Leave your worries at the terminal and enjoy the short 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point over to beautiful Coochiemudlo Island, one of the Southern islands of Moreton Bay and only 35 km from Brisbane city.
Coochiemudlo, or Kutchi-mudlo in the language of the Koobenpul people, means place of red stone. These prominent rocks have traditionally been used as a source of ochre for the local indigenous peoples of the area.
Things to Do on Coochiemudlo Island
A petite five square kilometres in size, Coochie is a perfect day trip choice for families. The island boasts 4 kilometres of clean, safe beaches surrounded by mostly flat water, making it ideal for children of all ages.
Families can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing in these calm waters. Main Beach, located close to the Ferry Terminal, has a patrolled area on weekends.
Dogs are welcome on the island and the ferry. Main Beach has an off-leash area to enjoy at certain times of the year. Please check the signs, as dogs are not permitted to be off-leash at times of the year when migrating birds are in the area. This offleash season advice might be helpful.
With a population of around 700, there is little traffic in this tranquil location. The island is easily navigated on foot. You can take a relaxed walk around the island in under two hours or spend longer exploring the diverse natural habitats of the mangroves, wetlands, bushland and beaches. The kids can explore the rocks for crabs and critters, and you can sit back and enjoy the fantastic views of Stradbroke Island.
Keep your eyes open for sea eagles, bush curlews, turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and migrating whales at the right time of year.
The sand-based playground of Coochiemudlo Foreshore East Park is the perfect spot for younger Brisbane Kids to burn off some extra energy. The kids will love the swings, slides and the water pump. On a hot day, they can quickly run to the ocean to grab extra water!
Everything on the island is within walking distance. Be aware that there are no grocery shops, so if you are self-catering, you must take everything with you.
Food Options on Coochiemudlo Island
Beautiful bushland fringes the beach, providing an abundance of shady picnic spots. The facilities on the island are fantastic and plentiful, with public toilets and sheltered BBQ areas right by the foreshore. Bringing your own BBQ lunch makes this day at the beach affordable.
During the summer season in particular, we are aware that the BBQ’s do from time to time not work and so we recommend taking a cold lunch or enjoying a feed at the cafe mentioned below.
If you want someone else to do the cooking, head to Curlew Cafe Coochiemudlo, which is also a convenience store. It is open seven days a week, with a delicious cafe menu. They also have ice-creams, ice for the esky and newspapers. Also check out Beach Bar and Grill Hotel near the cafe.
Accommodation on the Coochiemudlo Island
There is no camping on the island, but other accommodation options include Seminara Apartments and Gindabarra. A Google search will bring up a few more holiday home options.
Getting to and from Coochiemudlo Island
The passenger ferry is the best way to get to and from Coochiemudlo Island. The Amity Trader offers a quick and punctual ferry service, leaving Victoria Point every half hour. Payment can be made via cash or EFTPOS onboard the ferry.
NB. From the 9th of September 2024, a one-way trip costs just 50 cents for adults and children over four. Please note, the ferry does not accept payment via Go Card.
A vehicle barge leaves from the same point every 40 minutes if you intend on bringing a car or kayak. The ferry arrives and disembarks from Main Beach.
Parking challenges
Be aware parking at this popular destination can be congested, especially on weekends and school holidays. You may need to park a few streets away and walk back. When we shared this review on Facebook, our community feedback was that people are regularly fined for parking in the wrong spots.
- The lower carpark middle is boat trailer parking only on Saturdays and Sundays and all public holidays.
- The signs can also change depending on the weather. make sure the only visible sign on that day is the 12 hour and not a mix of the two as they apply to different days… there are different hourly and 15 minute parks around and you will get a fine if you park longer….
- The overflow carpark fills up quickly.
- Be prepared to park a fair distance away, especially on school holidays and nicer days.
- This is not a case of you might get fined, council check regularly and fines are regular.
While waiting for a ferry, the kids can enjoy playing at Victoria Point Recreation Reserve Sun Smart Playground. There are toilets here too.
Further Information on Coochiemudlo Island
For timetables and prices for the Coochiemudlo vehicle barge and passenger ferry, visit Amity Trader Barges and Ferries.
If you are interested in hiring a boat visit Coochiemudlo Boat Hire.
For more information about the island including events, markets, artisan offerings, geography and wildlife check out Visit Coochiemudlo Island website.
Coochiemudlo Island is a place to come to relax and be together. Its proximity to Brisbane, small size, and simplicity make this an exceptional choice for families looking for an easy and fun day out.
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