SPACEPHOTOS

Named for the distinguished British Naval Officer, Sir Edward Pellew, these islands are located just off of the northeast coast of the Northern Territory along the southwest edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Although sparsely populated, culturally, this landscape of climatic extremes has been home to an aboriginal people called the Yanyuwa. Intense seasonal variations are the norm. For example the region usually experiences 6 to 8 rainless months per year. The low-lying coastal area (lighter-color) is made up of a mixture of tidal flats, rocky shoreline, and sandy beaches. Vanderlin Island is the largest, most easterly island in the Sir Edward Pellew Group. The waters around these islands are known for excellent sports fishing locations. The coastal areas around the islands also provide suitable feeding habitats for Green Turtles.