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Russell Island 🏝️

The vibrant heart of the South Moreton Bay Islands β€” with local shops, schools, transport hub, and thriving community life.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Population: 2,000+🚒 40-50 min ferry from Redland BayπŸ“ 20km from Brisbane CBD
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About Russell Island

Russell Island (postcode 4184) is the largest and most populated of the South Moreton Bay Islands, serving as the commercial and transport hub for the region. Located approximately 20km east of Brisbane, Russell Island is home to over 2,000 residents and welcomes thousands of visitors annually.

Quick Facts

  • Population: 2,000+
  • Postcode: 4184
  • Ferry Time: 40-50 mins from Redland Bay
  • Main Services Hub: Shops, medical, pharmacy, post office
  • Schools: Russell Island State School (Prep-Year 6)
  • Transport: Daily ferry services
  • Key Streets: Jackson Road, High Street, Anzac Drive
  • Community Centre: Bay Islands Community Services Inc (BICS)

🚒 Getting To Russell Island

Russell Island is accessed exclusively by ferry from Redland Bay Marina on the mainland. Multiple ferry operators provide daily services:

  • Stradbroke Ferries – high-speed and conventional vessels
  • TransLink SeaLink – integrated bus/ferry services to mainland
  • Ferry frequency: 4-6 services daily (subject to tides & weather)
  • Return cost: ~$30-40 per adult
  • Book ahead: TransLink SeaLink or Stradbroke Ferries

πŸͺ Shopping & Services

Russell Island has all essential services near the town centre and ferry terminal:

  • Supa IGA – main supermarket with fresh produce & groceries
  • Russell Island Pharmacy – prescription & OTC medicines
  • Russell Island Post Office – mail, parcels & banking services
  • Russell Island Bakery – fresh bread, pastries & coffee
  • Service Station – fuel & convenience items
  • Hairdresser, pharmacy, newsagent, hardware stores

πŸ₯ Healthcare

Russell Island has local medical services; serious emergencies access Redland Hospital via ferry:

  • Russell Island Medical Centre – local GP services & pathology
  • Russell Island Pharmacy – prescription dispensing
  • Redland Hospital (mainland, 50 mins) – major emergencies
  • Telehealth options available for after-hours queries
  • Queensland Ambulance accessible via emergency call

Living on Russell Island

πŸ“š Education

  • Russell Island State School (Prep–Year 6)
  • Kindergarten & preschool programs available
  • Secondary: Ferry + bus to Cleveland State High or Victoria Point State High (45 mins total)
  • After-school clubs & community sports programs

🏑 Housing & Accommodation

  • Mix of family homes, island cottages & newer developments
  • Browse rental & sale listings on The Bay Islands
  • Rental range: $400–800/week (varies by size & location)
  • Purchase price: $700k–$2M+ (beachfront & elevated properties premium)

⚑ Utilities & Services

  • Electricity: Island power grid (reliable, occasional outages post-storm)
  • Water: Island supply (residents advised to check tank capacity)
  • Internet: NBN available in most areas; private providers also service the island
  • Waste: Council bin collection; recycling programs available

πŸ’° Cost of Living

Russell Island has comparable living costs to mainland Brisbane with some differences:

  • Groceries: ~5–10% higher than mainland (transport costs)
  • Services: Competitive pricing at local shops & services
  • Transport: Ferry pass savings for regular commuters (~$500–1000/month)
  • Council rates: Consistent with Redland City Council standard rates

πŸš— Transport & Parking

  • Redland Bay Marina: Car park (short & long-term), ride-share zones, shuttle pickup
  • On-island: Local taxi & courtesy bus services from clubs
  • Ferry + Bus: Integrated TransLink services to mainland & other islands
  • Vehicle Barge: Car transport available via SeaLink (booking required)

πŸ‘₯ Community & Lifestyle

  • Close-knit community with regular events & markets
  • Active clubs: Bowls, RSL, sailing, fishing, sports
  • Island markets: Weekends (check events calendar)
  • Casual island pace with modern amenities nearby

Things To Do on Russell Island

Russell Island offers plenty of activities for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

πŸ–οΈ Sandy Beach Recreation Reserve

Popular beach with lifeguards, playground, picnic facilities, and shaded areas. Perfect for families.

