The island is eight kilometres long and nearly three kilometres wide. Many residents have spectacular views down the length of the island and overlooking Canaipa Passage to North Stradbroke Island.
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.
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.
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.
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 bakery, newsagency, butcher, chemist, supermarket, and garage, are located just a short walk from the jetty.
Russell Island offers a range of holiday options from charming B&Bs to waterfront holiday houses or motel-style accommodation that is suitable for a short break or bringing the family to stay for a week. 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.
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.