Michaelmas Island

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LOCATION
Name: Michaelmas Island
Region: Porongurup
Location: 35°2'36.34"S
118°2'21.26"E
Map Link: Google Maps

Michaelmas Island is the northernmost of the two major islands in King George Sound near Albany.

Better vegetated and slightly less rocky than Breaksea Island to the south, Michaelmas is still steep with few landing points. It is around two kilometres long with an average width of around 400 metres. The highest point (around 130 metres above sea level) is at the western end, and it presents a distinctive 'two-humped' profile towards Albany. All sides but the west are surrounded by rock ledges and reefs, and a submerged bar of limestone links it to the shore to the north.

The island is used as a quarantine station for the city of Albany. Any vessel carrying disease must stand off to the south of the island for inspection, and if found to be infectious will be guided to a safe anchorage just off the shore. A number of soundly built huts are available on the island for the use of crews and passengers in detained ships, although landings can be difficult. Only when the ship is designated clean by personnel from the Albany Hospital is it allowed into the harbour.

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