Thursday, 31 December 2009

No Brisbane Trip Is Complete Without A Visit To Moreton Bay


By Kathy Smith

In between the mainland and North Stradbroke Island, Moreton's most famous, are smaller islands laid out across the bay. These islands are close enough to Brisbane that many of the residents commute to the city on a daily basis.

Named for its red cliffs Coochie Mudlo Island is the perfect place for family swimming and boating. In July you can enjoy a re-enactment festival of how Matthew Flinders landed there 200 years ago. You can also dine at Matthew Flinders Caf, year round, and admire the bay views. Ferry and barge services leave from Victoria Point.

With a population of over 3000, and growing, Russell Island is the largest of the Moreton bay Islands. It is the popular place for a weekend getaway and retired living. The island has shops, a supermarket, cafe, a hotel, and homes to rent for your holiday. the smallest of the islands is Lamb Island, although this is a small island, 2km by 1km, it has the biggest view. Other islands include Macleay Island, population 2500, Kangarra Island, smallest of the inhabited islands. Kangarra Island is a quiet spot without shops so when visiting be sure to bring your picnic.

Historically, St Helena Island is the most interesting. The island was once hunting grounds for local tribes. In 1828, Napoleon Bonaparte was sent to St. Helena after becoming troublesome for the jail at Dunwich, on the North Stradbroke Island.

St. Helena was turned into a penal colony, forty years later, when the mainland prison became overcrowded. The Reforests were cleared for lumber and to prevent escapes, gardens were planted, and houses were built. Prisoners were taught trades and paid for the work they did. In 1933 the last of the inmates left. During it's 65 year run only 3 prisoners had escaped. Today, you can tour the Island and visit the Deputy Superintendents home, as well as the stone houses that once belonged to the prisoners. These homes have been turned into museums filled with photographs from the prison era.

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