Possession Island (Queensland)

Possession Island is a small island off the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia, historically notable as the place where Captain James Cook made a formal claim of possession for the eastern coast of Australia in August 1770.

The island is remote and maritime in character, with beaches and coastal terrain of interest for historical interpretation and natural observation. It holds cultural significance for local Indigenous peoples in the region and is visited primarily by people on organized trips rather than regular public transport.

Captain Cook’s act of taking possession occurred during the 1770 voyage of HMS Endeavour and is the island’s principal historical association. The island sits in Torres Strait waters north of Cape York and is separated from the mainland by coastal channels and reefs.

• Historic claim: Site where Captain James Cook formally claimed possession of the east coast of Australia for Great Britain on 22 August 1770 during the voyage of the Endeavour.
• Access and remoteness: Remote and maritime in character; visits typically require organized boat trips or other charter arrangements because of its location off the Cape York coast.