Place Names Register Extract
Vernon Islands
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Print Extract | Search Again| Name | Vernon Islands |
|---|---|
| Type Designation | Island Group |
| Place Id | 19320 |
| Place Type | Feature |
| Status | Recorded |
| Date Registered | |
| Location (Datum GDA94) | |
| Latitude: -12° 04' S (Decimal degrees -12.0833) | |
| Longitude: 131° 01' E (Decimal degrees 131.0333) | |
| View Map | View in NT Atlas | View in Google Earth | |
| Locality / Suburb | |
| Vernon Islands | |
| Local Government Area | |
| History/Origin | Vernon Islands were named by Capt Phillip P King on the 29 or 30 May 1818. King in his journal "Survey of Australia" wrote: by eight o'clock we saw the land in patches to the northward, and some low islands bearing east. The land to the north was a part of the south side of Melville Island. The wind being fresh from the eastward, we attempted to beat to windward, with the intention of anchoring near the islands, but the bottom was too rocky to admit of it. We then endeavoured to pass between them and Melville Island, but the ground was also so rocky and irregular that we desisted; and, after an unsuccessful attempt to reach the southern pass, we steered off to the westward. This group was called Vernon's Islands.. They are situated in mid-channel of the strait that separates Melville Island from the main, which was named in honour of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence. The group consists of four low islands.... Following correspondence with England, the Committee has ascertained that King named the Islands after the Archbishop of York, Edward Vernon who was consecrated in 1807. |
Register & Gazettal information
| Date | Gazettal | Comment |
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| (None Found) |