Macleay Island Suburb Profile and Insights

Detailed Insights

Macleay Island is one of the principal inhabited Southern Moreton Bay Islands within Redland City. It extends through a long, irregular shoreline of bays, points, tidal flats and mangrove edges, with a central elevated spine separating drainage towards the eastern and western foreshores. Perulpa Island is connected to Macleay by a road causeway and forms part of the same locality, adding a compact secondary residential enclave surrounded by water.

The island differs fundamentally from a mainland suburb because water separation, historic subdivision and environmental conditions shape the property market together. Residential land does not sit within one continuous modern estate. Instead, established homes, vacant blocks, conservation land, wetlands, small commercial centres, community facilities and waterfront properties are interwoven through a street grid that developed over many decades.

Much of the present cadastral pattern stems from widespread subdivision during the 1960s and 1970s. Urban-sized allotments were created across large parts of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, including Macleay, leaving thousands of separately titled parcels. Current Redland City planning takes a different approach. Most island residential land is within the Character Residential zone, which supports detached dwelling houses while restricting further lot fragmentation. Reconfiguration is generally directed towards maintaining or enlarging existing lot sizes through amalgamation rather than producing progressively smaller parcels.

That history remains highly visible in the modern property market. Individual blocks around approximately 550 to 650 square metres occur regularly, while 700 to 850 square metre holdings are also common through established streets. Sites around 900 to 1,000 square metres form another substantial part of the market, and the original subdivision pattern produced many lots close to the traditional 1,012 square metre quarter-acre scale. Combined holdings can extend well beyond 1,200 or 2,000 square metres, while some commercial, community and conservation parcels are considerably larger again.

Land area alone does not describe the practical value of an island block. Road formation, frontage, slope, vegetation, drainage, wastewater disposal area, electricity availability and planning overlays can all influence how readily a vacant parcel can accommodate a dwelling. Council specifically identifies water reticulation, road access, electricity and site-specific planning controls as matters requiring investigation when purchasing land on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

Vacant residential land remains conspicuous across Macleay Island. This is one of the clearest differences from fully built-out bayside suburbs on the mainland. New housing therefore appears as dispersed infill through existing streets. A recently built home may sit between an older cottage and an undeveloped wooded lot, producing streetscapes with much less uniformity of building age than a master-planned residential estate.

The established house stock reflects that gradual development. Older timber and lightweight cottages remain in several neighbourhoods, including small homes with verandahs and relatively simple floor plans. Houses from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s form a substantial middle layer, often occupying generous individual sites with sheds, gardens and space for boats or additional vehicle storage. Renovation has updated many of these properties while retaining their original footprints and informal island character.

Construction through the 2000s and 2010s introduced a larger range of contemporary low-set and high-set homes, while present-day building continues on vacant sites. Modern houses frequently use broad decks, elevated living areas and large openings to capture breezes and views. Waterfront and view-orientated homes can be substantially larger and more architectural, particularly where elevation allows outlooks across Moreton Bay towards North Stradbroke Island or the mainland.

Detached housing overwhelmingly defines the residential environment. Apartments and conventional townhouse complexes are limited, so the choice of property is mainly between different forms of freehold house and vacant land. This gives block condition and building quality more significance than strata facilities or building management when comparing most Macleay Island properties.

The ferry and village precinct provides the island’s most concentrated combination of housing, services and transport access. Brighton Road, Southsea Terrace and the adjoining portion of High Central Road place residents close to the passenger ferry terminal, vehicle ferry facilities, local shops, medical and pharmacy services, food businesses and community activity. Houses and vacant blocks within walking distance of this precinct can function very differently from properties farther along the island because mainland travel begins without a separate drive across Macleay.

High Central Road then extends through the island as its principal internal spine. It has a more mixed character than the quieter side streets because residential property sits beside schools, community facilities, small commercial uses and local traffic. Land sizes vary from conventional residential lots to combined holdings of more than 1,000 or 2,000 square metres, with occasional much larger parcels associated with community, commercial or other uses.

MacLeay Island State School sits along this central corridor and anchors one of the island’s most family-orientated everyday precincts. Residential streets around the school retain detached housing and vacant lots, while the central location makes access to both northern and southern parts of the island comparatively straightforward. For households with primary-school children, proximity to High Central Road can reduce the amount of local travel required during the week.

