Thursday, April 23, 2009

The Islands of Moreton Bay

By John Williams

Wedged between the mainland and the bulk of Moretons 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.

Named for its red cliffs Coochie Mudlo Island is the perfect place for family swimming and boating. In July you can enjoy a re-enactment festival of how Matthew Flinders landed there 200 years ago. You can also dine at Matthew Flinders Caf, year round, and admire the bay views. Ferry and barge services leave from Victoria Point.

In the Southern Bay Islands, Macleay Island has a population of about 2500. Russell Island is the largest of the Southern Moreton Bay islands with a population of over 3000 people and is becoming increasingly popular as a weekend retreat or retirement destination. It has shops, a supermarket, and caf and there are holiday homes to rent and a hotel. You can walk the whole way around Lamb Island as it is only 2km by 1km but has very large views. Kangarra Island is the smallest of the inhabited islands and is a quiet spot with no shops so go prepared with your own picnic. There are dozens of smaller islands too which you will see if you go boating in the area but be prepared with good maps and safety equipment.

Historically, St Helena Island is the most interesting. The island was once hunting grounds for local tribes. In 1828, Napoleon Bonaparte was sent to St. Helena after becoming troublesome for the jail at Dunwich, on the North Stradbroke Island.

Overcrowding in mainland prisons, forty years later, made the government turn St Helena Island into a disciplinary settlement. Rainforest'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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