Where is Russell Island?
http://www.whereis.com/qld/russell-island-4184
Have you ever dreamed of living on an island? Well it’s easier than you may have thought.
Even though it is an island you have all the amenities of the usual lifestyle close by.
Russell Island continues to list as one of Southeast Queensland buying and investing hotspots. The last three years the Islands have had dramatic growth, investment and new infrastructure, basically Russell (the main island) hosts all the amenities of a small country town.
The island itself offers: Shops, RSL, Bowls club, swimming pool, sports pitches, tennis courts, primary school, Super IGA, Art Gallery, Medical facilities, pharmacy, hair salon, bakery, cafes, post office, two licensed eateries, fire, police, ambulance and SES stations all on the island.
Then just over the water to the mainland and you are about 10 minutes away from shopping centres, international cuisine restaurants, 9 screen state of the art cinema complex and more.
There are now 22 fast jet water taxi departures, throughout the day and late into the night across to the the mainland. This in addition to the regular barge service.
Inter-Island travel is free so you can enjoy the amenities and beaches on the other islands as well.
Located midway between Gold Coast and Brisbane (due east) you can enjoy the best that life has to offer.
Latest News
New state of the art Island Jetty opens.
The new jetty has now opened and is a wonderful new addition to the islands ever-growing infrastructure.
On Monday 6 February, the new and improved Russell Island ferry terminal opened for use!
You can still catch the same Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry to and from Russell Island, which is still operating on the same route and timetable.
The upgrades are needed to ensure our terminals meet important accessibility requirements and give you the best possible travel experience.
Plan your journey to and from Russell Island using our journey planner or check the timetable on our website before travelling.
Climate
The Islands enjoy a sub-tropical climate where the temperature, for a good part of the year, sits at around 26 – 29 degrees.
The island is too far south from far North Queensland’s cyclone zone, but still most of the houses are built to withstand a low grade cyclone N2. Sometimes after very strong cyclones in Northern Queensland, the Island does get some windy weather, sometimes some heavy rains but nothing worse than in Brisbane.
There are no rivers to flood on the island. Brisbane and other parts of Queensland have flooded several times, but the Islands have not flooded and are also geographically protected by the massive Stradbroke Island which is why the island does not have a surf but calm waterways surrounding.
What are the properties like on the Islands?
There is a vast range of property with diverse styles and designs. There is a limited supply of waterfront properties and many town, country and woodland homes. Where else could you buy a block of land and build a house for such affordable prices? Or live in a waterfront property within a short commute to Brisbane CBD or go the other way to the attractions of the Gold Coast. Alternatively, indeed take your boat out and snorkel around Peel Island or fish in the one of the film locations of pirates of the Caribbean.
With some of the best land and property prices in Australia, stunning scenery, fantastic sailing, kayaking and fishing. You really can live the dream and still have money in the bank.
You can buy in the bush, the town on the waterfront or with water views. The island can always suit your budget and lifestyle.
We have new homes, Houses on the water, woodland properties, or larger blocks. Just an idea of what can be bought. Stretch out with a modernist waterfront property that would cost a fortune on the mainland. Come and live the dream and still have money in your pocket.
Land and Property prices on the Islands / why so cheap?
We have land currently listed starting from around $50,000 (normally a bush block and may need clearing). up to $2,000,000 for acreage, the average block in the sought after northern end of the island is now around $75,000 and houses from around $360,000 up to $1.550,000. Therefore, the median price is probably one the most affordable in Queensland. This may be because we are an Island, however as you can see from the rental demand and huge increase in house sales the secret if finally, out and the islands are really getting noticed.
Historically on the Islands cost of travel, the lack of a bridge and infrastructure, bad publicity, and misleading articles of the islands have kept prices down.
Demographics are changing with a huge influx of people relocating to the island or investing to gain from the high rental demand on the island. New infrastructure plans for tourism, extension to the school just completed, new sports facilities and clubs with a new recreation center, further sealed roads, new marina planned, new jetties currently under construction, Go Card for Translink, new car parks, new developments and new house building projects happening at an unprecedented rate, all adding to the growing optimism on the Islands. It really is a good time to come. Where else could you have this Island lifestyle at the prices the Island offers?
How much are the rates on Russell Island?
On average approx. $500 per quarter for a block and about $500-600 for a house. This can vary across the island and can be a little more for waterfront blocks.
Connecting water and electric to a vacant block?
Water and power can be connected to your block call Energex for power and Redland city council for water connection. additional cost for an electrician to carry out works. Electricians and plumbers are located on the islands and are available to quote.
Approx costs as of November 2024
Electricity
Power Pole $1,200
Switch Board connections circuit breakers and paperwork $1,800
Water
Water connection same side of the road $900
Crossover from other side of a road $1,800
Please arrange quotations for exact figures at time of connection.
How much does it cost to clear a block?
This is dependent on the block of course. The cost will vary according to the number of trees and their size. There are firms located on the island and are available to quote. We can of course provide contacts for firms to quote.
Can I build on my block?
Nearly all island blocks are purchased for building either residential or commercial and in some cases semi commercial. Soil tests will be required, and planning applied for through Redland City Council. However, there is very little difference between general procedures on Russell Island and the mainland. With many developments ongoing and Local and mainland builders available to quote.
For more information, check out the Redland City Council website.
What facilities are there on the islands?
