Russell Island (Canaipa)
​Check out the swimming pool, RSL and bowls clubs or the Southern Moreton Bay Island Museum. There is also a medical centre, IGA supermarket, library and many public parks to explore. Russell’s hallmarks are its easy-living, fishing and kayaking opportunities and connection with the natural environment. The bird life is simply amazing, with the island a world-recognised sanctuary.
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Find a shady spot on the foreshore and roll out the picnic rug, throw in a line or venture to Rocky Point to get acquainted with scores of local wildlife.
Russell Island
Russell Island is eight kilometres long and nearly three kilometres wide. It’s easily accessible from the mainland, only 20 minutes by passenger ferry from Redland Bay or you can bring your car on the regular daily vehicle ferry services.
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Russell Island is blessed with beautiful views across Moreton Bay, as well as superb natural environments and birdlife, making it popular with nature lovers and locals alike. The island’s wetlands each have their own character and extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. Year-round there are always plenty of flowers and birds to discover and photograph.
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Wildflowers and heath bloom in spring at Turtle Swamp and you’ll also find one of only two patches of orange mangroves found in Moreton Bay on Russell Island. Parts of the island have been declared conservation areas and over the next few years, a series of walking trails will be developed so that you can walk comfortably through these significant environmental areas.
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Information courtesy of SeaLink Bay Islands
Image courtesy of Set In Stone Photography
Relaxing by the water
Relaxing by the water is easy on the island. There are small pockets of beaches that are ideal for a swim or to throw in a fishing line, as well as some delightful picnic areas with BBQ facilities and grassy open areas.
The swimming enclosure, beach, and picnic area adjacent to the jetty is a popular spot for visitors. Cafes and shops, including a newsagency, chemist and IGA supermarket are located just a short walk from the jetty.
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There’s plenty to do on the island or you can jump on a passenger ferry and do some day trips to any of the other three Southern Moreton Bay islands (free ferry service inter-island).
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Island life is very different from the mainland, with no traffic jams, and where you can drive or cycle at a leisurely pace while admiring the spectacular views. Don’t miss the magnificent sunsets from the western side of the island with the mainland as the backdrop and early morning sunrises over nearby Stradbroke Island. Enjoy your taste of island life.
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Information courtesy of SeaLink Bay Islands
Visit all of SMBI
Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Islands make up the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, all easily accessible from the Weinam Creek Marina in Redland Bay, an hour from Brisbane’s CBD. The SeaLink ferries run daily between each of the four islands, so you can choose your own adventure - all inter-island ferry travel is free of charge.
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Karragarra Island and Lamb Island are the smaller of the cluster. Both sandy escapes are perfect for family-friendly daytrips where the intention is to relax and unwind – think gentle kayaking, calm swimming enclosures, waterside picnics and mangrove-lined enclaves waiting to be explored.
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A quick (and free) ferry trip from Russell Island will take you straight to the more populated Macleay Island (Jencoomercha), where there’s a lot more action. Browse markets, soak up the bay views at the bowls club (call upon the free courtesy bus), or take a dip in the coastal swimming areas of Pat's Park (enclosed) or Dalpura Beach.
