Russell Island is located in Southern Moreton Bay, Queensland, approximately 40 km southeast of Brisbane. It forms part of the Redland City Council area and is the largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, alongside Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra Islands.
The island is easily accessed via a passenger ferry or vehicle barge from Redland Bay Marina, with the ferry crossing taking around 20 minutes. Brisbane is typically around 45 minutes away by car and ferry, while the Gold Coast is approximately 60 minutes, making Russell Island a practical option for commuters, retirees, remote workers and holiday homeowners.
Its proximity to Southeast Queensland's major centres, combined with its affordability and relaxed island lifestyle, is one of the key reasons many buyers are choosing Russell Island.
Buyers are being drawn to Russell Island because it offers something increasingly rare in Southeast Queensland: affordable property, larger blocks, a relaxed coastal lifestyle and access to Brisbane and the Gold Coast. As mainland prices continue to rise, Russell Island has become attractive to first-home buyers, downsizers, investors, remote workers and lifestyle buyers looking for better value within commuting distance of major employment centres. Recent property data also shows buyer interest in affordable outer and lifestyle locations has strengthened across Queensland.
Russell Island is the largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and generally offers more land availability, a wider range of property options and a growing local service base. Compared with some of the smaller islands, Russell Island has a stronger mix of residential land, established homes, local shops, schools, medical services, sporting facilities and community infrastructure, while still offering the relaxed island lifestyle.
Ask almost any local, and you'll hear similar answers: the relaxed lifestyle, friendly community and connection to nature. Residents enjoy being surrounded by Moreton Bay, having easy access to boating and fishing, and living in a peaceful environment while still being within commuting distance of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. For many, it's the balance of affordability, lifestyle and community that makes Russell Island feel like home.
Most residents say they only wish they'd moved sooner. The biggest adjustment is simply planning around the ferry timetable, but this quickly becomes part of everyday life. Many newcomers also recommend getting involved in the local community, exploring the island's parks and waterways, and embracing the slower, more relaxed lifestyle that makes Russell Island such a unique place to live.
Russell Island offers a relaxed, waterfront lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, abundant green space, boating, fishing and easy access to Moreton Bay, while remaining within commuting distance of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Yes. With a local primary school, kindergarten, parks, sporting facilities and a close-knit community, Russell Island provides a family-friendly environment. Secondary schools are easily accessed via ferry and school bus services.
Russell Island has a welcoming and diverse community made up of families, retirees, professionals, tradespeople and business owners. Many residents choose the island for its affordability, lifestyle and community spirit.
Absolutely. Russell Island has a welcoming and active community with regular monthly markets, arts and cultural events, sporting activities, live entertainment and seasonal festivals held throughout the year. The popular Robert Street Markets showcase local produce, handmade products, food vendors and artisans, while community organizations and local clubs host a wide range of events that bring residents together. Whether you're looking to meet locals, support small businesses or enjoy family-friendly activities, there's always something happening on the island
Employment opportunities on Russell Island are commonly found in:
Many residents also commute to Brisbane, Redlands or the Gold Coast for work while enjoying the lifestyle and affordability of island living.
Residents enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, sailing, bushwalking, cycling, bird watching, community events, local markets, parks and waterfront recreation.
Yes. Russell Island has several parks, playgrounds, sporting fields and picnic areas for families and outdoor recreation.
Yes. There are public boat ramps providing easy access to Moreton Bay for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Russell Island offers a wide range of sporting and recreational facilities for all ages. Residents have access to a modern sports and recreation park with soccer fields, rugby league fields, tennis courts, basketball and netball courts, as well as a public swimming pool, gym, lawn bowls club, parks, playgrounds and walking trails. The island also provides outstanding opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking and other water-based activities, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.
Facilities include:
Yes. Russell Island has its own primary school, Russell Island State School, which caters for Prep to Year 6. Students attending secondary school generally travel via ferry and connecting school bus services to high schools located on the mainland. Most students travel to Victoria Point State High School, which is the nearest government secondary school on the mainland.
