MACLEAY ISLAND

Macleay Island, known as the Emerald Isle, is the second largest of the Bay Islands. Situated just 30km from Brisbane in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, at the southern end of Moreton Bay. It is 6.5km long and 4km wide at its widest point.

Macleay Island has a diverse and interesting history, both aboriginal and European. The island's aboriginal name is "Jencoomerha" and it was regarded as an aboriginal meeting place of spiritual importance mainly for the women of the tribes. European settlement started in the 1880's with the establishment of a timber industry, crushed shell collecting and small crop farming.

The island is made up of rich volcanic soil, sandy loam, unique native flora and mangrove foreshores with scattered sandy beaches. It rises 19 meters above sea level at its highest point and has a thriving population of wildlife. There are approximately 200 species of birds found here and dolphins, dugongs and turtles share the waters.

With a population of 2500 the island offers a quiet, relaxed lifestyle supported by many of the amenities found on the mainland. The island residents represent many age groups and backgrounds, from the business person who commutes daily to the mainland, the young families who can bring their children up with a carefree innocence, the semi retired taking advantage of a more relaxed lifestyle, the retired enjoying the fishing and golfing or the weekenders escaping to their own piece of paradise. The island is serviced by power, telephone, broadband and town water and enjoys good television reception.

Macleay Island is a part of the Redland Shire Council. ph 3829 8999

THE BEST BEACHES 

Pat's Park- at the northern end of the island, swimming enclosure, public toilets, bbq and children's playground.

Corroborree Place- pebble beach, bbq, deep water mooring and children's playground.

Grant's Beach- corner Dalpura St and Coondooroopa Dr, sheltered white sandy beach.

Sandpiper Beach- at the end of Undine St, sheltered white sandy beach.

BOAT RAMPS

The main boat ramp is located next to the public jetty at the bottom of Brighton Rd. Other boat ramps are located at the end of Dalpura St, Kallara St and Kooberry St.

EATING OUT

Pub Paradise  Ph 3409 5200 (courtesy bus available)

Macleay Island Bowls Club  Ph 3409 5364 (courtesy bus available)

Curlew Cafe  Ph 3409 4873

The Blue Parrot  Ph 3409 4900

Macleay Island Golf Club  Ph 34095299

SHOPPING CENTRES

The Shopping Centre. 47 High Central Rd - general store and fuel, chemist, property maintenance, hairdresser, beauty therapist, takeaway food, restaurant and community thrift store.

Southseas Terrace Shops - post office, real estate, gift shop, cafe/restaurant.

Village Hardware Shopping Centre. 24 High Central Rd - hardware store, general store, butcher and garden nursery.

Emerald Isle Shopping Centre, cnr of High Central and Nunkeri Dr. - pet shop, DVD hire, data services, take away, bakery and vet clinic.

Macleay Island also has a number of churches, clubs, groups and activities, community centre, arts complex, gallery and library, along with pre school and primary school.