Just a 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland and you’ll find yourself surrounded by kilometres of golden sandy beaches. It’s a $0.50 escape from Brisbane’s city mayhem, where you can spend the day lazing in calm bay waters while the kids eat ice creams and play in the shallows. Where is this little patch of heaven? You’ll find Coochiemudlo Island, just off Victoria Point in Moreton Bay, and it might just be one of the best Brisbane island day trips you’ve never heard of.
Is Coochiemudlo Island worth visiting?
Yes. Coochiemudlo Island is one of the easiest Brisbane day trips, just a 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point. Visitors come for the calm swimming beaches, relaxed island café, scenic coastal walks and the laid-back pub overlooking Moreton Bay. With cheap ferry fares and four kilometres of sandy beaches, it’s one of the most underrated islands near Brisbane for a quick escape from the city.
When people search for Brisbane day trips, places like North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island and Bribie Island usually get all the attention. But there’s another island escape hiding in plain sight. Just 45 minutes from Brisbane CBD and a quick 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point, Coochiemudlo Island is one of the easiest and most relaxing islands near Brisbane to visit for a day of beaches, coffee and coastal walks.
Coochiemudlo Island Day Trip Quick Guide
Location: Moreton Bay, off Victoria Point
Ferry time: 10 minutes
Passenger ferry cost: $0.50 each way
Best for: easy Brisbane day trips, family beach days, relaxed island walks
Don’t miss: Curlew Café ice cream, the island pub, and the beach-to-beach walk
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The Island That Brisbane Almost Forgot
Brisbane locals often talk about Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island and Bribie Island when planning island escapes. But there’s a tiny island sitting quietly in Moreton Bay that many people overlook. A Coochiemudlo Island day trip feels like stepping into an old-school Queensland holiday. Think sandy beaches, a relaxed café, a classic island pub and an easy walk across the island.
My family recently suggested Coochiemudlo Island as the location for a two-year-old’s birthday party, and it turned out to be the perfect spot.
The Amity Trader ferry leaves from a modern ferry terminal at Victoria Point. There’s plenty of parking nearby, although it fills quickly. We discovered that arriving at 8.15am was the sweet spot, saving us from hunting for a space. We boarded the 8.30am Coochiemudlo Island ferry and arrived to find our family already set up around a picnic table just metres from the beach. The gentle waves were perfect for small children, who happily played in the sand while the adults relaxed and watched on. Of course, ice creams were high on the list, and a quick visit to Curlew Café delivered exactly what the kids were hoping for.
If you’re searching for Brisbane’s best day trip that still feels like a secret, this might be it.
RELATED POST: If your appetite guides your road trips, here is a list of top regional dining spots worth the drive from Brisbane.
Why Coochiemudlo Island Is One of Brisbane’s Best Day Trips
You’ll quickly see why locals love this relaxed island escape. Coochiemudlo Island’s calm waters and four kilometres of golden sandy beaches have earned it a reputation as an ideal family destination and one of the easiest islands near Brisbane to visit.
The Main Beach foreshore near the jetty is the hub for day visitors. For those looking for quieter stretches of sand or a spot of fishing, head to:
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Norfolk Beach (East Side)
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Morwong Beach (North Side)
Both offer peaceful coastal views and fewer crowds.
Things to Do on Coochiemudlo Island
Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to do on Coochiemudlo Island, especially if you enjoy simple outdoor experiences.
Children’s Playground
Families will find a playground near the jetty along with well-maintained public toilets nearby. It’s a convenient place for kids to burn off energy between beach swims and ice cream stops.
The Island Walk: Beach to Beach in Minutes
One of the joys of visiting Coochiemudlo is its size. A short walk across the island takes you from one beach to another in about 10 to 15 minutes. The walk is easy and flat, passing mangroves, quiet sandy beaches and plenty of scenic photo spots. If you enjoy slow travel and discovering hidden corners of Moreton Bay, this could be one of your highlights of a Coochiemudlo Island day trip.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
Nature lovers will also enjoy exploring the Melaleuca Wetlands on the eastern side of the island. This area is protected under the Ramsar Convention, providing an important habitat for birds and wildlife. A walking track runs along the coast so visitors can experience this unique environment.