Some Russell Island families may choose:
High school students travel via a coordinated school transport network. They are picked up by a dedicated school bus on Russell Island, travel by passenger ferry to Redland Bay, and then connect with school buses that take them directly to their mainland school. This established daily service makes commuting to secondary school safe, reliable and convenient.
Absolutely. Russell Island has dedicated school bus services that connect with the daily passenger ferry, making it easy for students to travel to and from mainland secondary schools. The buses are coordinated with school ferry times and service a wide range of locations across the island, providing families with a reliable and convenient transport option.
Yes. Russell Island offers a government-approved kindergarten program at Russell Island State School, providing quality early childhood education for children in the year before they begin Prep. Families also have access to local family day care and early learning services, giving parents a range of childcare and preschool options without needing to leave the island.
Yes. Russell Island has its own police station, ambulance station and fire and rescue service, with hospital services available on the mainland.
Yes. Russell Island has its own Queensland Police Service station, providing a local police presence for the island community. Officers conduct patrols and support community safety, with additional resources available from the mainland whenever required.
Yes. Residents have access to a local pharmacy for prescriptions, health advice and everyday healthcare products.
There are local veterinary services available on the island.
Yes. Residents have access to Bay Island Medical Services Russell Island, which provides GP consultations and a range of general medical services. The island also has a pharmacy and ambulance services. Patients can be transported to the mainland by Queensland Ambulance Service when required.
There is a Redlands Satellite Health Centre at Redland Bay, adjacent to the ferry terminal. It provides urgent care and a range of outpatient services. Residents typically travel by the 20-minute passenger ferry to Redland Bay,
The closest major hospital is Redland Hospital in Cleveland, approximately 45 minutes from Russell Island via a 20-minute passenger ferry to Redland Bay followed by a 20 minute drive.
In medical emergencies, Queensland Ambulance Service operates a dedicated water ambulance (Medi Kat) and can also arrange helicopter transport when required, ensuring residents have access to emergency hospital care.
The passenger ferry from Russell Island to Redland Bay takes approximately 20 minutes. From Redland Bay, Brisbane CBD is generally around 45 minutes by car, making the total journey approximately 1 hour.
The passenger ferry to Redland Bay takes approximately 20 minutes, followed by around 60 minutes by car to the central Gold Coast. Total travel time is generally 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on your destination and traffic conditions.
Absolutely. Russell Island is serviced by a regular vehicle ferry, allowing residents and visitors to take their cars, trailers, caravans and work vehicles between the island and Redland Bay. Many residents own vehicles on the island and on the mainland, making it easy to travel locally while still having convenient access to the mainland whenever required.
Yes. The passenger ferry between Russell Island and Redland Bay is part of the Translink network and currently costs 50 cents per journey. If you're taking your car, the SeaLink vehicle ferry charges separate fares; however, registered Russell Island residents are eligible for discounted vehicle ferry rates and government subsidies, making regular travel more affordable.
Passenger ferries operate regularly throughout the day, seven days a week, making commuting to and from the mainland convenient.
Yes. Many residents commute daily to Brisbane via the passenger ferry to Redland Bay before continuing by car or public transport.
Absolutely. Most residents own vehicles, and Russell Island has sealed roads and regular vehicle ferry services to the mainland.
Absolutely. Russell Island is serviced by regular passenger and vehicle ferries every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. Frequent daily departures make it easy for residents to commute for work, school, appointments or leisure, while maintaining the relaxed lifestyle the island is known for.
Russell Island offers many of the essential services needed for everyday living. Residents have access to supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, a post office, pharmacy, petrol station, medical centre, police station, ambulance services, parks, sporting facilities, boat ramps, community clubs, library services and a variety of local businesses. While the island has a relaxed lifestyle, most day-to-day necessities are readily available without needing to travel to the mainland
Russell Island is serviced by a Super IGA (Jones & Co), providing a full range of groceries, fresh produce, meat, dairy and everyday household essentials. There are also convenience stores, takeaway shops, bakeries and local cafés throughout the island's shopping precinct.
