Its Craggy. . . and its an Island
We often get asked, 'why the name Craggy Island?' A simple answer. .
. it's Craggy and it's an Island.
Actually there is only one location of the 'true' Craggy Island and that is at the tip of Tasmania, where a small rocky island juts from the sea. As far as we know it is uninhabitated. . . apart from snakes and birds. . . and we plan to visit one day to see if there is some good climbing.
Oh, and contary to popular opinion, the Craggy Island occasionally refered to in the excellent UK TV sitcom, Father Ted, does not exist. . . its a figment of imagination. . . arse. See here
However here is a link to an early drawing of the island (pictured above) from the Tasmanian Government site and part of that illustration is Craggy Island c1854
We
believe this is an actual photo of Craggy Island. (pictured left
- Photo
copyright Jeff Jennings) Jeff sent us a set of photos after
saying he went on a sea canoe trip past the island. However, they did not
land on it. See his site here.
So to date we are still to find someone who has actually stepped foot on
the real Craggy Island. We are still looking though - maybe Father Jack
is planning to retire there.
Here is
part of a map showing the position of Craggy Island off the north east
tip of Tasmania. But if you want to travel there click here and
Google maps will show you exactly where it is.
Wikipedia also has an entry here which is a tad dissapointing, but it does say the island is home to a Metallic Skink! here
And finally. . . With the wrecking of the Sydney Cove in 1797, Cape Barren Island became the site of the second European settlement in Australia. This is just a couple of miles south of Craggy Island.
If anyone reading this has any more information on Craggy Island. . . stories, history, photos. . . please let us know!