🔍

Macleay Island

QLD 4184 • Greater Brisbane

3,193
Population (2021)
$23,400
Median Income
7.23 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetireesAffordableRural

About Macleay Island

Macleay Island is a unique island community in Moreton Bay, accessible only by ferry from Redland Bay on Brisbane's bayside. Part of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands group and within the Redland City local government area, it covers 7.2 km² and is home to approximately 3,200 residents. The island sits about 55 km south-east of Brisbane CBD and is reached by a 25-minute passenger and vehicle ferry service. Despite its proximity to the city, Macleay Island retains a distinctly relaxed, off-grid character that attracts a close-knit residential community.

Macleay Island is a haven for retirees and sea-changers seeking an affordable, peaceful lifestyle removed from the mainland pace. The island has a median age of 62 and the majority of residents live in detached homes on generous blocks. Basic amenities including a general store, community hall, primary school, and medical clinic are available on the island, with more comprehensive services accessible via the ferry to Redland Bay. Wildlife, bushwalking trails, fishing spots, and the surrounding Moreton Bay Marine Park make this a genuine coastal retreat for those who embrace island living.

Macleay Island falls under postcode 4184 and is governed by Redland Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Redlands electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4184
Urban Area
Redland
LGA / Council
Redland
Federal Electorate
Bowman
State Electorate
Redlands
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.61°, 153.36°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
7.23 km²
Elevation
2m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
55 km
By Train
Ferry to Redland Bay + bus/car to Cleveland Station + train (approx. 2 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
N/A — island access by ferry only
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A — island access by ferry only

🛣️ Passenger and vehicle ferry from Redland Bay (Weinam Creek Ferry Terminal), approx. 25 min crossing. Ferry runs frequently throughout the day.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The island is compact enough to cycle or walk between local amenities; car still useful for ferry access trips.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 3 parks and reserves in Macleay Island.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$900
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
62 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,681
Census 2021
3,193
▲ 19.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$21,580
Income 2021
$23,400
▲ 8.4% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,116
Born Overseas 767

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 229
  • 2. New Zealand 211
  • 3. Germany 34
  • 4. Scotland 34
  • 5. Netherlands 25
  • 6. United States 22
  • 7. South Africa 20
  • 8. Philippines 17
  • 9. Thailand 13
  • 10. Ireland 12

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,453
Australian 948
Irish 455
Scottish 415
German 184
Australian Aboriginal 118
Dutch 63
Italian 62
New Zealander 53
French 36

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,634
Both parents born in Australia
872
Both parents born overseas
387
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.5%
Christianity
41.7%
Buddhism
1.3%
Judaism
0.2%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
62 (1.9%)
5-14 years
189 (5.9%)
15-19 years
106 (3.3%)
20-24 years
49 (1.5%)
25-34 years
143 (4.5%)
35-44 years
212 (6.6%)
45-54 years
369 (11.6%)
55-64 years
689 (21.6%)
65-74 years
887 (27.8%)
75-84 years
402 (12.6%)
85+ years
82 (2.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Macleay Island? +

Macleay Island is accessible by passenger and vehicle ferry from the Weinam Creek Ferry Terminal at Redland Bay, about 25 minutes crossing time. Ferries run regularly throughout the day.

What is the population of Macleay Island? +

The 2021 Census recorded approximately 3,193 residents on Macleay Island.

Is Macleay Island expensive to live on? +

Macleay Island is one of the more affordable island communities near Brisbane. The 2021 Census recorded a median household income of $755 per week and a median rent of $260 per week, well below Southeast Queensland averages.

What LGA is Macleay Island in? +

Macleay Island is part of the Redland City Council local government area in Queensland.

Are there schools on Macleay Island? +

Yes — Macleay Island State School provides primary education on the island. Secondary students typically travel to the mainland via ferry.