🚴 BMX Park & Skate Park

Russell Island BMX Park offers courses for all levels. Skate park for skateboarding and roller skating.

🐦 Whistling Kite Wetlands

Nature reserve for birdwatching and bushwalking. Home to native island birds and natural wetland systems.

🎣 Fishing & Boating

Multiple boat ramps for tinny fishing, kayaking, and recreational boating in Moreton Bay.

🏊 Public Swimming Pool

Community pool on Jackson Road, open seasonally. Great for lap swimming and family visits.

⚽ Sports Fields & Courts

Cricket, soccer, tennis, basketball facilities available for community use and competitions.

πŸ“ Key Attractions & Landmarks

  • Russell Island Museum – Local history exhibits & heritage displays
  • Russell Island Bowls Club – Dining, entertainment, scenic views
  • Russell Island RSL Club – Bistro, functions, community hub
  • Tingara Boat Club – Sailing, marine social events
  • Community Library – Books, public internet, community events
  • Bay Islands Community Services (BICS) – Op shop, cafΓ©, support programs

Russell Island Business Directory

πŸ›οΈ Retail & Shopping

  • Supa IGA Supermarket – Main grocery store, fresh produce, deli
  • Russell Island Bakery – Fresh bread, pastries, coffee, takeaway
  • Russell Island Pharmacy – Prescriptions, health products, cosmetics
  • Russell Island Post Office – Mail, parcels, banking services
  • Service Station – Fuel, convenience, car supplies

🍽️ Dining & Clubs

  • Russell Island Bowls Club – Bistro, bar, functions, meals
  • Russell Island RSL Club – Dinners, parmas, entertainment, events
  • Black Pearl CafΓ© – CafΓ©, meals, takeaway near jetty
  • IGA Food Court – Takeaway & light meals near supermarket

πŸ₯ Health & Professional Services

  • Russell Island Medical Centre – GP services, pathology tests
  • Russell Island Pharmacy – Prescription dispensing, health advice
  • Local Dentist – Dental services (check directory for details)
  • Pet Vet Services – Small animal veterinary clinic

πŸ”§ Trades & Services

  • Local Builders & Contractors – Home renovations, maintenance
  • Electricians – Residential & commercial work
  • Plumbers – General plumbing, hot water services
  • Gardeners & Landscapers – Property maintenance & design
  • Handymen – Minor repairs, general odd jobs

πŸ‘₯ Community & Social

  • Bay Islands Community Services Inc (BICS) – Op shop, cafΓ©, programs
  • Russell Island Library – Books, programs, internet access
  • Community Hall – Events, workshops, meetings
  • Tingara Boat Club – Sailing, boating, social events

πŸ’Ό Job Opportunities

Russell Island employers include:

  • Retail & hospitality (shops, clubs, cafΓ©s)
  • Healthcare (medical centre, pharmacy)
  • Education (schools, kindergartens)
  • Trades & services (electricians, plumbers, builders)
  • View all job listings

Featured Local Services

Feature your business β†’
⛴️

Sealink Ferry Service

Daily passenger & vehicle ferry service to Southern Moreton Bay Islands. Check timetables and book online.

View Details β†’
πŸ₯

Redland Hospital

Emergency & healthcare in Cleveland

View β†’
🚨

Emergency Services

Dial 000 for Police, Fire, Ambulance

Learn More β†’
🎳

Russell Bowls Club

Bistro, barefoot bowls & events

Visit β†’
🏫

Russell Island School

Local primary education

Learn More β†’

Discover Life on Russell Island

Experience island living with all the essentials. Explore homes for sale, local businesses, and upcoming community events.

View EventsView ClassifiedsBrowse Local Directory

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