Absolutely. Russell Island residents can order groceries online and have them delivered to their home through Woolworths. There are also local delivery services available for groceries, takeaway meals and parcels, making island living both convenient and well serviced.
Yes. Russell Island has a selection of cafés, takeaway stores, bakeries, restaurants and clubs catering for a variety of tastes.
Yes. Australia Post operates on the island, and major courier companies also deliver to Russell Island.
Yes. Local electricians, plumbers, builders, landscapers, mechanics and other trades service the island, with additional contractors available from the mainland.
While there are no major bank branches, residents have access to ATMs, Australia Post banking services and online banking.
Yes. Russell Island has reliable mobile coverage from the major providers, along with NBN services in most areas.
Absolutely. Russell Island residents can receive deliveries from Amazon and most major online retailers, with parcels delivered via Australia Post and courier services. Whether you're ordering everyday essentials, electronics, clothing or household goods, online shopping is convenient and widely used by residents, making island living just as connected as many mainland communities.
Yes. Russell Island offers a variety of hair salons, beauty therapists, barbers, massage therapists and wellness services, meaning residents can access many everyday beauty and personal care treatments locally. From haircuts and colouring to facials, brows, lashes, massage and spa treatments, there are several established businesses servicing the island community,
Absolutely. Russell Island offers all the essential services for modern living, including town water, mains electricity, NBN internet, mobile coverage and weekly waste collection. Most homes have access to the same everyday utilities you'd expect on the mainland, making island living both comfortable and convenient.
Russell Island has benefited from ongoing infrastructure investment across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. Recent and continuing improvements include new ferry terminals, Russell Island ferry terminal car park upgrades, road surfacing through the Green Seal Program, park renewals and broader island infrastructure funding. Redland City Council has also committed funding across the islands for community facilities, road upgrades and recreation assets.
Yes. Russell Island has experienced strong population growth. The 2021 Census recorded 3,698 residents, and 2026 estimates place the population at around 5,468, suggesting significant growth since the last Census.
Current market data suggests rental demand is tight, with low vacancy and solid weekly rents. One 2026 market source reports Russell Island houses at a median rent of about $475 per week and a vacancy rate under 1%, although buyers should always verify current rental appraisals before purchasing.
Russell Island is attracting a broad mix of buyers, including first-home buyers, young families, retirees, downsizers, investors, remote workers, tradespeople and lifestyle buyers. Many are looking for affordability, land, community, water access and a quieter lifestyle while still remaining connected to the mainland.
Russell Island has seen increased buyer attention as affordability pressures have grown across South East Queensland. Recent property sources show rising median prices and stronger demand, with one 2026 source reporting a median house price around $600,282, up 13.8% over 12 months.
Russell Island is no different from many waterfront communities in Southeast Queensland—some low-lying coastal areas may be affected by flooding or storm tides during significant weather events. Most residential areas are unaffected by everyday weather conditions.
Russell Island is generally more affordable than many mainland suburbs in South East Queensland, particularly when it comes to land and housing, making it attractive to first-home buyers, families and retirees.
Yes. Russell Island has an extensive network of sealed roads, with Redland City Council continuing to upgrade more streets each year. This ongoing investment is improving accessibility, reducing dust and enhancing the overall road network for residents and visitors alike.
Russell Island is serviced by town water, giving residents access to a reliable mains drinking water supply, just like many mainland communities. While some homeowners choose to install rainwater tanks for gardening or other outdoor uses, they are generally an optional addition rather than a necessity. Most properties use on-site septic or modern wastewater treatment systems, as a reticulated sewerage network is not available across the island.
Absolutely. Russell Island is serviced by Redland City Council's kerbside waste collection, with general household rubbish collected weekly and recycling collected fortnightly. Residents also have access to the local Russell Island Recycling & Waste Centre for green waste, larger household items and other recyclable materials, making waste management just as convenient as on the mainland.