Categories > Guides and Tips
Soak Up Sunshine and Smiles on Russell Island
Being in the bustling city streets makes me want to occasionally enjoy the peaceful beach area.
Basking under the sun, grilling barbecue, swimming in the serene waters, or taking a quiet walk on the beach is all we need to calm our nerves and be ready for another busy week.
But less than an hour and a half drive from Brisbane CBD, we found ourselves strolling on Russell Island. In this place, beautiful sandy beaches and diverse wildlife come together for a nature lover’s paradise.
We made a list of all the best spots just for you, so read on and uncover the island’s hidden gems.
Best Time to Go
When planning to visit Russell Island, we recommend going during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, which is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the coastline.
Things to Know
Essential Island Amenities: The island features essential buildings. These include grocery stores, small clinics, and local bus services that connect key points on the island.
Wildlife: The entire island is home to a diverse wildlife, so expect to see native birds, wallabies, and marine animals
Cash is Useful: While EFTPOS options are available, small shops often prefer to accept cash.
Mosquitoes: During warmer months, some areas of the beach can be swarmed with mosquitoes, so it is advisable to bring insect repellent.
How to Get to Russell Island
Get to Redland Bay Marina (south of Brisbane):
- By car: Redland Bay is around 45–60 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
- By public transport: If you’re commuting, we recommend taking a train to Cleveland or Beenleigh, then a connecting bus to Redland Bay.
Take a ferry to Russell Island:
- Passenger ferries run frequently (operating from morning to late evening) via Bay Islands Transit (BITS), which takes about 25 minutes.
- Vehicle barge services are also available if you’re bringing a car, but a prior booking is required (Stradbroke Ferries).
What to See and Do in Russell Island
Explore Russell Island Conservation Corner
Media from: audreystefankorealty
Address:172 High St, QLD 4184
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours daily
The Russell Island Conservation Corner offers a fantastic place for a relaxing walk. The trail can be conquered by even beginners, taking only an hour for a round-trip walk. The trail is also suitable for cycling, as there are few roadblocks and the trail is almost entirely flat.
Although there’s a lot of chirping, we only saw a few birds in the area. Whistling Kites are also known to inhabit the area, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to spot any.
The entire observatory is huge, but walk maps are installed to guide tourists and locals on trail paths.
Spend the day at Jock Kennedy Recreation Reserve
Media from: grattanmegan
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours daily
Another recreation reserve in the area is the Jock Kennedy Recreation Reserve, which is only a 5-minute walk from the jetty terminal. The undercover searing areas have a majestic waterfront outlook, making it a popular spot for recreation.
What also made me like this place is the well-maintained amenities, including barbecue areas, a boat ramp, and toilets. Since we didn’t have plans for the rest of the day, we decided to have a picnic. There are plenty of shaded picnic areas on the site, which is also a plus.
The BBQ facilities are free of charge and are located near the water’s edge, where we had an amazing time cooking while drinking bottled beers.
Visit Sandy Beach Recreation Reserve
Media from: gorillathemastiff
Address: Lions Boulevard Park, 48 The Blvd, QLD 4184
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday- Open 24 hours daily
Visiting peaceful beaches on Russell Island must be on your list. On our first day, we found ourselves at the Sandy Beach Recreation Reserve. It was quite a serene beach—people fishing in the area, and almost everything is undisturbed.
Located at the southernmost point of the island, the Sandy Beach Recreation Reserve has a playground and other practical amenities, including BBQ grills, picnic tables, and accessible toilet facilities.
Campers were also building their tents at designated camping sites on the beach as we passed by.
Get active at the Russell Island Sport & Recreation Park
Media from: gvalliemoses
Address: 2 Union St, QLD 4184
Contact Details: (07) 3829 8999
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday- 7:00 AM- 4:45 PM
Dubbed as the sporting heart of Russell Island, the Russell Island Sport & Recreation Park is the place to be for those who want to engage in something more active.
Most local sporting clubs and athletes share these facilities, and until now, the entire establishment has been well maintained. We spent a few hours playing tennis on the court, since nobody was using it. It was a fantastic place for kids and us to have a friendly sports competition.
The sports complex can be easily accessed from the ferry, and car parks are reserved for visitors, so you don’t have to worry about where to park.
