Great Palm Island
Island Australian island home to an Indigenous Aboriginal community
Great Palm Island is home to an Indigenous community; some visitors travel for remote beaches, reef fishing and snorkeling and to learn about local history and community life.
Great Palm Island, commonly known as Palm Island or by the local community as Bwgcolman, is the largest island in the Palm Islands group off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It functions as the administrative and residential center for the island group.
The island offers coastal and marine environments, with beaches, reefs and sheltered bays used for fishing and small-boat recreation. Local community services and an airstrip provide the main access links to the mainland.
From the 20th century the island was used as a government reserve and mission for Aboriginal people, leading to a community of diverse Indigenous groups living there. It remains an island with strong cultural associations for its residents.
Sited off the northeastern Queensland coast, the island lies in the Coral Sea and is served by sea and air links to the Townsville region on the mainland.
- Primary island: Located in the Palm Islands group off the northeastern Queensland coast, it is the largest island in the group and the main inhabited center.
How to Get to Great Palm Island #
Access is by private boat or charter from mainland Queensland towns. Distances and schedules vary; local operators provide transfers and landing permissions.
Tips for Visiting Great Palm Island #
- Check maritime and local Indigenous regulations-visits to Palm Island group areas are subject to seasonal closures and permits.
- Bring a well-maintained first-aid kit and reliable communications if landing; the island is remote and services are limited.
Best Time to Visit Great Palm Island #
The dry season (May-October) is the safest window for accessing islands in the region due to better marine conditions.
Weather & Climate near Great Palm Island #
Great Palm Island's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 15°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2105 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (296 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (552 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (439 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm).
