If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about a tropical escape without the hassle of a lengthy journey, the islands near Brisbane are here to rescue you from your desk-chair doldrums!

Picture this: turquoise waters, powdery sands, and a sun that practically begs you to ditch your sunscreen in favor of some super stylish shades. I mean, who needs office lighting when you’ve got the glorious Aussie sun, right?

So, buckle up for a journey through these island paradises that are so close to Brisbane, you can practically smell the coconut sunscreen already.

1. Coochiemudlo Island

Area: 4.1 km²

Location: 33 km (21 mi) from Brisbane GPO

Nestled just a quick 10-minute ferry ride away from Victoria Point lies the charming haven of Coochiemudlo Island. Affectionately known as ‘Coochie,’ this hidden gem is a haven for city-weary souls seeking a refreshing escape.

Boasting an area of approximately four square kilometers, it’s a compact paradise bursting with options.

Coochie’s tranquil waters and array of water sports are plentiful – whether you’re up for paddling, snorkeling, or even testing your swing at the beachside golf course.

We recommend taking the Coochie Guided Island Tours to unveil the island’s secrets. For day-trippers, you can also find short-stay sanctuaries like the delightful Mango Cottage.

2. Bribie Island

Website: https://www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/precincts/bribie-island 

Area: 148 km²

Location: Coral Sea

Bribie Island is considered as one of Brisbane’s top island getaways, siituated just an easy hour and 20-minute drive from the bustling CBD.

What sets Bribie apart is its unique blend of pristine beaches, a wealth of national parks, and a vibrant marine park—Pumicestone Passage.

This passage not only boasts a rich variety of wildlife, from playful dolphins to majestic dugongs, but also provides a stunning backdrop for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing adventures.

For the nature aficionados, Bribie Island National Park is a goldmine of Australian wildlife, from inquisitive goannas to iconic kangaroos.

But the island doesn’t stop there. You can take a leisurely stroll along the Bribie Island Bicentennial Trail, visit the Bribie Island Butterfly House, or dive into the island’s history at the seaside museum.

And let’s not forget the serene bay beaches and thrilling surf beaches that make Bribie an ideal spot for sun-soaked relaxation and exciting water-based activities.

3. Southern Moreton Bay Islands

Location: Moreton Bay

Major islands: Karragarra Island; Lamb Island; Russell Island; Macleay Island

Comprising Russell, Macleay, Karragarra, and Lamb Islands, this island cluster offers a diverse palette of experiences, all just a tranquil ferry ride away from Brisbane.

Karragarra and Lamb Islands are tailor-made for unhurried family excursions. These smaller islands offer leisurely kayaking, tranquil swimming spots, and unhurried picnics by the water’s edge.

On the other hand, Macleay Island adds a touch of vibrancy with its bustling markets and inviting coastal parks.

And if you’re seeking an authentic island escape, Russell Island beckons with its laid-back lifestyle. It’s ideal for adventurous souls yearning to explore rocky shores and snap photos of the local wildlife.

4. North Stradbroke Island

Area: 275.2 km²

Length: 38 km (23.6 mi)

Location: Moreton Bay

A mere hour’s drive east from the city is North Stradbroke Island, the second-largest sand island globally.

Here, you can visit the Point Lookout which is a haven for whale enthusiasts between June and October. You can also visit the captivating North Gorge Headland walk.

At Amity Beach, you can immerse yourself in calm waters and indulge in fresh seafood. You can choose from rustic stays in fisherman’s shacks or glamping in Eco Shacks.

For something more luxurious, Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel offers delectable cuisine against a backdrop of mesmerizing ocean vistas. Ferries, both for vehicles and passengers, regularly transport visitors from Cleveland to this island paradise.

From scuba diving with majestic creatures like sharks and manta rays to strolls through the wildlife-rich North Gorge at Point Lookout, from exhilarating surf sessions to the thrill of 4WD beach camping, this island caters to a diverse range of interests.

Moreover, a swift 45-minute ferry ride from Cleveland transports you to the untouched wonders of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), a treasure trove for adventure enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike.

5. Peel Island

Area: 12.4 km²

Location: Moreton Bay

Nestled between the mainland and North Stradbroke Island, Peel Island is accessible by private boat or for the adventurous, via a kayak. Teeming with dugongs, turtles, and playful dolphins, the island’s pristine waters offer a playground for water enthusiasts.

Peel Island’s historical tapestry is equally captivating – it was once a quarantine station and later a leper colony.

The island’s main beach, Horseshoe Bay, lures day-trippers with its inviting crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing.

While much of the island remains off-limits to safeguard its uninhabited beauty, Horseshoe Bay and Platypus Bay provide a welcoming haven for those seeking a slice of paradise.

6. Moreton Island

Area: 186 km²

Location: Coral Sea; Moreton Bay

Moreton Island is accessed via a passenger or car ferry from Redland Bay, with enticing stops at Lamb and Russell Islands en route. The island offers a myriad of experiences, from heritage walks to sandy swimming coves like Pat’s Point.

The remnants of old limestone kilns echo the island’s past, while the option to pamper yourself at the charming B&B Yarrandabbi Dreaming adds a touch of luxury.

Dining options range from the inviting Blue Parrot Café to the convivial Macleay Island Bowls Club. 

It’s no wonder Moreton Island often tops the list when discussing the best islands near Brisbane. Thrills abound, from snorkeling amidst the Tangalooma Wrecks to sandboarding down golden dunes, or exploring the eastern side on a 4WD expedition.

