Serene islands in Great Barrier Reef were once used for bombing practice

The Fairfax Islands, located in the southern Great Barrier Reef, offer a striking example of nature's resilience, having transformed from a World War II bombing range into a protected conservation zone.

“

You can still see the evidence. There are undulations in the topography of the island, and also you can see craters on the reef flat.

During World War II, the islands were a military training site, with the sound of explosions echoing across the landscape. Senior ranger Damon Shearer noted that evidence of this past, such as topographical undulations and reef craters, is still visible. However, he emphasized that "nature's definitely taken it back over," with birds nesting freely and coral regrowing in former bomb sites.

“

But 'nature's definitely taken it back over' now.

Gazetted as a bombing range for the Royal Australian Air Force in 1943, the islands later served as a navy bombing and gunnery range from 1952. Despite controversy, then-Minister for the Navy Sir William McMahon defended the practice in 1953, stating the exercises were essential and that inspections found minimal harm to wildlife. The Australian Defence Force ceased using the islands in the early 1970s.

“

The birds nest all over it, and the coral has recolonised any craters.

Today, both East and West Fairfax Islands are off-limits to the public and managed as protected conservation zones. Despite the area's recovery, unexploded ordnance has been reported at least five times, requiring specialist disposal operations, including a controlled explosion in 2008.

“

I regret that the use of the range must continue as the exercises are essential in times like the present.