Coochiemudlo Island is a small island in Moreton Bay, about 5 square kilometres and home to around 850 people. You reach it by a 10-minute passenger ferry from Victoria Point, and it is easy to see on foot in a day.
Plan on calm beaches, a playground with barbecues, a 5 km loop through bush and mangroves, and views across to North Stradbroke Island. The ferry runs every half hour and you do not need to book as a walk-on passenger.
Getting to Coochiemudlo Island by ferry
The passenger ferry leaves from the jetty at Victoria Point seven days a week, about every half hour, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. Tickets are not booked ahead.
The ferry is part of the Translink network, so the flat fare is 50 cents. Tap on and off with a go card or a contactless credit or debit card. Cash is no longer accepted on the passenger ferry. You can buy a go card at the ferry ticket office near the Victoria Point terminal or in the Victoria Point town centre. The operator is Amity Trader.
The vehicle barge
Amity Trader also runs a vehicle barge from Victoria Point, seven days a week, taking about 10 minutes. Vehicles must be booked through the barge booking site. Foot passengers can use the barge too, with adult fares from $2 one way, and children aged 4 and under travel free.
Main Beach and the playground
Main Beach has shallow water, and Surf Life Saving patrols the shallows at weekends from September through the April school holidays.
Pioneer Park, to the right of the jetty as you arrive, has a nature-themed playground with climbing frames, slides and a tower, plus shaded tables, electric barbecues and toilets. There is an eatery about a two-minute walk east of the jetty.
Norfolk Beach and Morwong Beach
Norfolk Beach, at the north-eastern end of the island, looks across to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). It is where Matthew Flinders landed in 1799, and a July reenactment of the landing comes with beachside markets.
Morwong Beach faces north and is quiet, with views toward Peel Island (Teerk Roo Ra). It suits walking, swimming and fishing.
Walks on Coochiemudlo Island
The island circuit is a 5 km loop that takes about an hour on foot. Most of it runs through bushland, with beach sections along the way.
East of the jetty, the Melaleuca Wetlands are a Ramsar-protected area with plenty of birdlife. Next to the Community Hall there is a viewing platform with wide views.
Coochiemudlo has a community of artists, and the Artisan Collective website lists galleries and opening hours. The Isle of Coochie Golf Club is on the western side of the island in bushland.
Can you camp or stay on Coochiemudlo Island?
There is no camping on the island. Accommodation is holiday homes, cottages and apartments, so book through the accommodation provider you choose.
Is Coochiemudlo Island dog friendly?
Redland City Council bans dogs in all reserves on the island. The ban also covers the foreshore from the Main Beach boat ramp east to Norfolk Beach, north to Morwong Beach, and west to the Elizabeth Street and Victoria Parade intersection at Morwong Beach. Dogs are allowed off the lead at Main Beach at certain times of year only, so read the signs before you let one loose. Victoria Point has its own dog rules, covered in our Victoria Point guide.
Planning your visit
- How long: Allow 3 to 5 hours for a beach, a playground stop and the loop walk.
- Best time: Weekday mornings are quietest. Check the ferry timetable before you go so you know the last return sailing.
- What to bring: Lunch and water, sunscreen, a hat, swimmers and a go card or contactless card.
- Cost: Free to visit. The ferry is a 50 cent Translink fare each way.
Getting there and parking
The ferry leaves from Victoria Point, about 38 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 45 minutes by car without traffic. The jetty is at the end of Masters Avenue.
The top car park on Masters Avenue has no time limit. Car parks closer to the jetty have time limits and are shared with island commuters and boat trailers, so arrive early and read the signs. See council’s parking page.
By public transport, Translink bus route 279 runs as an express service from Victoria Point Jetty to Brisbane City. Use the Translink journey planner for times.
Nearby
- Victoria Point – the jetty, foreshore parks and playgrounds where the ferry leaves.
- North Stradbroke Island – the big island you can see from Norfolk Beach.
- Russell Island – another Southern Moreton Bay island.
- Raby Bay – the Cleveland-side harbour and foreshore parks.
- Wellington Point Recreation Reserve – a bayside park with a fishing jetty and the low-tide King Island walk.
- Mount Cotton – bush and parks inland from the bay.
- More to explore: islands, beaches and Redlands.
Quick answers
How do you get to Coochiemudlo Island?
Take the passenger ferry from Victoria Point. It runs about every half hour, seven days a week, and takes about 10 minutes. No booking is needed.
How much is the Coochiemudlo Island ferry?
The Translink flat fare of 50 cents applies. Pay with a go card or a contactless card; cash is no longer accepted.
Can you take a car to Coochiemudlo Island?
Yes, on the Amity Trader vehicle barge from Victoria Point. It must be booked, and the passenger ferry does not carry cars.
Can you swim at Coochiemudlo Island?
Yes. Main Beach has shallow water and is patrolled at weekends from September through the April school holidays. Morwong Beach is also good for swimming.
Can you camp on Coochiemudlo Island?
No. There is no camping, but there are holiday homes, cottages and apartments.
Are dogs allowed on Coochiemudlo Island?
Dogs are banned in all reserves and on much of the foreshore. Main Beach allows off-lead dogs at certain times of year, so check the signs.
How long does it take to drive to the Coochiemudlo ferry from Brisbane?
About 45 minutes from the CBD by car without traffic, to Victoria Point.
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