Exploring Southern Moreton Bay is a trip I find myself returning to whenever I need a big dose of salt air, the smell of mangroves, and that laid-back island vibe that somehow forces you to slow right down, whether you’re in the mood for it or not. My name is Oleksandr Honcharenko, and I’ve been wandering Australia’s coastlines for years, yet the Southern Moreton Bay Islands still feel unique – they’ve got a real lived-in feel that’s all about the tides and the people who’ve made this place home.
Out here, you see ferries setting off with workers early in the morning, goannas treating footpaths like they own the place, and the tides really are the ones in charge – not some rigid timetable. You’ll meet islanders with a Torres Strait Islander background, long-time locals who know every sandbank by heart, and newcomers who’re starting to make this island life their own, from private houses tucked into the bush to years spent learning the ins and outs of the coast. It’s a part of Queensland that just won’t be rushed, and that’s exactly why you should take the time to check it out.
The Islands' Personality
There’s a certain rhythm to these islands, a bit practical and a bit poetic. Low tide brings the channels down to tiny veins through the mudflats, and high tide suddenly makes the world feel a lot bigger. I once had my tinny in the water at Lamb Island for so long I barely noticed until a stingray glided past with this completely unimpressed expression – the sort of look you get from someone taking a good, hard look at your employment prospects.
The communities here are pretty diverse – people from all sorts of backgrounds, households, and ages, from couples and same-sex parents to retirees, shift workers, ADF personnel and students from mainland institutions. Whatever their story, though, everyone agrees on one thing: the tides are in charge of daily life.
Planning Your Trip - Like A Local
Planning ahead is pretty key when exploring these tidal waterways.
Know Your Tides Before You Start
The Bay Islands are famous for having some pretty strong ebb tides.
- Get yourself a look at the tide charts for Redland Bay or Southport.
- Avoid narrow channels at low tide unless you’re after a bit of a workout – not the best idea.
- And when locals say the track is “pretty good,” just chuck in a bit of extra fuel, water, and a prayer for good measure.
Weather Can Turn On You
Those calm mornings can suddenly become choppy afternoons, and storms can pop up in no time – the kind that catch you unawares when you least expect it.
Ferry or Boat? The Choice Is Yours
Where you get to the island – whether it’s on a ferry or by boat – really does shape your day. Ferries go pretty regularly, but boating gives you the freedom to explore the mangrove channels. Just keep an eye out for those sandbanks, they can pop up anywhere – just like unwanted dinner guests.
A Closer Look at Each Island
Each of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands has its own unique character, shaped by the people, the landscape, and the sense of being close to or far from the mainland.
Coochiemudlo
This little gem is small, friendly, and full of calm beaches and easy walking tracks. The ferry ride is short, but once you get there, the mainland feels a long way off.
Macleay
It’s the creative and coastal one – you get a warm welcome from the locals, cafes have a quiet buzz, and the mangrove-lined bays are perfect for paddling. Locals have no problem chatting about where they work, how they get to the mainland, and the tide times.
Russell
This is the busiest of the bunch, with shops, services, and heavy commuter traffic to the mainland. It’s a practical place where everyday routines – like work, school, ferry and coming home – are the main things on people’s minds.
Lamb
Lamb is a quiet, leafy place that’s perfect for taking it easy and watching the birds. To be honest, I’ve seen more sea eagles here than anywhere else in the bay.
Moving With the Seasons
Visiting at different times of the year offers a very different experience.
Summer brings sticky heat and mozzies that are seriously quick – almost as fast as an Olympic athlete. Autumn brings calm days and warm water, which is lovely. Winters are crisp, but the water’s so clear it’s fantastic for paddling. Spring is pretty unpredictable – the wind picks up, the birds are migrating, and the clouds can get pretty dramatic. You might need to rethink your plans a few times.
No matter what the season, you’re always going to be accompanied by wildlife. Dolphins swim through the channels, turtles pop up in the quietest corners, and migrant birds migrate overhead, leaving behind these patterns in the sky. If you get a glimpse of a dugong, enjoy the moment but don’t expect it to stick around for long – they come and go without you even noticing.
Safety Notes — Respect the Water, Respect the Islands
Whether you’re on holiday or living on one of the islands on a pretty tight budget, safety is always important.
Local Hazards
- Sandflies are actually pretty aggressive – they ‘negotiate’ with you pretty roughly.
- Jellyfish sometimes show up in southern areas during the warmer months.
- Fast tides are nothing to be sneezed at – they can turn a fun paddle into a bit of a workout.
Community-Centric Safety
Island life is all about helping each other out – neighbours helping neighbours if the power goes out during a storm, or if a boat trailer gets stuck in the mud at the wrong tide. You’ll find that travellers get the same treatment – just ask questions, follow some local advice, and show respect for the Indigenous connection to the land.
Gear & Packing List
Whether you’re on holiday or living on one of the islands on a pretty tight budget, safety is always important.
Don't Forget These Basics
- A reliable wide-brim hat that won’t leave you looking like a slow-roasted lobster.
- At least 2–3 L of water per person — you don’t want to get caught with your pants down out there in the sun.
- Some decent insect repellent.
- Reef-safe sunscreen – your skin will thank you later.
- A dry bag to keep your gear dry when it’s getting bounced around in the boat.
- Some light shoes for when you’re traipsing through the mangrove mud.
- And yes, a PFD / life jacket in case things get a little too exciting out on the water.
Nice-to-Haves
- Binoculars for spotting those majestic sea eagles.
- A throw-net for trying your luck catching some whiting.
- Extra snacks (let’s be real, you’ll always be ravenous on these trips).
- A portable battery so your phone doesn’t run out of power in the middle of nowhere.
- A billy for making a cuppa on the island – there’s nothing like a good cup of tea out in the bush.
This list is just as relevant whether you’re a visitor or one of the many people who call these islands home because of work or study commitments.
A Gentle Island Loop
If you’re looking for a relaxed way to get to know these islands, start with Coochiemudlo. Take a dip, walk the ochre trail, grab a coffee near the jetty. When the tide is right, catch the ferry over to Macleay or take a paddle yourself. Enjoy a slow lunch with a view, then wander the coastal edge before heading home as the light starts to warm the mangroves.
I’ve done this trip heaps of times – on my own, with mates, and while working on tour guides for AustraliaTours – and it always seems to yield something new: a flock of sea eagles soaring overhead, a quiet patch of water reflecting the sky, a chat with a local about life, tide charts, or their monthly power bill.
Closing Thoughts
Exploring these islands in Southern Moreton Bay is a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be all about speed and drama to be worthwhile. The Bay Islands have got calm mornings, friendly faces, and a lifestyle that blends practicality with a wicked sense of humour. Whether you’re in for the day or thinking of calling one of these islands home, you’ll find a story in every tide change and every ferry ride.
If you’ve found a secret corner or got your own island routine, I’d love to hear about it – swapping tales is half the fun of exploring these sorts of places.
FAQ
Do I really need a boat to explore these islands?
Nope, the ferries run pretty regularly, and that’s the way most locals and visitors get around.
Are these islands good for families?
Absolutely – there are heaps of households with kids, grandparents or same-sex parents raising families in a calm, community-focused environment.
Can I actually swim in the bay?
Yeah, especially on Coochiemudlo Island’s beaches – but do check the local conditions before you dive in.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Dolphins, turtles, sea eagles and migrant birds are regular visitors – and though it’s not common, you might even spot a dugong feeding in the seagrass beds.