GOODS ISLAND

• Latitude: -10.5661
•
• Longitude: 142.163
•
• North Australia
•
• Port in Australia

Address: Goods Island Queensland 4875 Australia

Phone number: N/A

Web-site: N/A

Goods Island, also known as Palilag, is located within the Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Thursday Islands Group in the northern part of Australia. The island is significant for its strategic location in the Torres Strait, which is a key shipping route for vessels traveling between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Port Description:

Goods Island does not have a large commercial port but primarily serves as a minor anchorage point. It has historical significance and is known for its lighthouse and natural anchorage facilities. The marine facilities support small-scale shipping and local maritime activities.

Specifications:

1. Location:

   • Latitude: approximately 10.5° S
   • Longitude: approximately 142.15° E
   • Part of the Torres Strait Islands, positioned near the main navigational route through the Torres Strait.

2. Harbor Type:

   • Natural anchorage.

3. Depth:

   • The anchorage area offers a range of depths suitable for small to medium-sized vessels.
   • Exact depths can vary, and mariners are advised to consult nautical charts for specific information.

4. Navigational Aids:

   • Goods Island Light: A critical lighthouse that assists with night navigation through the Torres Strait. The light is an important reference for vessels traversing this part of Australia.
   • It's essential for mariners to use updated nautical charts and GPS for navigation due to the variable depths and presence of reefs.

5. Facilities:

   • There are no extensive port facilities; no heavy machinery or extensive cargo-handling infrastructure.
   • Mainly serves small vessels, local community needs, and provides a refuge during poor weather conditions.

6. Services:

   • Limited services are available due to the island's small size and remote location.
   • Basic provisions and emergency facilities might be accessible, but for more extensive services, mariners often need to go to Thursday Island or other larger nearby islands.

7. Usage:

   • Mostly used for small-scale local transport.
   • Recreational boating and fishing.
   • Occasionally serves as a stopover or emergency anchorage for larger vessels navigating the Torres Strait.

8. Climate:

   • Tropical climate with a distinct wet season (November to April) and dry season (May to October).
   • Mariners should be mindful of the cyclone season (typically November to May) when navigating the region.

Importance:

• Strategic: The island is strategically significant due to its location in the Torres Strait, which is one of the major sea routes between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
• Ecological: The surrounding waters and reefs support diverse marine life, making the area ecologically sensitive and important for conservation.

Considerations:

• Environmental Protection: The waters around Goods Island are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and there are stringent environmental regulations to protect the ecosystem.
• Navigation Hazards: The area has numerous reefs and coral formations. Accurate and careful navigation is essential to prevent groundings.

In conclusion, while Goods Island does not serve as a major commercial port, its strategic location and natural anchorage facilities make it an important point for maritime navigation in the Torres Strait.