Coochiemudlo Island
Coochiemudlo Island is a small island in the southern part of Moreton Bay, Queensland. The island is approximately 1 km from Victoria Point in Redland Shire. Coochie, as the island is known locally, is only 5 square kilometres in size, yet it boasts more than 4 Km of beautiful safe, secluded beaches. Big enough to have permanent residents, Coochiemudlo enjoys a quiet, laidback atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike to its shores. Like all the Moreton Bay islands, the waters surrounding Coochiemudlo could be described as an aquatic playground, attracting windsurfers, swimmers and sailors of all kinds. Dolphins, dugongs and turtles are often seen in the shallow waters near the beach.
Wetlands occupy a large portion of the north-eastern part of the island, where a Melaleuca swamp and open woodland can be found. The island is easily reached by a short ferry trip from Victoria Pointwhich are ideal for the kids. It has been called the jewel of Moreton Bay. The name 'Coochiemudlo' refers toa red rock. This dominant feature makes the island easily recogniseable when seen from the mainland. Inspite of 'mud' appearing in the name, there is only a little mangrove - the rest is beach.
Fishing is also a popular pastime, with species such as Bream, whiting, Flathead, Flounder, Tailor, Cod, and Snapper, amongst others, to be found in the waters around the island. Coochie is a popular destination for sailors. As the island is surrounded on three sides by sandy beaches, there is always a sheltered beach regardless of the wind direction. Sailing craft range from sailboards, off-the-beach catamarans and dinghies to larger motor and sail yachts. A deep water anchorage and moorings are located to the south of the island near the jetty and boat ramp.
The island is serviced by a passenger ferry from Victoria Point, operating approximately every half hour between about 5:00am and 11:00pm. A vehicular barge also operates regular services to and from the island. Due to the relatively small area, a car is not essential for getting around the island.
Moreton Bay, to the east of the city of Brisbane and its suburbs, is very much the city's playground, a wide expanse of relatively calm water dotted with many surprisingly unspoilt islands of different sizes and varying character. The bay extends some 160 km from Caloundra in the north almost to Surfers Paradise in the south
The bay's southern navigation entrance is the Gold Coast Seaway. It is a haven for wildlife - spotting dolphins, whales, turtles and manta rays, and its vast array of birdlife is a popular pass time. The bay's heritage protected wetlands, mudflats, and waterways are some of the healthiest in the region, supporting seasonally up to 25 % of Australia's bird species. Moreton Bay is also a popular destination for recreational anglers and is used by commercial operators who provide seafood to market. A number of ferry and water-taxi services travel over the bay either to and from islands or on day and half-day sightseeing and fishing tours.
