Coochiemudlo Island facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coochiemudlo Island Redland City, Queensland
Coochiemudlo Island Location in Queensland
Population	753 (2016 census)
• Density	183.7/km2 (476/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4184
Area	4.1 km2 (1.6 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	33 km (21 mi) from Brisbane GPO
LGA(s)	Redland City
State electorate(s)	Redlands
Federal Division(s)	Bowman
Suburbs around Coochiemudlo Island: Thornlands Cleveland Moreton Bay Peel Island Victoria Point Coochiemudlo Island North Stradbroke Island Victoria Point Moreton Bay Macleay Island

Coochiemudlo Island is a small, beautiful island located in the southern part of Moreton Bay, near the city of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. It's also the name of the small community that lives on the island, which is part of Redland City.

In 2016, about 753 people called Coochiemudlo Island home. It's a popular spot for both residents and visitors looking for a peaceful island getaway.

Island Geography: What Does Coochiemudlo Look Like?

Coochiemudlo Island is very close to the mainland, only about 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) from Victoria Point. This makes it easy to visit!

On the island's southwest side, you can see a natural cliff made of red, iron-rich rock. This is where the island gets part of its name.

The southern, eastern, and northern parts of the island have lovely sandy beaches. These are perfect for swimming and relaxing. The western side of the island is covered in mangrove trees, which are important for the local wildlife.

Island History: How Did Coochiemudlo Get Its Name?

The name Coochiemudlo comes from the Yuggera language. Kutchi means red, and mudlo means stone. This refers to the red rocks found on the island.

A European explorer named Matthew Flinders landed on Coochiemudlo Island on July 19, 1799. He was exploring Moreton Bay at the time, looking for a river.

Every year, the island celebrates Flinders Day. This special day remembers Matthew Flinders' landing. The celebrations usually happen on a weekend close to July 19.

Getting Around: Transport and Services on the Island

Getting to Coochiemudlo Island is easy! A passenger ferry runs about every half-hour, from early morning until late at night. There's also a vehicle barge if you need to bring a car.

However, because the island is quite small, you don't really need a car to get around. You can walk or ride a bike to explore.

The island has a few places to eat and shop. The Curlew Café is a community hub near the jetty. It offers breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner, plus basic groceries. There's also another restaurant called Oasis on Coochiemudlo.

If you want to stay overnight, you can find different places to rent. These include apartments, holiday homes, and places listed on sites like Airbnb.

The island even has its own newspaper, the Coochie Island News. It started in 2019 and shares positive stories about the island. It also has a business directory and lists community activities. There's even a podcast that features interviews with island residents!

Island Wildlife: What Animals Live Here?

Coochiemudlo Island is home to many amazing animals, especially birds. You might spot:

• Sea eagles
• Brahminy kites
• Magpies
• Rosellas
• Butcherbirds
• Pheasants
• A large group of stone curlews

The waters around the island are also full of life. You might see:

• Dugongs
• Sea turtles
• Dolphins

There's a cool walk through the Melaleuca Wetland Reserve. Here, you can see many different native plants and trees. It's a great spot to enjoy nature.

Island Life: Who Lives on Coochiemudlo?

In 2011, Coochiemudlo Island had 708 residents. The average age of people living here was 52 years old. Most people (67.8%) were born in Australia. Other residents came from countries like England, New Zealand, and Germany.

Most people on the island (88%) speak only English at home.

Fun Things to Do: Recreation on Coochiemudlo

Coochiemudlo Island is a fantastic place for fun and relaxation! Its sandy beaches are safe for swimming, making it perfect for families.

The main beach on the southern side has surf lifesavers who keep everyone safe. There's even a 'Nippers' program for kids to learn about surf safety.

The island has many other facilities for sports and activities:

• A BMX track for bike riders
• A cricket pitch and a football oval
• A lawn for bowls and croquet
• A 9-hole golf course
• Two tennis courts
• A gym
• A library under the Community Hall

The large Community Hall offers amazing views of Moreton Bay. It's used for many island events and gatherings. There's also another recreation hall for indoor bowls, art shows, and meetings.

Fishing is very popular around the island. You can catch fish like bream, whiting, flathead, flounder, and snapper.

Coochiemudlo is also a favourite spot for sailors. Because the island has beaches on three sides, there's always a sheltered spot for boats, no matter the wind. You'll see everything from sailboards to large yachts. There are places to anchor boats near the jetty and boat ramp.

Island Homes: Housing Styles on Coochiemudlo

The houses on Coochiemudlo Island are quite varied. You can find:

• Old-fashioned 1950s fibro beach shacks
• Modern, lightweight beach houses
• Older Queenslander houses that have been moved to the island
• Regular suburban brick and tile homes