The island’s commercial structure is dispersed rather than concentrated into a single enclosed shopping centre. High Central Road contains several separate retail and service clusters, while Southsea Terrace and Brighton Road add further shops, food businesses and health services. This produces a series of small village-scale destinations along the central and ferry-side corridors rather than one dominant mall.

The northern end changes character as residential streets approach Pat’s Park, Dalpura Beach and the Beelong Street foreshore. Kate Street, Beelong Street, Dalpura Street and neighbouring roads combine conventional house blocks with larger land, mature gardens, vacant sites and properties positioned within easy reach of beaches and public water access. The streetscape can remain leafy and informal even where the coast is only a short distance away.

Pat’s Park is the principal formal swimming destination on Macleay Island. Its foreshore location includes the island’s netted swimming enclosure, recreation space and play facilities, creating a strong public focus at the northern end. The surrounding residential pocket therefore has a different daily relationship with the water from households near the ferry or the internal school precinct.

Dalpura Beach and its adjoining parkland form another northern waterfront environment. The sandy shoreline and public boat ramp make the area useful for launching small craft, fishing and informal beach recreation. Nearby properties can gain strong access to these facilities without being privately waterfront, which is an important distinction when comparing coastal locations.

The western side contains another range of property settings. Western Road and adjoining streets include conventional residential lots, combined holdings and substantial homes positioned towards Moreton Bay. Sites around the 900 to 1,000 square metre scale are well represented, with some amalgamated properties approaching or exceeding 2,000 square metres. Outlook, foreshore vegetation and the relationship between the house and tidal edge differ markedly between individual sites.

Coast Road adds a strong cultural and recreational layer to this side of the island. The Macleay Island Arts Complex occupies a waterfront setting here, combining gallery and studio activity with a broader community role. Nearby foreshore land and residential streets reinforce the relationship between the island’s creative community and the bay landscape.

The eastern and south-eastern side includes the golf course environment and the road connection to Perulpa Island. Houses around the course can have open green outlooks rather than direct water views, while surrounding streets retain the same mixture of established homes, vacant land and later infill seen elsewhere on Macleay. The golf course also acts as a substantial open-space break within the residential pattern.

Perulpa Island should be treated as its own property pocket even though it forms part of the Macleay Island locality. A causeway provides direct road access, avoiding an additional ferry crossing, but the smaller road network and water-surrounded setting give it greater separation from Macleay’s village and school areas. Calm Waters Crescent, Blue Bay Crescent and adjoining streets contain a mixture of vacant land, modest detached houses and larger waterfront homes.

Perulpa’s blocks can be generous. Waterfront holdings around 900 to more than 1,000 square metres occur, and the lower intensity of development creates long sections where houses remain separated by vegetation or undeveloped sites. The practical character of individual waterfronts varies, however, because mangroves, tidal flats and shoreline elevation affect whether the property offers direct small-craft access, a visual water relationship or both.

That same principle applies across Macleay Island. Waterfront is not one uniform property category. Some homes overlook sandy or relatively open foreshore, some face rocky shoreline, others adjoin mangrove systems and tidal mudflats, and elevated properties can obtain broad bay views without sitting directly at the high-water edge. Orientation also changes the experience of sunrise, afternoon light, prevailing weather and views towards surrounding islands or the mainland.

The island’s interior includes substantial environmental areas. Tim Shea’s Wetland is a locally significant freshwater wetland with a formal walking track, while Paul Carter Wetlands, Thomas Street Wetlands and Cow Bay Conservation Foreshore contribute additional habitat and drainage functions. These areas interrupt the residential grid and preserve substantial vegetation close to established housing.

For property comparison, this means a wooded internal block should not automatically be regarded as equivalent to a cleared residential site of the same size. Vegetation, waterway and wetland overlays, bushfire mapping and drainage conditions can influence development and maintenance. Coastal locations can additionally intersect with erosion, flood and storm-tide controls. These conditions are localised and should be checked through current Council mapping for the individual parcel rather than attributed to the island as a whole.

Wastewater infrastructure is another significant distinction. Macleay Island has reticulated drinking water but no Council reticulated sewerage system. Existing houses use on-site wastewater systems, while new dwellings require appropriate site and soil evaluation to establish how wastewater can be treated and disposed of within the property. The required disposal area can influence dwelling placement, particularly on smaller, constrained or environmentally sensitive lots.