7. St Helena Island

Location: Moreton Bay

Website: https://www.sthelenaisland.com.au/ 

Contact Details: 1300 438 787, [email protected]

Situated gracefully in Moreton Bay, St Helena Island has a tempestuous history as Queensland’s inaugural penal settlement, operational from 1867 to 1932.

This island has an innovative “Go Back in Time” program that guides you through the ruins and the stories they hold. Embarking on a guided tour reveals the remains of the prison stockade, including the bakery, workshops, and concealed tanks.

Beyond the stockade, the island unfolds its secrets through stone ruins – vestiges of warden accommodations, a sugar mill, a lime kiln, a jetty, and even Queensland’s first tramway.

Amidst the remnants of history, you’ll encounter a diverse vegetation tapestry, a fusion of original vine forests, landscaped gardens, and the echo of past crops like olive trees.

St. Helena Island’s wetlands also serve as havens for migratory wading birds, and the encircling waters enjoy protection within the Moreton Bay Marine Park, creating a sanctuary where history and nature harmonize.

8. MacLeay Island 

Area: 15.4 km²

Location: Moreton Bay

Just a ferry ride from Brisbane, Macleay Island boasts a blend of relaxation and activity. Here, you can immerse yourself in its gentle rhythm, where bowls and boat clubs, a picturesque golf course, and inviting beaches for swimming and fishing set the scene. 

The island’s heart, a sealed road traversing from the ferry terminal to Pat’s Point picnic area, connects you to every delight.

You can also stop by at Potts Point, a favored haven for picnics and water frolics, or let the tranquility of Dalpura Beach sweep over you as you savor a barbecue feast or take a refreshing dip.

As the sun dips below the horizon, Macleay Island lays claim to breathtaking sunsets, casting a spell of enchantment. For boating and fishing enthusiasts, a selection of boat ramps provides easy access to the glistening waters.

The island’s thriving arts culture invites exploration of its galleries, a testament to its vibrant spirit.

On the other hand, Macleay Island is the second largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. This island graciously extends amenities, from local shopping centers to eateries, ensuring every need is met.

9. King Island

Location: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

King Island is best known for offering a unique and picturesque sea walk accessible during low tide.

Connected by a natural sand causeway, this 1-hectare islet offers stunning mangrove-framed vistas. It was once inhabited by the Philips family between 1904 and 1906, and their temporary dwelling reflect the island’s intriguing history.

The 2km round-trip walk to King Island is a delightful adventure suitable for all ages, especially children who can paddle along the way, search for crabs, and spot wader birds.

Dog walkers also frequent the path on weekdays, sharing the scenic experience with their canine companions. This unique walk is not only a refreshing outdoor activity but also a perfect spot to catch a breathtaking sunset over the water.

10. Cook Island

Location: New South Wales

Though geographically closer to the Gold Coast, Cook Island undoubtedly deserves a place among the best islands near Brisbane due to its enchanting charm.

While setting foot on Cook Island itself is prohibited, guided tours departing from Tweed Head present an opportunity to immerse oneself in the island’s captivating surroundings.

Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is nestled about 600 meters offshore from Fingal Head and a mere four kilometers southeast of the Tweed River mouth in northern NSW.

It’s renowned for its enchanting resident colony of green sea turtles, a year-round delight for visitors. Snorkeling and diving are the activities of choice, offering a chance to uncover the marine treasures that abound.

The ocean floor boasts a mosaic of hard and soft corals, forming walls, caves, and sandy expanses where a vibrant cast of marine life thrives. From curious clownfish to majestic leopard sharks, Cook Island’s waters teem with photogenic subjects.

Moreover, the marine reserve safeguards several threatened species, including the giant Queensland grouper and the enigmatic grey nurse shark.

11. South Stradbroke Island

Area: 31.3 km²

Location: Moreton Bay

South Stradbroke Island, affectionately known as ‘South Straddie’, is located near the northern end of the Spit and a short boat ride away from Southport. This makes it ideal for those seeking a natural oasis near Brisbane.

This island has a relaxed atmosphere and stunning landscapes, where the calm waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater meet the untamed ocean. With a conservation park spanning 1,800 hectares, South Straddie is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

You can bushwalk through the untouched native bushland, surf in the rolling waves, or unwind on pristine beaches. The island’s tranquility is complemented by its rich biodiversity, offering a chance to encounter native wildlife in their natural habitat.

For those looking to linger a little longer, choose from the cozy self-contained cabins at the island’s campgrounds or indulge in a stay at the iconic Couran Cove Resort.

12. Mudjimba Island

Location: Sunshine Coast

Mudjimba Island nis just a short boat ride away from Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. It offers a captivating underwater world that attracts both snorkelers and divers alike.

This island is known for its vibrant coral gardens that begin at a mere two meters deep, enticing divers with breathtaking marine diversity. Venturing deeper revelas a kaleidoscope of colors, adorned with extensive fields of hard and soft corals.

Gullies, ledges, bommies, and small drop-offs offer a playground for exploration, with fascinating nudibranch species and an array of marine life ready to enchant macro photographers.

From butterflyfish and lionfish to turtles and moray eels, the island’s waters are a canvas painted with an incredible variety of underwater inhabitants.

Mudjimba Island isn’t just a haven for divers; its shallow shores provide a resting place for turtles, adding an extra layer of wonder to your island experience.

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