Redlands Coast Islands
Redlands Coast, only 40 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, is ideally located for a day visit, short stay or that well-deserved holiday. With charming island villages for you to explore, we’ve got everything from the bush to the beach.
Each island has its own personality and individual charms. They are connected by the placid waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park, home to an amazing diversity of sea life including dugongs, dolphins and several species of turtles. Contained within the park are internationally significant wetlands, both freshwater and tidal mangrove systems that fringe sections of shoreline of every island. Birdlife is abundant, with raptors such as White Bellied Sea Eagles soaring overhead and migratory shorebirds spending part of their year feasting in the mudflats between trips across the globe.
Our islands are the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can fish off jetties, enjoy a picnic in picturesque waterside parks, explore cafes, restaurants, galleries and boutiques and of course, all the Tide Festival events.
Canaipa
Russell Island
Russell Island | Canaipa is the largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. At 3km by 8km, it is separated from North Stradbroke Island | Minjerribah by Canaipa Passage and extends down almost as far as Jumpinpin Bar between North and South Stradbroke islands. It also has views south to the Gold Coast.
In between Tide events, you can check out the Southern Moreton Bay Island Museum, swimming pool, RSL and bowls clubs. There is also a medical centre, supermarket, library and many public parks to explore. Jock Kennedy Park, Sandy Beach or Jackson Oval are great spots for a barbecue with water views. New playgrounds at Jackson Oval and Sandy Beach will keep the kids entertained as well. The swimming enclosure right near the ferry terminal is a very convenient place to take a salt water dip at high tide.
Russell’s hallmarks are its easy-living, fishing opportunities and connection with the natural environment. The bird life is simply amazing, with the island a world-recognised sanctuary. Several large wetland reserves protect pristine and diverse ecosystems. Walking tracks cut through Whistling Kite wetlands make it easy to explore and the spring wildflowers will have Turtle Swamp popping with colour during the Tide Festival.
Ngudjuru
Lamb Island
Just 2km by 1km, it’s easy to get around this peaceful little island. The second smallest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, the old-school fishing village vibe and friendly community will have you feeling at ease. There's a swimming enclosure at a pituresque pebble beach and also a community hall, public tennis court and community gardens.
If you're into boating and fishing, or enjoy solitude and the natural environment, Lamb Island | Ngudjuru is worth a visit. It is separated from the much larger Macleay Island by narrow Lucas Passage. With a green zone of the marine park hugging the southern coastline, the island waters are a sanctuary for marine life.
Take a walk out on the spit at Clarke's Point between an avenue of grand old mangrove trees where it seems like you could almost walk to Minjerribah | North Stradbroke Island at low tide. Have a coffee at the quaint kiosk, or a meal at the recreation club and feel like you have been transported back to a simpler time.
Minjerribah
North Stradbroke
Traditionally known as Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world. It offers a wide range of experiences including some of the best land-based whale-watching in Australia. Right on Brisbane’s doorstep, 'Straddie' is perfect for day trips, short stays or week-long getaways.
There are kilometres of golden beaches, freshwater lakes and ocean waters teeming with marine life including dolphins, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales. For those who like a bit of adventure and fun there are 4WD tours, sandboarding, surfing lessons, diving, snorkelling, golf and a vast spectrum of aquatic activities.
For others who want a more relaxing day out, 'Straddie' offers bowls, bird-watching, picnic spots, scenic walks and perfect beach fishing, as well as secluded hideaways in the calm waters of Moreton Bay.
North Stradbroke Island has an extensive range of holiday accommodation including architecturally designed holiday houses with their own whale-watching towers, beach-front and foreshore camping, glamping, family holiday resorts with self-contained accommodation as well as a backpacker hostel.
Goochie Mudlo
Coochiemudlo Island
Affectionately known as Coochie, this small sub-tropical island edged by bushland is just a short passenger ferry or vehicle ferry ride from Victoria Point. The island is only 5sq km, so there is no need for visitors to take a car – just pack a picnic and go for a walk. This predominantly residential island also boasts significant natural areas and wildlife, with an 'emerald fringe' protecting the entire foreshore in reserves.
Coochiemudlo's peaceful atmosphere and stunning views have inspired many artists and a range of arts and crafts are on offer at the Coochie Markets, cafes and galleries.
Being so close to the mainland, the island has protected waters and shallow beaches, making the beautiful golden sandy Main Beach a great place for the kids to swim.
You can throw in a line or stroll the scenic walking tracks through the melaleuca wetlands. Or, if you’re looking for fun on the water, you can hire a barbeque boat or tinnie.
There’s also the scenic and compact Isle of Coochie Golf Course which offers a unique nine-hole playing course.
Karragarra
Karragarra Island
Karragarra Island, between Russell and Macleay islands, is a great day-trip destination. This is the smallest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, approximately 500m wide and 2km long and is a top spot for picnics.
The island has sandy beaches and a netted, family-safe swimming area near the jetty, with barbecues, picnic tables and shady trees as well as public amenities and a playground. Community pride shines through all over the island from the lovingly cared for flower beds at the jetty through to the lush community gardens.
Everything here is within easy walking distance, which means there is virtually no traffic. The absence of shops gives it a true island escape atmosphere. This is a great place to chill and escape the daily grind.
The island transforms for the Karragarra Sea Market (brought to you by SeaLink) and for one day the peaceful streets become a lively carnival scene which the whole community takes part in.
Alcheringa
Macleay Island
There’s plenty to do on Macleay Island | Alcheringa, with a bowls club, boat club, golf course, beaches for swimming and fishing and barbecue facilities in the foreshore parks. A sealed road runs through the centre of the island from the ferry terminal in the south to Pats Park in the north. A causeway connects Macleay to the quaint island of Perulpa.
Pats Park is a popular spot for picnics and swimming, with a safe enclosure offering views of Peel Island and Minjerribah while you take a dip. Dalpura Beach, on the island’s western shores, is a top spot to relax, have a barbecue or go for a swim. This is arguably the best place to check out the stunning sunsets.
There are several boat ramps making this a great place for boating and fishing fans. And, with a flourishing arts culture, Macleay Island also has a range of galleries to explore.
While Macleay is the second largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands at 6.5km long and 4km at its widest point, it boasts the largest population. Maintaining a village atmosphere, the friendly local residents enjoy meeting visitors for a chat.
*Selected island information courtesy of Redland City Council. For more information about our beautiful region, visit https://www.visitredlandscoast.com.au/