Older houses can also contain different wastewater arrangements from newer dwellings. Separate septic and sullage systems remain associated with many older Southern Moreton Bay Island homes, whereas newer houses use combined systems such as all-purpose septic tanks or household sewage treatment plants. For established property, the age, location, approval status and maintenance of this infrastructure form part of understanding the site rather than being a peripheral utility issue.

Road access varies across the island. High Central Road provides the clearest continuous north-south organising route, while numerous side streets extend towards the eastern and western foreshores. The historic subdivision produced some disconnected perimeter roads and road reserves, and Council retains specific guidance for unformed roads where a formal maintained roadway has never been constructed. Vacant land therefore benefits from an address-level check of both legal frontage and practical vehicle access.

Macleay Island’s recreation network is substantial for an island community. Pat’s Park provides formal bay swimming, Dalpura provides beach and boat access, and additional foreshore reserves support fishing, paddling and informal recreation. Bay Islands Golf Club provides a nine-hole course and clubhouse environment, while lawn bowls, community organisations and the Macleay Island Arts Complex provide social activities that are not dependent on travelling to the mainland.

The local community infrastructure also includes Macleay Island Community Hall and the community-run Macleay Island Library, together with emergency and community services. These institutions help the island operate as a permanent residential community rather than functioning principally as a holiday settlement.

Shopping is adequate for many everyday requirements, with supermarkets and smaller food, retail and service businesses distributed around High Central Road and Southsea Terrace. Medical practices and pharmacy services are also available on the island. Larger comparison shopping, major professional services, hospital care and a much broader choice of retail remain mainland activities, most commonly reached through Redland Bay and the Victoria Point, Cleveland and wider Redlands network.

Passenger ferries are therefore part of normal household infrastructure. Services connect Macleay with Redland Bay and neighbouring Karragarra, Lamb and Russell islands throughout the day. Vehicle ferries provide a separate connection for cars, trailers, commercial vehicles, building materials and larger household goods. The ability to move both passengers and vehicles gives Macleay considerably more practical permanence than an island served only by small passenger craft.

Within Macleay itself there is no scheduled Translink bus network. Private vehicles remain important, particularly for homes at the northern end, Perulpa or quieter outer streets. Taxi, club and community transport options supplement this, while walking and cycling are practical for shorter trips depending on road surface, gradient and destination.

Macleay Island is consequently best understood as several linked property environments rather than one homogeneous island market. The ferry and village precinct prioritises access and day-to-day convenience. High Central Road provides the principal service and school spine. The northern Beelong, Kate and Dalpura area has stronger beach and recreation connections. Western Road and Coast Road contain substantial waterfront and view-orientated property, while the golf-course side introduces open green outlooks. Perulpa provides a smaller causeway-connected waterfront enclave. Across all of these areas, lot usability, wastewater, access, vegetation and the precise form of the shoreline can be as important as nominal land size.

Lifestyle

Life on Macleay Island is shaped by the combination of a permanent residential community and the requirement to cross Moreton Bay for many mainland activities. The island has enough shops, health services, clubs, recreation and community infrastructure to support ordinary daily routines, while ferry travel remains a regular part of work, secondary schooling, major shopping and appointments beyond the island.

The experience varies significantly according to where a household lives. Around the ferry terminal, Southsea Terrace and the lower sections of High Central Road, residents have the strongest walking relationship with passenger ferries, local shops, cafés, medical services and community facilities. Being able to reach the ferry on foot changes the practical rhythm of island life, particularly for people who travel to the mainland frequently.

High Central Road forms the everyday spine farther into the island. School activity, shops, community uses and residential streets meet along this corridor, making it the closest Macleay comes to a conventional suburban main street. Houses nearby remain surrounded by gardens and low-density development, so access to services does not create the urban intensity associated with a mainland town centre.

MacLeay Island State School contributes strongly to weekday community life. Primary-school families can remain on the island for education through Year 6, and streets around the school have a more regular school-day rhythm than the quiet waterfront pockets. Secondary education involves mainland travel, making the ferry timetable part of the household routine as children become older.

The northern end has a different emphasis. Pat’s Park provides a broad foreshore destination with the island’s netted swimming enclosure, play and recreation space. Beelong Street and surrounding roads therefore have an immediate connection with swimming, picnics, shoreline walks and informal family recreation.

Nearby Dalpura Beach adds one of the island’s more recognisable sandy foreshore settings. Residents can use the beach, public boat ramp and surrounding parkland for small-boat launching, kayaking, fishing and general bay recreation. Households around Kate Street and the northern road network can live close to this environment without relying on private waterfront property.