Keep your camera ready because you might spot:
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Sea eagles or Brahminy kites hunting near Main Beach
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Dolphins swimming in the shallows
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Turtles surfacing offshore
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Dugongs grazing on seagrass beds
Dogs are not permitted in this protected area.
Where to Eat on Coochiemudlo Island
There is no supermarket on Coochiemudlo Island, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks or a picnic if you plan to stay for the day. Several free gas BBQs and picnic tables are located around the Emerald Fringe foreshore, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed beachside lunch. If you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, there are two great options.
Curlew Café
Located just a short stroll from the ferry jetty, Curlew Café is the perfect first stop after arriving on the island. Expect relaxed island hospitality, simple café favourites and excellent coffee. The café also has a well-stocked ice cream bar, which was a big hit with the kids. There’s plenty of undercover seating if you want to linger over a cappuccino and enjoy the sea breeze.
Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar
Every island needs a good pub, and Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar on Victoria Parade delivers classic Queensland charm. The menu features classic pub favourites, including a delicious seafood chowder. Outdoor seating with water views makes it a great place to relax with a cold drink after a beach walk.
How to Get to Coochiemudlo Island from Brisbane
One of the reasons Coochiemudlo Island day trips are so popular is how easy the island is to reach.
Victoria Point to Coochiemudlo Island Ferry
The Coochiemudlo Island ferry departs from the Victoria Point ferry terminal, about 45 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
There are two ways to reach the island.
Passenger Ferry
The Amity Trader passenger ferry runs seven days a week between Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island.
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Ferry crossing time: 10 minutes
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Services run approximately every 30 minutes
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Adults: $0.50 one way
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Children: $0.50 one way
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Children under 4 travel free
Well-behaved pets are welcome.
Vehicle Barge
The Amity Trader also operates a vehicular barge service. Bookings are essential if you plan to bring a car. Foot passengers carrying large trolleys, bicycles or oversized luggage may also need to use the barge. Private vehicles cost approximately $80 return.
Tip: If you plan to explore the island by e-bike, you’ll need to take the vehicle barge rather than the passenger ferry.
Planning Your Coochiemudlo Island Day Trip
Getting there: Victoria Point passenger ferry
Ferry time: approximately 10 minutes
Best for: relaxed Brisbane day trips, beach walks and casual lunches
We arrived at 8.15 am, found easy parking and took the 8.30 am ferry for a perfect morning on the beach.
Bring:
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Sunscreen
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Swimmers
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Camera
Tip: Check the tides and aim for high tide if you want clear water for swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Coochiemudlo Island
Is Coochiemudlo Island worth visiting?
Yes. Coochiemudlo Island is one of the easiest and most relaxing Brisbane island day trips, with calm beaches, scenic walking tracks and a relaxed café and pub near the jetty.
How long is the ferry to Coochiemudlo Island?
The Coochiemudlo Island ferry from Victoria Point takes around 10 minutes, making it one of the quickest island escapes from Brisbane.
Can you walk around Coochiemudlo Island?
Yes. The island is small enough that you can walk across it in about 10–15 minutes, passing mangroves, quiet beaches and scenic coastal views.
How much does the Coochiemudlo Island ferry cost?
Thanks to Queensland’s current public transport fares, the walk-on passenger ferry costs just $0.50 each way for adults and children.
Why This Might Be Brisbane’s Most Underrated Island Escape
Sometimes the best travel discoveries are the ones hiding in plain sight. A Coochiemudlo Island day trip may be simple, but that’s exactly its charm. With a short ferry ride, calm beaches, a friendly café, an easy walk across the island and a pub lunch waiting at the end, it might just be Brisbane’s most underrated island escape.
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