Native name: no known native connection | |
|---|---|
 Pedra Branca and Eddistone; Tasmans Head | |
| Etymology | Eddystone Lighthouse in Devon, England.[1] |
| Geography | |
| Location | Southern Ocean |
| Coordinates | 43°51′18″S147°00′00″E / 43.85500°S 147.00000°E /-43.85500; 147.00000 |
| Highest elevation | 30 m (100 ft) |
| Administration | |
Australia | |
| State | Tasmania |
| Region | Southern |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Eddystone is a tower-shapedrock or smallisland, located in theSouthern Ocean, off thesouthern coast ofTasmania, Australia.[2] The island is situated approximately 27 km (17 mi) from theSouth East Cape on a bearing of 149° and is contained within theSouthwest National Park, part of theTasmanian WildernessWorld Heritage Site. An erosional remnant of the Tasmanian mainland with an elevation of 30 m (98 ft)above sea level, the island is estimated to have separated from the Tasmanian mainland at least 15,000 years ago.[3]
Eddystone is known for its inaccessibility and distinctive shape, described byAbel Tasman in 1642 as "a tall, obtuse, square tower".[4] A painting[5] from 1823 bears this out, and also shows its proximity toPedra Branca, 2.2 km (1.4 mi) to the west.
Approximately 50 m (160 ft) off Eddystone there is a recently[when?] publicisedsurf break named Eddystone Rock. Surfers were shown the location by local fishermen, who have known about the break for many years.[citation needed]
The island has negligible plant life.Seabirds recorded as nesting there includeAustralasian gannets,black-faced cormorants andfairy prions.[6]Australian andNew Zealand fur sealshaul-out on the lower ledges when seas are not too rough.[1]
Together with the nearbyPedra Branca andSidmouth Rock the island constitutes the 2 ha (4.9-acre) Pedra BrancaImportant Bird Area (IBA), identified as such byBirdLife International because it supports over 1% of the world populations ofshy albatrosses andAustralasian gannets.[7]
Eddystone was named byCaptain James Cook in 1777 because of its resemblance toEddystone Lighthouse in Devon, England.[1]
Southern region ofTasmania, Australia | |||||
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