Boating is woven through the island more broadly. Public boat ramps at Dalpura Street and the main harbour provide formal access, while kayaks and small craft can use other suitable foreshore locations. Private boats, trailers and fishing equipment are consequently common considerations in residential property, and generous blocks or sheds can have practical value beyond ordinary car storage.

The western waterfront supports a quieter version of the same relationship with the bay. Western Road, Coast Road and adjoining streets contain homes orientated towards water, sunsets, tidal landscapes and extensive birdlife. Some properties have direct foreshore relationships, while others gain the atmosphere of the coast through nearby reserves and elevated views.

Macleay Island Arts Complex gives the Coast Road side a cultural role as well. Gallery, studio and creative activity form part of an established island arts community, adding a social network that extends beyond conventional sporting clubs. Community arts, workshops and exhibitions reinforce Macleay’s identity as a place where local participation is a visible part of everyday life.

Sport and clubs provide another strong layer. Bay Islands Golf Club has a nine-hole course and clubhouse within the island, while the bowls club and other community organisations provide regular social and recreational activity. These facilities allow residents to maintain active social routines without every leisure trip requiring a ferry journey.

Perulpa Island supports the most secluded residential routine within the locality. The causeway keeps it physically connected to Macleay’s shops, school and ferry, while its smaller scale and water-surrounded streets create greater separation from the central spine. Homes around Calm Waters Crescent and Blue Bay Crescent can feel closely connected to tides, mangroves and bay views even though the island’s main services remain only a short drive away.

Gardens and outdoor space are important throughout the residential areas. Detached housing and medium-to-large individual lots provide room for productive gardens, sheds, workshops, outdoor entertaining and boat storage. Mature trees remain prominent in many streets, while newer homes often use elevated decks and verandahs to capture breezes rather than relying exclusively on broad lawns.

The interior wetlands and conservation areas give the island a greener structure than its subdivision map alone suggests. Tim Shea’s Wetland preserves a substantial freshwater and Melaleuca environment, and other wetland and foreshore reserves create breaks between residential areas. Birdlife is therefore a noticeable part of the residential setting, particularly near wetlands, mangroves and less-developed shoreline.

Walking works best when destinations are close. The village and ferry precinct allows routine trips to shops and services on foot, while Pat’s Park, Dalpura and local foreshore reserves create useful recreational walks within their respective neighbourhoods. Longer cross-island trips are more commonly made by vehicle because the island is elongated, terrain is undulating and road conditions vary.

Cycling is possible across much of Macleay and can suit shorter local journeys, although many roads are narrow and conditions change between the main spine and side streets. The island’s relatively low-speed residential environment supports recreational riding, but distance and gradients still matter when comparing a home near the ferry with one near Pat’s Park or Perulpa.

Shopping routines are divided between island and mainland needs. Groceries, takeaway food, basic retail, health services and many trades can be accessed locally, reducing the need for constant mainland travel. Households commonly combine larger shopping or specialist appointments with a planned ferry trip to Redland Bay and the wider Victoria Point or Cleveland area.

The passenger ferry itself becomes a normal piece of daily life rather than an occasional excursion. Commuters, students, shoppers and visitors share the same connection, and the terminal acts as one of Macleay’s natural community meeting points. The ferry also connects the four inhabited Southern Moreton Bay Islands, allowing residents to reach services and social activities on neighbouring islands without returning to the mainland first.

Vehicle ferries provide another practical dimension. Residents can keep a vehicle on the island while moving it to the mainland when required, and trades, deliveries, furniture and construction materials can be barged across. For anyone building or carrying out substantial renovation, this transport component becomes part of project planning in a way that has no equivalent in a mainland suburb.

Macleay Island therefore supports several different versions of island living. A house near the ferry can prioritise walkability and regular mainland access. A High Central Road property can centre daily life around school and local services. Beelong and Dalpura offer a beach and recreation focus, western waterfront streets provide bay views and quieter foreshore settings, while Perulpa offers greater separation within the same road-connected community. The common thread is a residential lifestyle in which land, water, vegetation and community facilities remain much more visible in everyday life than they are in a conventional suburban grid.

Travel

Travel to and from Macleay Island is water-based, with regular Translink passenger ferries connecting the island with Redland Bay and the neighbouring Southern Moreton Bay Islands. The passenger ferry terminal is the principal gateway for commuters, students, shoppers and visitors and places the surrounding Brighton Road, Southsea Terrace and lower High Central Road precinct in the island’s strongest position for frequent mainland travel.