Visit the Jackson Oval Playground
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Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday- 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
The Jackson Oval Playground offers a majestic view of the sunset over the water. This makes it an ideal spot for an afternoon picnic or a relaxing walk around the oval.
The recreational area also features amenities that are easily accessible to the public, including a BBQ undercover facility and toilets. Not to mention that this place is also wheelchair-friendly.
The facilities here are well-maintained, and they also have a kids’ playground where children of all ages can participate in various physical activities. Surrounded by lush greenery and a serene backdrop, it is the perfect outdoor area for fun and relaxation.
The facility here is also perfect for family outings (I saw a couple of families enjoying a picnic day in the area), birthday parties, and even community events.
Visit the Pioneer Children’s Memorial Park
Media from: jennytraister
Address: 89QH+VM Russell Island, Queensland
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday- Open 24 hours
If you’re looking for a place to let your dogs run wild, then the Pioneer Children’s Memorial Park is the perfect place for you. The park is easily accessible from the high streets, with easy parking making it a popular destination for families.
Aside from the large off-leash area for dogs in the western and eastern parts, the park features a playground with swings and slides, where you can let the kids play around. However, dogs are prohibited within 10m of the playground.
The park can also host large events, catering to over 500 guests.
Visit Museums and Art Galleries
Sandybeach Studio
Media from: sandybeachstudio
Website: https://www.sandybeachstudio.com.au/
Address: 42 Crescent Dr, QLD 4184
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday- 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Another must-include in everyone’s visit to Russell Island is the Sandybeach Studio. This eccentric artisan studio gallery is renowned for its beautifully crafted Kiln-fired glass art. It features an amusing marine theme that reflects the artist’s love of the ocean.
When we visited the studio, we were captivated by the stunning displays of dichroic Jewelry and colorful glass sun catches. There were other small artworks, some with mosaic and abstract designs, that were displayed in the souvenir section.
If you happen to be staying in the area, they conduct regular workshops with glass, silkscreen, painting, and mosaics hosted by Kaylene Higgs (a studio artist from Reeffire glass art).
Turning Point Garage Gallery
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Website: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076006314520
Address: 16 Kennedy Ave, QLD 4184
Contact Details: 0419 803 103
Operating Hours:
- Sunday- 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM
The Turning Point Garage Gallery boasts a lovely Bali-style garden setting, exuding a calm, tropical vibe with all the handmade huts. Expertly crafted timber artworks and plants surround the place.
The place is owned by Alice and Paul, who both welcomed us with warmth to their beautiful gallery. The art pieces are a combination of woodwork, gardening, and sculpting. It was the perfect place to find inspiration, feel relaxed, and purchase a special gift for a loved one.
You wouldn’t feel like it’s just an ordinary gallery; the owners gave us a tour and talked about the artworks.
RICArts – The Farm, Art House & Gallery
Media from: kimerichards
Website: https://www.russellislandarts.com/
Address: 23 Robert St, QLD 4184
Contact Details: 0419 803 103
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday- 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Pricing: Free admission
Located in the charming avocado orchard of historic Kennedy’s Farm, RICArts showcases a variety of artistic crafts in many forms, from sewing to pottery. This vibrant community space allows visitors and residents to engage with the works of local artists.
The entire house is utilized by a local arts group, creating a lively center for artists. Every work is unique and inspired by different themes.
The collection features a range of landscape paintings, animal portraits, and abstract works created in various media. These include oil, acrylic, pastel, and pencil. The place doesn’t even charge an admission fee.
Redland Museum
Media from: redlandmuseum60
Website: https://redlandscoastmuseum.org.au/russell-island-museum/
Address: 55 Jackson Rd, QLD 4184
Contact Details: 0408 153 245
Operating Hours:
- Friday- 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Pricing:
- Adults- $12 per person
- Concessions- either $8 or $10
- Children- Free
Going through the artifacts and documents at Redland Museum allowed me to grasp the island’s rich history spanning 25,000 years of indigenous habitation up to the 19th-century European settlement.
The Russell Island Museum is a sub-branch of the Redland Museum, where artifacts, including those used in farming, logging, and the typical 19th-century household items, are featured on display.
We also enjoyed exhibits featuring waterborne travel, which included photographs of various vessels.
