St Helena Island is a small national park island in Moreton Bay that was Queensland’s high-security prison until 1933, and you visit it by boat from Manly on a guided history tour. The brick and stone ruins of the prison are still there, set among open grass and bush on an island that looks flat and quiet from the water.
It makes a good day out for anyone who likes history, and for children old enough to sit through a guided tour. It is a boat trip, so the weather matters more than it does for most places on this site.
What is St Helena Island?
The island covers about 75 hectares and sits in Moreton Bay east of the mouth of the Brisbane River. Aboriginal people knew it as Noogoon.
The island was a penal establishment, and by the turn of the 20th century it held more than 300 prisoners. The last prisoner left on 15 February 1933.
Prisoners included five men jailed after the 1891 shearers’ strike. Dozens of prisoners tried to escape over the years, and the island had a reputation as hard to get away from.
Before and after the prison years the island served other purposes, including a quarantine station and a base for dugong hunting.
The island became a national park in 1979 and a historic area in 1980, and it has been on the Queensland Heritage Register since 1992.
St Helena Island tours
The Cat O’ Nine Tails is a catamaran that runs guided historical tours to the island. Tours cover the prison ruins and the history of the penal settlement, with a guide on the island. Tour listings describe a day of about five hours including the boat trip, and some packages include a picnic lunch.
Tours run on set days – check with the operator for the current days, departure time and price before you plan anything else.
Cruises are weather dependent and the operator can cancel or postpone them for safety.
What you can see
The main attraction is the prison itself: cell blocks, workshops, the bakery and butchery and the footings of buildings that once housed hundreds of men. The island is small, so everything is close together and a guided walk covers most of it.
The island is also part of the Moreton Bay and Pumicestone Passage Important Bird Area, and migratory shorebirds use its freshwater spring. If you like birdwatching, bring binoculars.
Planning your visit
- How long: about five hours door to door on the standard tour, including the boat trip.
- Best time: a calm, dry day. Cruises are weather dependent.
- What to bring: a hat, sunscreen, closed shoes, water and a rain jacket. Queensland Parks notes there are no supplies on the island.
- Boarding: booking listings say boarding starts about 15 minutes before sailing, so arrive early and allow time to park and walk to the jetty.
- Wet weather: if the operator cancels or postpones for safety, ask about a change of date or a refund when you book.
- Pets: domestic animals are not allowed in the national park.
- Booking: book ahead through the operator; this page does not take bookings.
Getting there and parking
The boat leaves from Manly; the jetty listed for it is William Gunn Jetty at Wyvernleigh Close, so confirm the meeting point when you book. Manly is about 20 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 30 minutes by car without traffic.
Manly station on the Cleveland line is the train option; plan the walk and the connection with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30.
The village and harbour have free car parks along the Esplanade (see our guide to Manly Harbour Village). The operator can tell you where to leave your car for the jetty.
Before or after the tour
- Manly Harbour Village – cafes, restaurants and boat watching at Manly Boat Harbour, next to the departure point.
- Manly Creative Markets – Sunday markets if you go on a Sunday.
- Boxhead Park, Lota – a beach hut playground a short drive along the bay.
- Wynnum – foreshore, jetty and wading pool next door.
- Moreton Island – the big sand island further out in the bay.
Browse more islands, history and landmarks and places around Moreton Bay. For the official park page, see Queensland Parks. Details can change, so check before you go.
You might also like
- Peel Island (Moreton Bay)
- Macleay Island (Redlands)
- North Stradbroke Island (Dunwich)
Quick answers
How do you get to St Helena Island?
By boat. The Cat O’ Nine Tails sails from Manly, in Brisbane’s bayside east. Check the operator for tour days, times and the meeting point.
What is St Helena Island known for?
It is a former high-security prison island in Moreton Bay. The last prisoner left in 1933, and the ruins are heritage listed.
Can you take a dog to St Helena Island?
No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park.
Is St Helena Island worth visiting?
Yes, if you like history and boat trips. A guide, the prison ruins and the bay views fill most of a day.
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