Willis Island
in Australia

Willis Island

Willis Island is a small, uninhabited coral cay located in the Coral Sea, off the eastern coast of Australia. The island is part of the Coral Sea Islands Territory, an external Australian territory, and is situated approximately 320 km northeast of Cairns, Queensland. It is the only permanently inhabited island in the territory, with a weather station and a lighthouse operated by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

The island is a flat, low-lying coral cay, just over 1 km in length and 0.4 km wide. It is surrounded by a reef and has a lagoon in the centre. The island is covered in vegetation, including pandanus trees and low shrubs.

Willis Island has a long history of maritime exploration and settlement. The first recorded sighting was by Captain James Cook in 1770. The island was later named after Captain Henry Willis, who was the commander of the HMS Fly, which surveyed the area in 1843.

In the late 19th century, the island was briefly inhabited by a small group of guano miners, who harvested seabird droppings for use as a fertiliser. The island was also used as a base for whaling ships.

The island has been used as a weather station since 1941, and is the only permanently inhabited island in the Coral Sea Islands Territory. It is also home to a lighthouse, which was built in 1892.

Willis Island is an important breeding site for seabirds, including several species of tern, noddies and boobies. It is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including sea turtles, sharks, and various species of coral.

The island is an important part of Australia's maritime history and is a popular tourist destination for those wishing to explore its unique wildlife and remote location.

Experience Willis Island with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Willis Island. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Willis Island

Willis Island in Australia experiences a tropical climate throughout the year, with hot and humid summers, warm and wet winters, and two distinct monsoon seasons. During the summer months (December to February), temperatures can reach up to 30°C and humidity levels can be as high as 90%, with occasional storms. In the winter months (June to August), temperatures are more moderate and the humidity is lower, with the occasional shower. The two monsoon seasons (March to May and September to November) bring heavy rains, high winds and large waves. Overall, the climate in Willis Island is tropical and humid, with plenty of rain throughout the year.

Cruise weather for Willis Island

Our weather forecast for Willis Island helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Galery: Willis Island

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