 kms from Gununa on Mornington Island, and Sweers Island Resort in the South Wellesley group). Permission to land on the islands must be sought from Mornington Shire Council by mail, six weeks prior to any intended visit, and any visitor needs to have made all accommodation arrangements PRIOR to arrival. There are no established camping facilities within the Shire. However, guests of Birri Fishing Paradise and Sweers Island Resort do not need prior permission. Both have an airstrip close to their resort for private aircraft. Under an Alcohol Management Plan applying to Mornington Shire, alcohol may not be taken into the area. Heavy penalties apply. Birri Fishing Paradise and Sweers Island Resort have a limited liquor license. Mornington Island Art Centre, which is a part of the Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation provides retail sales of art and crafts and is located close to the airport at Gununa. There are plans to develop tourist accommodation associated with the Centre but at this point in time there is no tourist accommodation at Gununa. In the early 1900s, the Uniting Church established a mission on Mornington Island and most Aboriginal people were located within the mission. In 1978 the Queensland and Federal Governments facilitated the establishment of self-government via a local authority, the Mornington Shire Council. Sweers Island is surrounded by thousands of acres of reef, mostly rock but with some coral, much of which has never seen a fishing line. Reef fish (the most common being sweetlip, cod, coral trout, parrotfish and stripeys, with some red emperor and scarlet sea perch) abound in the rich waters of the Gulf and in winter the pelagics such as mackerel and tuna are plentiful. The largest caught to date is 60 pounds. LOCATION
AIRSTRIPS Gununa
Birri Fishing Parradise
SERVICES Mornington Shire Council: (07) 4745 7200 ACCOMMODATION Mornington Island Council Dongas Birri Fishing Paradise Sport and bottom fishing Sweers Island Resort Catering for the fisherman or those that just want to get away from it all, the island has only one vehicle, three cabins with three single beds in each (fans only), two cabins with six single beds in each (fans only). There is no need to even bring any fishing equipment or boats, both are available.
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