Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council

Palm Island, the main inhabited island of the Palm Islands group, is 50 km east of Ingham, and 70 km north of Townsville. Its area is over 6000 ha. The group was named by Lieutenant James Cook in 1770, a reference to the indigenous cabbage tree palms. It is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and whales can be seen in Palm Passage. Palm Island, one of many offshore islands, was mentioned in early 20th century tourist brochures as worthy of viewing on a coral coast cruise.