Incredible islands close to Brisbane for your next dreamy getaway

When you think of Brisbane, its bustling, culture-dipped CBD springs to mind. Though, in the spirit of uncovering new or unknown experiences, let’s look beyond the city.

Sitting quietly on Brisbane’s doorstep is a cluster of stunning islands – untouched wonders that will quench your thirst for unique adventures. And they’re all just an hour or two away.

If you’re dreaming up a daytrip or a sun-soaked getaway to a lesser-known destination, pop these breathtaking islands near Brisbane on your radar.

Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) 

Boundless adventure waits on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), the third largest sand island in the world. It’s just a quick 75 minute ferry trip from Brisbane (Pinkenba), so action-packed island daytrips can easily become a tradition.

Explore the beauty of the beach and the bush on an ATV quad bike tour and career down the golden hills on a sandboard, before chilling out in the sparkling Champagne Pools. Then, don the snorkels and venture to the Tangalooma Wrecks – the ultimate fish-spotting playground.

Keen for more than a daytrip? Gear up for a 4WD expedition (permits are required) and make tracks to the camping ground on the untouched eastern side of the island. Or opt for the comfort of Tangalooma Island Resort and have dinner with wild dolphins.

 Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

A speedy 45-minute ferry trip from Cleveland (40 minutes drive from the CBD) lies the untouched wonders of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). A haven for surfers, boaties and both thrill-seekers and chill-seekers, a ‘Straddie’ getaway will leave you wanting more.

Fill your sunny Straddie days with trips to freshwater bush-fringed lakes, lace up to score epic views on the North Gorge Walk, feel the sprightly sea life tug your fishing line from Amity Point, and float blissfully in the pristine Cylinder Beach. Soak up Minjerribah’s ancient culture with a visit to First Nations artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins’ island studio, and let local Quandamooka woman Elisha take you a little deeper on her Yura Tours.

Thirsty? Be sure to sample ice-cold island-brewed beers from Straddie Brewing Co. The perfect prelude to a trawler-fresh seafood feast at Kokomo Beach House.

Stay for a day, or pack the gear and embark on a sandy-footed camping adventure. There’s also ample accommodation options on North Stradbroke for a resort-style getaway.

Bribie Island

As the only Queensland island that’s connected to the mainland by bridge, Bribie Island is an easily accessible oasis just 70 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. The 35-kilometre Pumicestone Passage stretches alongside the island, so you’ll quickly see why this water-bound haven is a go-to for jet-ski adventures, throwing in a line, paddleboard sessions and salty beach days (tip: the Bongaree Foreshore is great for wearing out the kids).

Beyond the water, there are plenty of unique activities to be found. Wander with wildlife along the 3.8-kilometre Bribie Island Bicentennial Trail, and experience a kaleidoscope of colour at the Bribie Island Butterfly House. For a cultural hit, browse the island’s art gallery and discover Bribie’s fascinating history at the seaside museum.

Sticking around? Pitch a tent in the Bribie Island Recreation Park, catch the sunset at the Bribie Island Surf Club and enjoy a weekend of ‘island time’.

Peel Island

Perched between the mainland and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), the largely untouched Peel Island is home to the Teerk Roo Ra National Park, as well as an abundance of wildlife and majestic marine life like dugongs, turtles and dolphins.

Getting to Peel Island is quick and easy by private boat or watercraft. Aria Cruises runs day trips to Peel Island from the Raby Bay Harbour (40 minutes from the CBD), while confident kayakers can pack a picnic and paddle the 4km from the Cleveland foreshore. Be sure to take plenty of water!

Much of the island is closed off to assist in preserving the uninhabited landscape, though clam waters can be found in Horseshoe Bay and Platypus Bay, which are both open to the public for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, boating and fishing.  

If you’ve got the gear, you can camp overnight on Peel Island. Bookings with the Queensland National Parks Booking Service are essential.

Coochiemudlo Island

A hidden Moreton Bay gem, Coochiemudlo Island is a quick 10-minute trip from the Victoria Point Jetty (40-minute drive from the CBD) aboard the Amity Trader ferry service. Known fondly as ‘Coochie’, the residential island is a popular respite from city life.

Spend the day paddling, snorkelling and floating in Coochie’s calm, clear waters. Grab a pub meal and a beer at the Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar, and even have a swing (if that’s your thing) at the beachside golf course. You can book in with Coochie Guided Island Tours to discover Coochie like a local.

 While Coochiemudlo is frequented by day-trippers, there are a range of short-stay accommodation options including the charming Mango Cottage on the island’s north.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands

Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Islands make up the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, all easily accessible from the Weinam Creek Marina in Redland Bay, an hour from Brisbane’s CBD. The SeaLink ferries run daily between each of the four islands, so you can choose your own adventure.

Karragarra Island and Lamb Island are the smaller of the cluster. Both sandy escapes are perfect for family-friendly daytrips where the intention is to relax and unwind – think gentle kayaking, calm swimming enclosures, waterside picnics and mangrove-lined enclaves waiting to be explored.

A quick (and free) ferry trip from Lamb Island, across Lucas Passage, will take you straight to the more populated Macleay Island (Jencoomercha), where there’s a lot more action. Browse markets, soak up the bay views at the bowls club, or fire up the barbecues in the coastal parks of Potts Point or Dalpura Beach. There are holiday houses and cottages aplenty on Macleay Island for longer stays.

Hugging the southern end of Minjerribah, Russell Island (Canaipa) is the largest of the four islands, offering a laid-back lifestyle for residents and a perfect escape for adventurous visitors. Find a shady spot on the picturesque foreshore and roll out the picnic rug, throw in a line or venture to Rocky Point to get acquainted with scores of local wildlife. Keep the camera handy!

If you prefer to stay on the mainland, here's a local's guide to the best Brisbane beaches.