Sandy Island and Low Rock Important Bird Area

They lie south-west of Groote Eylandt off the coast of Arnhem Land, with the nearest settlement there the Numbulwar community.

Sandy Island consists of three islets, connected by strips of sand and exposed reef at low tide, about 20 km from the mainland.

The central island, vegetated with grass, vines and shrubs, supports the main colony.

[1] The islands have been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because they support over 1% of the world population of roseate terns, as well as a large breeding colony of greater crested terns, with up to about 10,000 birds of each species recorded.

[2] The greater crested terns nest mainly on Sandy Island, with small numbers of silver gulls.