Passenger services operate between Redland Bay, Karragarra, Macleay, Lamb and Russell islands. Individual trips can include different island stopping patterns, so travel time varies with the service. From Redland Bay, mainland road connections lead through Redland Bay and Victoria Point towards Cleveland, Capalaba, Brisbane and the broader South East Queensland network.

Vehicle ferries operate separately between Redland Bay and the inhabited Southern Moreton Bay Islands. They allow residents to move cars, motorcycles, trailers, caravans and commercial vehicles between Macleay and the mainland and also support building deliveries, trades and larger household movements. Vehicle travel needs more planning than passenger ferry use because capacity and booking arrangements apply.

On Macleay Island, High Central Road is the principal internal movement spine. It links the ferry and village side with the school, central residential areas and roads towards the northern end. Many of the island’s shops and community destinations sit on or close to this corridor, so homes near High Central Road generally have simpler access to everyday services than properties deeper into foreshore side streets.

The northern residential network around Beelong Street, Kate Street and Dalpura Street branches from the central spine towards Pat’s Park and Dalpura Beach. These neighbourhoods remain within a relatively compact island, but travel to the ferry is long enough that regular mainland commuters are more likely to rely on a car, taxi or other local transport than walk the full distance.

Western Road and Coast Road serve another substantial residential and waterfront sector. Their position gives access to western foreshore homes, the arts precinct and surrounding streets before reconnecting with the central road network. Perulpa Island is reached by causeway, so households there can drive directly to Macleay’s ferry, shops and school without another water crossing.

There is no scheduled Translink bus service circulating around Macleay Island. Local movement is therefore undertaken primarily by private vehicle, walking, cycling and taxi, supplemented by courtesy and community transport associated with several island organisations and clubs. This makes proximity to the ferry and village more significant for households seeking to minimise local vehicle use.

Walking is most practical around the ferry, shopping and community precinct and within individual neighbourhoods such as Pat’s Park and Dalpura. The island’s elongated form means that a property can remain geographically close to Moreton Bay while being several kilometres by road from the passenger ferry. Terrain is also undulating, so walking convenience depends on both distance and gradient.

Cycling can provide useful local transport and recreation, particularly along quieter residential roads. Council guidance notes that island roads can be narrow and that terrain on Macleay is undulating, making individual route conditions important. Cycling from Perulpa or the northern end to the ferry is feasible for some residents but is a materially different trip from cycling within the central village area.

Road formation should also be considered at property level. The historical subdivision created numerous road reserves, and some Macleay Island properties may relate to roads or access tracks that differ from the fully constructed suburban streets found along the main corridors. Council advises landowners to establish the status of road access when assessing Southern Moreton Bay Island property, particularly vacant land.

Mainland commuting requires an additional transport stage after the ferry. Redland Bay provides the immediate mainland arrival point, while Victoria Point supplies larger shopping and road connections nearby. Travel towards Brisbane commonly continues by road or by linking with the broader public transport network, so a Macleay Island commute should be assessed as a combined ferry-and-mainland journey rather than by straight-line distance.

For households that work predominantly from home or make fewer mainland trips, the island’s internal distances are comparatively modest and most everyday destinations can be reached within Macleay itself. For daily mainland commuters or secondary-school students, ferry access becomes a much larger part of location choice. This difference helps explain why an otherwise similar house near the terminal can function differently from one at the northern end or on Perulpa.

Schools & Amenities

MacLeay Island State School is located within Macleay Island and provides government primary education from Prep to Year 6. It is positioned along High Central Road within the island’s central residential corridor and also hosts a special education program. Families should confirm current enrolment requirements directly with the school or Queensland Department of Education where eligibility is relevant.

There is no mainstream secondary school on Macleay Island. Victoria Point State High School is a nearby mainland government secondary school providing Years 7 to 12 and operates under an enrolment management plan. Current catchment eligibility should be checked for the individual residential address rather than assumed from proximity or existing travel patterns. Other government, Catholic and independent secondary options are available through the wider Redlands mainland area.

The absence of an island secondary campus makes transport an important part of education planning. Secondary students travelling to mainland schools generally incorporate the passenger ferry into the school day, with further transport required after arrival at Redland Bay. This is a materially different routine from primary schooling within Macleay itself.

