Looking to explore beyond our golden beaches? You’re in luck – we’re surrounded by a sprinkling of islands here in South East Queensland, most of which are just a hop, skip and a jump (and a barge) from the Gold Coast.
K’gari
Boasting over 123 kilometres of undisturbed rainforests and picturesque shorelines, it’s little wonder that K’gari is a top destination for travellers (a few notable former royals included). The World Heritage-listed destination is the largest sand island in the world, and the only place where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes. But the jewel in K’gari’s crown is no doubt Lake McKenzie, the perched lake with water so pure little aquatic life can be found in it. Its particularly white sandy beaches – which are composed of pure, white silica – and clear aqua water make it a true tropical paradise, perfect for lazing about in a beach chair or snapping the dreamiest Insta photo. Take special care when you visit – such a natural wonder is well worth protecting, and the local community take incredible measures to ensure it stays as pristine as it can be.
North Stradbroke Island
Otherwise known as Minjerribah – and colloquially as “Straddie” – this is one place where time slows from a sprint to a leisurely stroll from the moment your car rolls off the barge. From the rocky headlands and sprawling beaches to the inland sand dunes and lakes, Straddie is best described as a little slice of paradise. Surf the breaks at the popular beaches (Main Beach if it’s a north-westerly wind, or Cylinder Beach and its neighbouring beaches if it’s a southerly), hurtle down the towering sand dune at Deadman’s Beach, fish off Adder Rock, or simply relax on any beach while the kids play. You’re sure to leave Straddie feeling relaxed and replenished, but beware of PSD (post-Straddie depression) – an affliction most commonly experienced as your barge or water taxi glides away from the Dunwich jetty and you watch the island shrink back into the horizon.
St Helena and Peel Islands
Moreton Bay has a dark history, and two of its islands still bear its marks. St Helena, a short cruise from Manly, was Queensland’s first penal settlement from 1867 to 1932 and later became the state’s first historic national park. The prison ruins, Queensland’s first tramway among them, can only be seen on a guided tour. Further south, Peel Island (Teerk Roo Ra) served as a lazaret for people with leprosy from 1907 to 1959. Its huts are off-limits, but anyone with a boat can anchor at Horseshoe Bay for a swim in calm, clear water. Campers need a permit.
The Bay Islands
Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra make up the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, and the ferry from Redland Bay links them all. Russell (Canaipa) is the largest, about eight kilometres long. Walk the Whistling Kite Wetlands and Turtle Swamp there, then wander down to Sandy Beach on the southern end. Macleay (Jencoomercha) is the creative one, with a community arts complex, a pottery shed and a handful of galleries. It also has barefoot bowls with a bay view and a swim at Pat’s Park. Bring the car across on the barge, or stay on foot and hop between islands at your own pace.
Coochiemudlo Island
Said to mean “red stone” in the Jandai language, after the island’s rust-coloured cliffs, Coochiemudlo is a 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point, and small enough to walk around in a little over an hour. The flat, five-kilometre loop takes in the Melaleuca Wetlands and three calm swimming beaches – Main, Norfolk and Morwong – plus the spot on Norfolk Beach where Matthew Flinders came ashore in 1799. Hire a paddleboard or kayak at Main Beach, linger over lunch at Red Rock Café, and bring the dog. Leashed pups are welcome on the ferry, and there are off-leash beach areas near the barge ramp. Check the signs.
Moreton Island
Many a Queenslander has fond memories of sunny summer days spent snorkelling the wrecks at Tangalooma – it’s practically a rite of passage. But it’s not just the snorkelling that will draw you to Moreton Island. The shoreline, restaurants, water sports and accommodation are all well worth the journey, but it will no doubt be the dolphin encounters that you’ll be raving about for years to come. A friendly pod of wild dolphins has been returning to the shallow waters at Tangalooma for years, giving people of all ages the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed them by hand. And the dolphins aren’t all you’ll see – from wobbegongs in the shallows to humpback whales out at sea, Moreton Island is a natural playground for some of our region’s most breathtaking inhabitants. There aren’t many places you can soak up the island life, disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature, all just a couple of hours from Surfers Paradise.
Further afield…
If you’re keen to venture beyond South East Queensland, Australia’s east coast offers no shortage of island escapes. Lord Howe Island is the picture of paradise, with twin peaks, turquoise lagoons and just 400 visitors allowed at a time. The Keppel Islands, off Yeppoon, promise barefoot beach days and coral snorkelling without the crowds. Up north, Hamilton Island reigns as the Whitsundays’ most famous – a resort playground fringed by the Great Barrier Reef. Magnetic Island, a quick ferry from Townsville, blends laid-back tropical living with wild koalas and hiking trails. And for a true castaway experience, Lady Musgrave Island offers reef camping, sea turtles and crystal-clear waters so blue they almost look edited.
40 Comments. Leave new