The Island has a wealth of activities and facilities on offer, Including swimming pool, gym, sports clubs, Bowls club, RSL, three cafes, Royal Brisbane Yacht Club, Russell Island sailing and Kayaking club, Tennis courts, rugby, cricket and football pitches, Netted swimming area, Camping, picnic & BBQ areas, woodland walkways, nature and conservation clubs. The Island is also a hub for the arts with local musical group’s artists, sculptors and photographers.
A short walk from the jetty, you will find Aunty Alice’s Cafe, the medical centre with two doctors, a nurse and visiting osteopath, audiologist and a pathologist 3 days per week. Nearby there is also a vet clinic, nursery (which also sells gardening equipment), health food store (with visiting physiotherapist), library (open wed-sat), motel and bottle shop.
A further short walk and you will make it to the police station and the local shopping centre. It has a full sized IGA supermarket, chemist, bakery, post office and hairdresser and a kebab shop.
Just past the local pool is the primary school as well as a white goods and appliance store. Nearby is the petrol station, as well as Russell Island Building Supplies and then Our Island Life Office, with a licensed cafe next door.
Elsewhere on the island, you will find the community centre, with an op-shop, a bowls club with restaurant and entertainment, live music etc. and an RSL club with a bistro.
Russell Island is a great place for people interested in fishing. There are two boat ramps, one on the eastern side of the island and one on the western side, and a fantastic and very popular Fishing Club.
Island Life are active in many community activities and events on the Islands, and we are currently the official sponsors of Russell Island bowls club
What Emergency Services are there?
As mentioned, there is a police station and also a local ambulance station. Both the police and ambulance services have their own water transport. Russell Island also has a volunteer bush fire brigade and there is a designated rescue helipad assigned at Jackson Oval.
Are there places to eat and be entertained on these islands?
There are a number of nice eateries including two cafes, and clubs, serving local dishes, and special food menus. There are also takeaways including kebabs and seafood. In addition, you are only 20 minutes away from the mainland and a host of further eateries and 40 minutes from either the Gold Coast or Brisbane.
Both of the clubs and Aunt Alice’s Cafe host Live music events. Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed in the waters surrounding our Island, and our annual island Pirates’ Day is a great day out on the water. Come join the fun.
There is regular entertainment with Karaoke, Trivia, Live bands and more across the islands with free inter-island travel.
There is plenty of activity going on at the island's pubs and clubs. The RSL with Bistro, Pokies and regular entertainment and large covered outside area, Pub Paradise, Two Bowls clubs a club on Lamb Island, and plenty of social gathering's events and community groups.
Are there swimming beaches on the islands?
All of the islands have a small area for swimming, with some of them having swimming enclosures. Russell has a beach and recreation area. Russell Island has a 5-lane 25-meter swimming pool. The most easily accessed beach from the vehicle ferry is Karragarra Island, which has a charming beach and great BBQ facilities. When events are planned, they are listed on the Bay Islands Info Event Calendar, as well as on noticeboards at the jetties.
How long does the trip take?
The ferry trips take approx 20 minutes direct to Russell Island and the average trip on the barge to Russell Island is approximately 1 hour and to the other islands between 35 to 45 minutes.
Can I take a caravan or trailer to the island and how much does it cost?
Caravan and trailers, which are attached to a vehicle, can travel to the Island. The cost is approx. $13.50 each way per metre. This is measured from the tow ball to the end of the trailer.
How do I get my vehicle to the Russell Island?
These islands are easily accessible by vehicle ferry, which departs from Redland Bay. Bookings for the car ferry are essential.
Is there accommodation on the Island?
There is a variety of accommodation on all of the islands, with some offering water frontage, and short-term rental houses.
What is the cost of travelling to these islands?
The Fast jet ferry costs about $6 with a Go Card each way. The cost for a car on the vehicle ferry to any of the islands is approx. $125.00 return, which includes the legal number of passengers.
If you wish to plan a ferry trip to the islands, try out the Bay Islands Guide, a locally developed app for Android and iOS devices. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can just use the online ferry planner.
The following list is for driving a car from Redland Bay Marina
7 minutes to Victoria Point Shopping Centre, Cinemas, Restaurants, Aldi, Bunnings and so much more.
16 minutes to Cleveland 12k, where there is a Hospital, Shops, Clubs, and Raby Bay 20 minutes to Capalaba 18 km. Two shopping centres, and along the main road and in the commercial area you can get building materials furniture, absolutely everything you might need.
23 minutes to Loganholme, 20km, which has the hyper dome shopping centre, a commercial area, and an IKEA, store.
37 minutes to Brisbane Airport
40 minutes to Brisbane cbd.
40 minutes to Dreamworld, fun parks. Upper Coomera.
56 minutes to Surfers Paradise
Buses from Redland Bay Marina
There is a regular timetable during the day and limited services in the evenings and weekends.
Several buses leave from the Redland Bay Marina jetty that will get you to most places.
Bus routes go all the way into Brisbane
In the other direction the bus goes to the Hyperdome at Loganholme and then on to the Theme Parks and as far as Varsity Lakes (far south of the Gold Coast region)
All information about public transport and ferry service can be found on Translink’s website. If you would like an easy way to plan your ferry trip, check out the locally developed Bay Islands Guide app for both iPhone and Android.
Latest News
We have links and information for mortgage brokers who have in depth knowledge of the Islands and financing new builds or house and land packages, call for details 07 3409 2288.
The homes are ideal for island living or superb rental properties with homes achieving a higher-than-average rent return, there is also very high demand for rentals on the island and we currently have pre-approved tenants waiting for properties to become available.