Everyday shopping is distributed across several small centres rather than one large shopping complex. High Central Road carries a series of grocery, food, retail and service businesses, while Southsea Terrace and the ferry-side area add further shops and cafés. Residents can therefore handle many routine purchases within the island while retaining access to the broader retail range at Redland Bay, Victoria Point and other mainland centres.

The local service base includes medical practices and pharmacy services, which substantially improves the practicality of permanent island living. Routine general-practice and allied needs can often be handled locally, while specialist services, emergency hospital treatment and major diagnostic care rely on the mainland health network. Passenger and emergency marine transport form part of that wider connection.

Macleay Island Community Hall provides a central venue for meetings, community programs and local organisations. Bay Islands Community Services also operates within the island and supports community access to services and activities. The concentration of these facilities around High Central Road and Southsea Terrace creates one of the island’s principal social hubs.

Macleay Island Community Library is a community-run facility providing book lending, local programs and community services. Its continuing volunteer character reflects the island’s strong network of resident organisations rather than a reliance solely on mainland civic facilities.

Macleay Island Arts Complex is one of the locality’s most distinctive cultural amenities. Its Coast Road waterfront setting supports galleries, studio and pottery activities and provides a focus for the island’s established arts community. Art activity is therefore embedded in the local community infrastructure rather than operating only as an occasional visitor attraction.

Bay Islands Golf Club provides a nine-hole golf course and clubhouse on Macleay Island. The course occupies a substantial green area within the residential landscape and serves both sporting and social functions. Its open grounds create a different property outlook for nearby streets compared with the wooded interior and bay-facing neighbourhoods.

Lawn bowls and other organised clubs add further recreation and social facilities. These organisations provide dining, meetings and community activities as well as sport, giving residents several established venues for regular social life without leaving the island.

Pat’s Park is one of Macleay Island’s principal public recreation areas. Located on the northern foreshore, it contains the island’s netted swimming enclosure together with play and open recreation space. The combination of bay swimming and parkland makes it particularly important to the Beelong Street and northern residential neighbourhoods while remaining accessible to residents from across the island.

Dalpura Beach provides another significant waterfront destination. Its sandy shoreline, parkland and public boat ramp support beach recreation, kayaking, fishing and small-boat use. The northern part of Macleay consequently has two complementary waterfront environments, with formal enclosed swimming at Pat’s Park and beach and launching access at Dalpura.

Additional public water access is distributed around the island. The main harbour has boating facilities, while Coast Road and Corroboree Park provide other foreshore settings. The surrounding Moreton Bay waters support recreational fishing, paddling and boating, although the character and suitability of individual shoreline locations changes with tide, mangroves, exposure and seabed conditions.

Tim Shea’s Wetland is an important inland natural reserve and local heritage place. The freshwater wetland contains Melaleuca and other wetland vegetation and has a formal walking track, providing a substantial natural area within the residential grid. Paul Carter Wetlands, Thomas Street Wetlands and Cow Bay Conservation Foreshore add further habitat and help preserve the island’s green structure.

The island’s combination of wetlands, mangrove foreshores and wooded residential land produces extensive bird habitat close to homes. Natural areas are therefore part of ordinary neighbourhood character rather than confined to one distant reserve. Environmental and vegetation controls vary by site and should be checked against current Council mapping when property works are contemplated.

Public boat ramps are available at Dalpura Street and the main Macleay harbour. These facilities are particularly relevant in a locality where private boats, kayaks and fishing form a significant part of recreation. Properties with adequate side access, sheds or trailer storage can consequently function differently from more compact or heavily vegetated sites even when the houses themselves are similar.

Macleay Island also has local police and emergency-service presence, while marine connections support wider emergency access to the mainland. Together with local health services, school, shops, community facilities and clubs, this gives Macleay a comparatively developed service base for a ferry-access island while larger regional facilities remain concentrated on the Redlands mainland.

Local Schools

Russell Island State School
Distance: 2.02 km
State School
Sector: State
Years: Early Childhood – Year 6
Students: 179
38-64 High Street, Russell Island
Phone: (07) 3400 9333
Visit Website

MacLeay Island State School
Distance: 2.52 km
State School
Sector: State
Years: Prep Year – Year 6
Students: 156
145-155 High Central Road, Macleay Island
Phone: (07) 3400 8333
Visit Website

School Information: Copyright © State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2026. School information is provided for general reference only. Parents and carers should confirm enrolment eligibility, catchment areas, and enrolment requirements directly with the relevant school or education authority, as policies and boundaries may change.

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