Brisbane Island wrap up
Reach speeds of up to 60km/h as you rocket down from the top of a giant sand dune; dive into the crystal-clear waters of Moreton Bay; walk sandy trails dotted with relics of wartime Brisbane; and snorkel with dugongs, turtles, dolphins and other marine life.
You’ve probably heard of Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, Bribie Island and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah – but what about Lamb, Coochiemudlo, Macleay and Peel Islands? Or Karragarra, Russell, St Helena and King Islands?
Visitors fly from around the world in search of islands as idyllic as those on Brisbane’s coastline. With paradise at your doorstep, what are you waiting for? Jump on a ferry, charter a boat, join a tour, set off on your own, drive across or wade out at low tide and discover a different side of Brisbane.
Explore the world’s largest sand islands…
Moreton Island/Mulgumpin
Just 25km off Brisbane’s shore lies the third largest sand island in the world. Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin is a mostly protected national park with less than 100 residents calling the island home. The world-famous Tangalooma Wrecks are sunk just offshore, plus there are surf beaches, fresh-water lakes, giant sand dunes, a historic lighthouse and wartime bunkers to explore..
With no roads to get around the island, you can take your 4WD on the barge and drive along the sand. Don’t have a 4WD? Tag along with Australian Sunset Safaris, TangaTours or See Moreton who will get you around the Island and take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Or, if you are coming over for just the day and are happy to explore by foot, catch the Tangalooma Ferry and check out all the activities that Tangalooma Island Resort has to offer.
Whether you are inclined to pitch your tent and camp or stay in luxury at Tangalooma Island Resort, there is plenty to see and do while you explore the Island.
North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah
With seemingly endless white sandy surf beaches, scenic rocky headlands, quaint villages and the freshest of fresh seafood it’s easy to see why locals love it and visitors swear to go back again. It’s also the second largest sand island in the world and the River to Bay service can get your to the island in only 60 minutes from The City, or a 45 minute trip from Cleveland with SeaLink.
North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah is home to three towns, Amity Point, Dunwich and Point Lookout. Take your car across on the ferry that leaves from Cleveland or arrive as a foot passenger and use the local bus service. Must-dos are to walk the picturesque North Gorge Headland Walk where you can spot marine wildlife swimming in the crystal clear waters, swim at one of the many beaches or take a surf lesson. If the waves are too much, sit on top of the headland and enjoy a gourmet ice-cream, or freshly caught seafood. Still want to get your feet wet? Take a dip in freshwater Brown Lake or Blue Lake.
Connect with the island's rich culture and history with a First Nations experience. From art galleries and walking tours with Quandamooka woman, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, to food and nature exploration with Yura Tours - there's a wealth of knowledge and history to discover.
Drive across to…
Bribie Island
The easiest to access, there is no excuse not to drive across the bridge to Bribie and experience a slice of island life. Bribie is separated from the mainland by a waterway known as Pumicestone Passage. This protected marine park is a safe haven for wildlife and runs for 35km alongside the island. Kayak or windsurf, bird watch, pump for yabbies, swim or just relax here along this passage to take in its beauty.
Bribie has a wide variety of offerings to suit your holiday itinerary. Surf beaches, calm seas, museums, eateries and 4WD access beaches, beach camping and so much more can be found. If you’re not sure where to start, G’day Adventure Tours can take care of all your planning and transport for you, all you need to do is get there!
Explore history on…
St Helena Island
The beautiful St Helena Island holds so much history of Brisbane’s past. Take a guided day tour of the Island that was Queensland’s first penal settlement, chich operated from 1867 to 1932. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Manly and you can begin your experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about St Helena Island whilst embracing a little thrill, take part in their spooky night theatre experience. Enjoy the night sky being lit up with billions of stars while you watch the gripping stories of those who never left the island.
Peel Island/Teerk Roo Ra National Park
Located between North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah and the mainland, Peel is a small heritage-listed island about 4km offshore. Known as Teerk Roo Ra National Park, the island has two spots public areas that are popular for water activities. Horseshoe Bay features spectacular sandstone outcrops, while Platypus Bay is home to shipwrecks great for snorkelling around.
Accessing the island is as easy as booking a boat with Aria Cruises or Brisbane Yacht Charters and if you’d like to stay the night, you can book a camping spot for a small fee.
Experience the Southern Moreton Bay Islands…
Off the shore of the Redlands region lie a group of four islands known as the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. The islands are serviced by Russell Island/Canaipa
The largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Russell has it all including a medical centre, supermarket, library, museum, pool, RSL and bowls clubs. Visit this local island for a relaxed stay, and be sure to pop by Aunty Alice’s Café.
Macleay Island/Jencoomercha
A bowls club, boat club, golf course, skate park, cafés and a shopping centre – Macleay has it all. Not only can you find all the facilities you need for your holiday, but it arguably also has the best sunset views on the east coast. Dalpura Park is set on the west side of the island and is the top spot to swim, relax and enjoy a barbeque as the sunsets over the mainland.
Karragarra Island
Pack a picnic and ferry across to this family friendly island. Just 2km long and half a kilometre wide, this petite island has virtually no traffic and you can walk to everything. The kids can be entertained all day as they swim in the protected swimming area near the jetty, play in the playground and have a classic Australian Barbeque for lunch.
Lamb Island/Ngudooroo
Join the laidback lifestyle on this ever so peaceful oasis Lamb Island/Ngudooroo. Enjoy the nature as you boat, fish and swim, or join the locals at the tennis court. It is the smallest of the Southern Moreton Bar Islands, but it is not to be missed!
Walk over to…
King Island, Wellington Point
Join the locals as King Island becomes walkable via a sandbank that shows itself at low tide, just make sure you get back in time before it disappears again at high tide. While you are there, why not throw a line from the jetty, climb the fig trees or just watch sailboats float by; and make sure you keep an eye out for blue soldier crabs and other marine wildlife.
Other islands in the area…
Coochiemudlo Island
Just five square kilometres in size and 4km worth of safe beaches, Coochie as it’s more commonly known by the locals, is the perfect spot for families. Enjoy beach swims or hire a boat to explore the island on. If staying on dry land is more your thing, walking or biking the petite island is also an incredible adventure. Coochie is just a 10-minute water taxi, ferry or barge from Victoria Point and you can holiday there at Seminara Aprtments.
So next time you #visitbrisbane why not try both the big and small islands and see what they have to offer!
