Macleay Island facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Macleay Island (Jencoomercha) Brisbane, Queensland
Macleay Island is one of several inhabited islands in Moreton Bay
Macleay Island (Jencoomercha) Location in Queensland
Population	3,193 (2021 census)
• Density	207.3/km2 (537/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4184
Area	15.4 km2 (5.9 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s)	Redland City
Region	South East Queensland
State electorate(s)	Redlands
Federal Division(s)	Bowman
Localities around Macleay Island (Jencoomercha): Moreton Bay Moreton Bay Moreton Bay Moreton Bay Macleay Island (Jencoomercha) Moreton Bay Moreton Bay Karragarra Island Lamb Island

Macleay Island is a beautiful island located in Moreton Bay, which is in the south-east part of Queensland, Australia. It's not just an island; it's also a small town and a specific area within Redland City. In 2021, about 3,193 people lived on Macleay Island.

Exploring Macleay Island's Geography

Macleay Island is the fourth biggest island in Moreton Bay. Only North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island, and Russell Island are larger. Macleay Island is about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) long. At its widest point, it measures about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) across.

A smaller island called Perulpa Island is connected to Macleay Island. You can reach it by crossing a special road called a causeway.

Points and Beaches Around the Island

Macleay Island has several interesting points and beaches along its coast. These include:

• Potts Point (also known as Coondooroopa)
• Sandpiper Beach
• Thompson Point
• Perrebinpa Point
• Point Pininpinin

Macleay Island's Past and History

For a while in the 1800s, Macleay Island was known as Tim Shea's Island. This was named after a convict who lived there for over ten years. The island got its current name from a surveyor named James Warner. He named it after Alexander Macleay, who was an important government official in New South Wales from 1825 to 1837.

The island has a long history with Aboriginal people. You can still find ancient shell middens (piles of shells from old meals) and stone fish traps on the island. These show that people lived here a very long time ago.

Important Dates in Macleay Island's History

• 1886: Land was advertised for sale on Macleay Island. People could buy small plots for "marine villas," which were like holiday homes.
• 1986: Macleay Island State School first opened its doors. It is still an important school for the island's children today.
• 2008: A police station began operating on the island. This was important because the island's population was growing.
• 2007-2008: A TV show mentioned Macleay Island as a good place for first-time home buyers. This made many people interested in moving there. A lot of new homes were built, and the local council had to update its population numbers.
• 2014: A skate park was built, giving young people a fun place to go.
• 2015 & 2023: The ferry terminal and waterfront areas were improved. This included a new boat ramp and better parking for visitors and residents.

Who Lives on Macleay Island?

The number of people living on Macleay Island has grown over the years.

• In 2006, about 1,958 people lived there.
• By 2011, the population grew to 2,572 people. The average age was 52 years old. Most people (68.3%) were born in Australia. Others came from countries like England, New Zealand, and Germany.
• In 2016, there were 2,681 residents.
• By 2021, the population reached 3,193 people.

Special Places and Heritage Sites

Macleay Island has several places that are important for their history or natural beauty. These are called heritage-listed sites:

• Tim Shea’s wetland and waterhole
• The old Industrial Ruins of Campbell's Saltworks
• Corroboree Point (which is now Lions Park)
• Thompson’s Point, where Campbell's Wharf used to be

Nature and Wildlife on Macleay Island

Macleay Island is home to a rich natural environment. You can find beautiful rainforests, rocky shores, and sandy beaches. There are also areas with mangrove trees. From the island, you can see amazing views of the mainland and other islands like Coochiemudlo Island, North Stradbroke Island, and Moreton Island.

Animals of Macleay Island

The island is a great place for birdwatching. Many native parrots and smaller birds live here. Migratory birds also visit every year. There is a large population of bush stone curlews, which are unique birds.

In the waters around the island, it's common to see green sea turtles. Dolphins and dugongs also live in these waters.

Getting Around Macleay Island

Macleay Island is one of the Southern Bay Islands. You can get there by passenger ferry from Redland Bay. If you have a car, you can take a vehicle barge from Cleveland or Redland Bay.

Many people who live on the island travel to the mainland for work every day. They use the fast public ferry, which takes about 18 minutes from Redland Bay. The ferry also stops briefly at Karragarra Island. You can use a Translink GoCard for the ferry service. Once on the island, there is a reliable maxi taxi service and a petrol station.

Facilities and Services on Macleay Island

Macleay Island has many shops, cafes, and services for its residents and visitors. The main shopping area is near the ferry and barge terminals.

Shops and Food

• There's a Saturday Farmer’s Market where you can buy fresh, local produce.
• You can find unique artisan businesses like a gourmet Gelateria and a home cooking shop.
• There's a craft butcher, cafes, a health food shop, a hot bread shop, and places for seafood, fish and chips, burgers, and pizza.
• You can also find clothing and homewares stores.
• The Macleay Island Hotel has a bottle shop and a bistro for meals.

Health and Emergency Services

The island has several doctors and medical clinics, a pathology service, a dentist, a chemist, and a vet. For emergencies, there is a Police Station, an Ambulance/Water Ambulance service, and a Fire Brigade.

Clubs and Community

• Club Macleay is a popular waterfront lawn bowls club. It's known for its food, live music, and great views.
• Golfers can enjoy the Macleay Island Golf Club.
• The Sailing Club offers a peaceful place to relax.
• There is a State Primary School and an Early Childcare Centre.
• The large Community Centre and Hall is used by local groups, the Farmer’s Market, and the community church.
• The Progress Association runs the island's library.

Fun Things to Do on Macleay Island

Macleay Island is a great place for outdoor activities. It has sandy beaches and mangrove foreshores. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, sailing, or jet skiing. It's also perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just enjoying the beautiful views and sunsets.

Beaches and Parks

• There are two boat ramps for launching boats. One is at the ferry terminal, and another is at Dalpura Bay.
• Dalpura Bay is the most popular swimming spot. It has a white sandy beach, a picnic area, showers, and toilets. Boats can also moor in the deep water here.
• Pat's Park at the northern end of the island has an ocean swimming area, barbecues, a picnic area, showers, toilets, and a children's playground. The Anzac Day services are held at the Cenotaph located there.

Clubs and Activities

• You can join boat, bowling, and golfing clubs.
• The Heritage Trail has signs to guide you and teach you about the island's history.
• Macleay Island has a lively community of artists. The Macleay Island Arts Centre is used by painters, potters, sculptors, and other craftspeople.
• Bird watching is a popular activity for both residents and visitors.
• You can also find various classes like Zumba, martial arts, tai chi, and yoga.
• The Men’s Shed is a place where men can meet, socialize, and work on small projects.
• There's a Ukulele Club and a gardening club.
• Dragon-boating started in 2019 and operates from the Macleay Island Boat Club on Sundays.
• There is also a skate park at the south of the island.