Russell Island submitted by Donald Geddes
Wedged between the mainland and the bulk of Moreton's more famous island of North Stradbroke are smaller islands dotted across the bay.
Moreton Bay Marine Park protects its special inhabitants such as dugong, dolphins and even passing whales (from June to November). These island delights are so close to Brisbane, some residents even commute to the city daily. Wind your watch back to island time and take it easy.
Coochie Mudlo Island
The island's name is Aboriginal for ‘red rock' because of the red cliffs. There are sandy beaches too. ‘Coochie' has a village feel and calm waters make for a good family swimming spot and boating area. Dine at Matthew Flinders Café and admire bay views from every table. Matthew Flinders landed on the island 200 years ago and there is a re-enactment festival each July.
There are regular passenger ferry and barge services from Victoria Point.
You can hire boats, kayaks and canoes for added fun. There are holiday homes for rent or stay at the Coochie Island Resort.
Southern Bay islands:
Macleay Island
2500 people live on Macleay island and it does have electricity and town water connections. Have lunch in the Blue Parrot Cafe or get fantastic water views while trying an end or two of lawn bowls at Macleay Island Club.
Russell Island
Increasingly popular as the island for Brisbane's weekenders or those who are retired, Russell Island is the largest of the Southern Moreton Bay islands. Approximately 3000 people call it home and it has shops, a supermarket, cafes and services for the residents. There are holiday homes to rent and a hotel ‘in town'.
Lamb Island
Walk the whole way around the small island, measuring only 2km by 1km.
Karragarra Island
The smallest of the inhabited bay islands, it's a quiet spot with no shops (how unique!) so go prepared with your own picnic.
Do an island hop, catching a ferry to all of the islands on their regular daily services. Bay Islands Transit Service runs the ferry service which leaves from Weinam Creeek Marina, Banana Street, Redland Bay. Check the timetable or use the vehicle barge of Bay Islander Service.
There are dozens of other small sand islands too, which you'll see if you go boating in the area. Mosquito Island, Tabby Tabby Island and Pannikin Island are just a few. When boating, be prepared with good maps and safety equipment.
Other Moreton Bay highlights:
The freshwater lakes, wonderful surf and relaxed communities of North Stradbroke Island are popular with Brisbane holiday makers.
Or visit Moreton Island for a day trip or 4WD camping holiday. Or you can stay at Tangalooma Resort and feed the dolphins. The camping is wild and rugged at Moreton Island National Park .
Read about what you can see and do on the mainland, in the Redlands region.
Further north, leave from Wynnum Manly to take a trip to St Helena Island, now a national park. Once a penal colony, it has a sad history. Uncover what the island was like 150 years ago, take a tour or join the annual Festival in the Ruins of St Helena Island weekend of 6-7 September 2008.
During the season, join a whale watching tour for a memorable day with the giants of the sea.
