In between the mainland and North Stradbroke Island, Moreton's most famous, are smaller islands laid out across the bay. These islands are close enough to Brisbane that many of the residents commute to the city on a daily basis.
Coochie Mudlo Island has red cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches. With its village feel and calm waters it is a perfect swimming and boating area for the family. While dining at Matthew Flinders Caf you can appreciate the bay views from any table. If you are visiting in July you will also enjoy a re-enactment festival of Matthew Flinders landing on the island 200 years ago. You can catch passenger ferries and barge services 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 of the islands is St. Helena Island. This island was, at first, hunting grounds for the local tribes. then in 1828 an Aborigine, named Napoleon was brought here after becoming to troublesome a his jail on the North Stradbroke Island.
Overcrowding in mainland prisons, forty years later, made the government turn St Helena Island into a disciplinary settlement. Rain forest's were cleared for timber and to prevent escapes, in 65 years there were only 3, gardens were planted and houses built. Prisoners were taught a trade and were paid for their labor. in 1933 the last of the inmates left. When touring the island you will find the stone houses, and the Deputy Superintendents house, are museums filled with photographs from the prison era.
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