Getting away from our usual way of life for the day offers you the chance to spread your wings and relax. With plenty of sunshine, a slower pace, fresh air, wildlife and more, what better place to do it than with a South Moreton Islands Tour!
Located just northeast of Australia’s Gold Coast, the South Moreton Islands are nestled between the Australian mainland and North Stradbroke Island.
Read on to discover the five fascinating things you must know about them and why visiting should be on your local bucket list.
Why Join Us on a Tour?
Each year, eager crowds flock to visit the South Moreton Islands on Brisbane day tours. In fact, in recent times, visitors have topped 3.6 million annually! With only around 7,025 local inhabitants scattered throughout the area’s four laid back islands, this adds a welcome influx of smiles, business, and activity. By boarding a ferry or water taxi, you can take a short ride and visit the islands on your own, and a solo trip can be rewarding however, a guided tour of the islands can offer you a bit more.
Our tours lead you on historic walks and take you to fantastic local gardens and hidden wetlands that you might otherwise have missed on your own. Our perks include outstanding views, along with visits to local art galleries and studios with an intimate view into the work and lives of local talent. We make a point of highlighting places of historic interest, providing you with deep insight into the area’s rich past.
Russell Island
Russell Island is the biggest of the South Moreton Islands and an integral part of Brisbane island hopping. Complete with wetlands, a turtle swamp, and beautiful scenery, it’s also home to the South Moreton Bay Islands Museum, which began as a private collection developed by a local postmaster and purchased in 2004 by the Redland Shire Council. The museum documents the early life of the island’s rural settlers through logging and farming machinery as well as other relics from everyday life.
Lamb Island
The original name of Lamb Island was Nguderoo, an aboriginal word that translates in English as “paperbark trees”. The label refers to the Melaleuca quinquenervia trees that inhabit the area as native species in eastern Australia with bark that peels off in thin layers. Visiting Lamb Island gives you access to a quiet corner of local nature.
Macleay Island
Macleay Island is an ideal destination for visitors interested in the best of Brisbane art tours. As the second-largest island in the area, this popular destination is full of fun with weekly markets, cafes, painters, sculptors, poets, potters, galleries, and more. Historic relics such as a lime kiln, salt works, and a distillery, as well as spectacular views of the water, make this an island not to be missed!
Karragarra Island
Karragarra Island is just 2km long, making it the smallest of the South Moreton Islands. This spot has a fabulous white sandy beach along with a safe swimming enclosure adjacent to the boat ramp, making it an ideal daytime destination. The island was once a farming town servicing Brisbane and now offers locals and visitors space to take in the pleasures of the outdoors while relaxing by the water.
Contact Bay Islands Arts and Scenic Tours to book your full-day tour now. A great getaway awaits! Catch the ferry at the Translink passenger terminal off of Banana St. and meet us on the other side for a fun-filled, informative tour of these beautiful island escapes.
