The Inner Islands of Moreton Bay
Pelican Swimming 1
Coochiemudlo Island: One of the smaller inhabited islands in the sheltered waters of Moreton Bay. The island is only a 7 minute ferry ride from Victoria Point and is also serviced by the inner bay vehicle barge service. If you are looking for a contrast from the big city environment of Brisbane you will find this peaceful island an idyllic choice. The secluded beaches and picnic areas compliment the laidback atmosphere of the village.
Coochiemudlo island is small enough, at 5 square kilometres, to explore by bicycle or by foot. It is surrounded by 4 Km of accessible foreshores which include beaches of brilliant white sand merging to the cobalt blue waters of the bay. The west of the island is famous for the many varieties of birdlife which inhabit the mangroves and shoreline. In the north eastern part of the island, the birdlife is attracted to the protected wetlands and Melaleuca swamp and forest The island provides excellent sheltered swimming beaches and the calm waters are popular with kayakers, snorkellers and for fishing from the beaches or the wharf.
Although the island is small in area, it still boasts a nine hole golf course, a bowling green and tennis courts. The waters around the island provide excellent fishing but you may have to share the catch with dolphins, and sea turtles.
The name Coochiemudlo is derived from the Aboriginal name for “Red Rocks”, and the characteristic ochre colours of “Coochie’s” red cliffs can still be seen on the south west corner of the island. The ochre was used by the Aboriginals for ceremonial decoration of their bodies and is still used today by some of the local artists. The island has a thriving artistic culture and samples of the artists’ works can be found at the Coochie Craft Markets or in the local art galleries.
The island was used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. They would cross the narrow channel from the mainland by wading or swimming and gather oysters and mussels from the beaches, leaving the empty shells in a midden above Morwong Beach. The first European known to have landed on the island was the explorer, Matthew Flinders who arrived in his sloop “Norfolk” in July 1799. Each July, the islanders commemorate his landing on the island with a re-enactment and a festival.
Russell Island is the largest of the inner bay islands being eight kilometres in length and three kilometres in width. The island provides spectacular views of North Stradbroke Island and the bay, and is surrounded by many smaller islands, some uninhabited.
The island waters are well sheltered from the ocean, and offer excellent fishing from the jetty, Rocky Point and Sandy Beach. Many residents launch their “tinnies” daily to catch their lunch. Bushwalking and mountain cycling are popular as the island has extensive wetlands, including, Turtle Swamp. These contain wooded areas with forest and mangroves and meadows of wild flowers. The island has only limited beaches as it is mostly surrounded by mangroves.
Russell Island has a population of 2000 residents though this increases significantly in summer weekends and in school holidays. The island has the normal facilities of a small community including, a supermarket, post office, service station and clubs. Visitor facilities include a swimming pool and bowling club.
Travel to the island by water taxi or on the ferry or barges which leave at regular intervals from Redland Bay
Macleay Island is located halfway between Redland and the west coast of North Stradbroke Island. There is a regular service by passenger ferry and by vehicle barge between the island and Redland harbour.
Macleay has over 2000 permanent residents and many Brisbane families have their holiday cottages on the island. Facilities include a 9 hole golf course, a fully licensed bowling club with spectacular bay views, a swimming enclosure and picnic and barbeque facilities There are a number of shops, cafes and restaurants and a growing range of accommodation options. and is a relaxed and peaceful destination for a day trip or short break.
Although the foreshores are mostly covered by mangroves, the island has some sandy beaches which are popular spots for fishing, swimming and sailing.