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Visitor information

An aerial shot of a ferry in the water

Easily accessed by fast passenger ferry or vehicle ferry from Redland Bay, these delightful subtropical islands offer abundant natural attractions and a taste of an idyllic island lifestyle to visitors.

With each island rich in its own character, you’ll enjoy discovering the varied lifestyle quite different to the mainland. The passenger and vehicle ferries run regular services daily, so you can explore more than one island in a day or spend a few relaxing days in one spot.

Driving from the Gold Coast - travel north along the Pacific Highway and take the Cleveland Exit No. 30 onto Cleveland/Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road and follow the signs to Redland Bay.

Driving from Sunshine Coast or Brisbane Airport – head south along the Gateway Motorway, over the Gateway Toll Bridge. Turn left into Mt Gravatt/Capalaba Road (approximately 10 kms) from the Toll Bridge and follow the signs to Redland Bay.

Parking at Redland Bay Marina
Public unpaid parking is located in and around the Weinam Creek ferry terminal with additional parking at Moores Road. There is a footbridge and connecting pathways between the Moores Road car park and the passenger ferry, taking an average of seven minutes to walk. Please ensure to check the signage carefully in all areas, to avoid a parking fines.

Moore's Road Carpark
Moore's Road Carpark
  • Bay Islands Vehicle Ferry

    Bay Islands Vehicle Ferry

    The travelling time for the vehicle ferry from Redland Bay to Macleay Island is approximately 40 minutes or 60 minutes to Russell Island.
  • Bay Islands Passenger Ferry

    Bay Islands Passenger Ferry

    SeaLink Bay Islands operates fast and comfortable passenger ferry services to Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra Islands on behalf of TransLink.
  • Weinam Creek Carpark

    Weinam Creek Carpark

    There is public parking near both ferry terminals.
    There are various time restrictions and some spaces are shared by boat trailers at certain times.

Frequently asked questions

  • There are a number of nice cafes, a tavern and clubs on Russell and Macleay. Karragarra and Lamb islands do not have these types of facilities.

  • Russell and Macleay islands are the largest islands in the group and they have a variety of shops including convenience stores, bakery, bottle shop and other smaller shops. Lamb Island has a small convenience store where food and ice can be purchased. Karragarra is the only island that does not have any shops.

  • All of the islands have a small area for swimming, with some of them having swimming enclosures. The most easily accessed beach from the vehicle ferry is Karragarra Island which has a charming beach and great BBQ facilities.

  • Freight can be carried on to the vehicle ferry service, however conditions and fees apply. Please visit the terms and conditions page for the most up-to-date information.

  • Freight can be carried on to the designated passenger ferries, however conditions and fees apply. Please check the document below for the most up-to-date information.

    Carriage Of Freight Conditions SeaLink Bay Islands Passenger Ferries

  • Rental cars will have to be hired from the mainland and it is important that you inform the rental company that you are taking the vehicle to an Island. You are able to take your own bike to the island as the roads are suitable for recreational bike riders.

  • Caravan and trailers, which are attached to a vehicle, can travel to the Island. Please visit the Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry fares for the most up-to-date pricing.

  • A dog may be taken on the vessel as long as it is either inside the passenger cabin of a vehicle (with the windows up enough so that it cannot reach another person) or wearing a properly fitted lead and muzzle. Dogs and other pets are permitted on the islands, however you should check with your accommodation provider to ensure that pets are allowed on their property.

  • Although they are vehicle ferries, passengers can travel as walk on passengers. Please visit the Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry fares for the most up-to-date pricing.

    Click here for information about the Bay Islands Passenger Ferries

  • No permit is required to take a vehicle or travel to the islands as long as the vehicle is registered.

  • The vehicle ferry trips differ depending on the island that you are travelling to. The average trip to Russell Island is approximately 1 hour and to the other islands between 35 to 45 minutes.

  • There is a variety of accommodation on all of the islands, with some offering budget style, rental houses, bed & breakfasts and a motel. Bookings are essential.

  • Although there are limited organised activities on the islands they are ideal for arranging your own adventure. This can include taking a bike and cycling the islands, going bird watching or just travelling throughout the Southern Moreton Bay Islands enjoying the magnificent scenery.

  • Passengers travelling on Bay Islands passenger ferries are advised fuel or dangerous goods are no longer be permitted on passenger ferries from Tuesday 5 October 2021 due to safety reasons.

    Click here for more information on dangerous goods limits and requirements.