Boyne Island is a town and locality in Queensland, Australia, 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of Gladstone. It is part of the local government area of Gladstone Region. At the 2011 census, Boyne Island has a population of 4,406.
Geography
It is located on the west bank of the Boyne River and, despite its name, is not technically defined as an island. Tannum Sands is located on the southern side of the mouth of the Boyne River and is often referred to as Boyne Island's twin town.
History
The town was named for the Boyne River, which was named by John Oxley in 1823. Originally the island was used for sheep grazing, this was followed by small crops, horticulture, fishing and timber.
Heritage listings
Boyne Island has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
Economy
Today Boyne Island is primarily a residential centre for the nearby Boyne Island aluminium smelter and Gladstone industries.
Australia's largest aluminium smelter, Boyne Smelters Ltd., is located north of the town separated by a buffer zone.
Amenities
The Boyne Island Library is at the corner of Wyndham and Hayes Avenues; it is operated by the Gladstone Regional Council.
The 13 hole Boyne Island Tannum Sands Golf Course is located in Boyne Island adjacent to the Boyne River, in Jacaranda Drive. Hole 12 in particular is challenging, with out-of-bounds and water hazard in strategic places.
Events
Boyne Island is home to the Boyne Tannum Hookup, which is a large fishing event held on the Queens Birthday long weekend. The event is held at Bray Park, which is on the river near the skate park. This event is very popular, with more than 3,000 entrants.