Brisbane’s Most Famous Island
December 31st, 2009 by Kathy Smith, under Vacations. No Comments
Wedged between the mainland and the bulk of Moreton Bays more famous North Stradbroke Island are many smaller islands dotted across the bay. Moreton Bay Marine Park protects its special inhabitants such as dugong, dolphins and passing whales. These Island delights are so close to Brisbane, some residents commute to the city daily.
Coochie Mudlo Island is named after the Aboriginal word 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 Cafe 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. Regular passenger ferry and barge services leave from Victoria Point.
Other islands worth noting are the Macleay Island, population 2500, and Russell Island, the largest of islands, with a population over 3000. Russell Island has become a popular choice for weekend getaways and retirement living. When visiting this island you will find shops, a supermarket, cafe, holiday homes to rent, and a hotel. Other notable island is Lamb Island, only 2km by 1km with great views, Kangarra Island, the smallest, is a peaceful location with no shops. When visiting it is a good idea to pack your lunch. There are numerous smaller islands too which can be seen when boating in the area.
The most interesting island, historically, is St Helena Island. Once the hunting ground of local tribes, the island took its name from a parallel drawn with the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte to St Helena in the South Atlantic “in 1828 an Aborigine named as Napoleon was dumped here after he became too troublesome for the jail at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island.
St. Helena was turned into a penal colony, forty years later, when the mainland prison became overcrowded. The Reforests were cleared for lumber and to prevent escapes, gardens were planted, and houses were built. Prisoners were taught trades and paid for the work they did. In 1933 the last of the inmates left. During it’s 65 year run only 3 prisoners had escaped. Today, you can tour the Island and visit the Deputy Superintendents home, as well as the stone houses that once belonged to the prisoners. These homes have been turned into museums filled with photographs from the prison era.
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