Coochiemudlo Island – known as Coochie by the locals – is a blip of land one kilometre off the south-east coast of Queensland in Moreton Bay; just 40 kilometres south-east of the capital city, Brisbane. It's also only 40 minutes' drive north from the Gold Coast.
Coochiemudlo is tiny – just five kilometres square – which is possibly why it remains a tourist and day tripper secret.
But being so close to Brisbane, and having four kilometres of beautiful safe beaches, Coochiemudlo is an ideal destination for families with young children looking for a fun day trip or an affordable short break vacation.
How Coochie Got Its Name
The name Coochiemudlo has an Aboriginal meaning of 'red rock'. This refers to a steep red cliff on the south-west corner of the island, dominating the approach from the mainland.
Despite having 'mud' in its name, there's only a little mangrove: most of the shoreline is beach.
Things to Do
Coochie invites its visitors to slow down and relax. It really is like stepping back to a quieter paced life – perhaps the 70s: a time before cell phones (reception is poor).
Coochiemudlo is small enough – and flat enough – to walk or cycle around during a day trip. Bicycles can be taken over on either the passenger or vehicular ferries that service the island. A well-done history and nature trail wends its way around the island, explaining points of interest including the first landing by explorer Matthew Flinders and scar trees; reminders that this was Aboriginal land.
Beaches around the island lend themselves to sunbathing, sand castle building, or a game or beach cricket or touch football.
From October through to May, lifesavers patrol the main beach (nearest the ferry terminal).
During those warmer months, a hire service is available beachside, providing sea kayaks, paddle bikes, other aquatic play equipment and fishing tackle.
Small aluminum boats – known as tinnies – can be hired for an hour, a half day or a day; encouraging fishing and exploring.
Flatboats with barbeques are also available for hire: a terrific way to bade farewell to the sun.
Redland City Council has installed free gas barbeques, dotted along the shoreline at some of the island's most picturesque locations.
Fishing on the jetty is a popular pursuit. Bait is available from Coochie's only store, just metres from the jetty.
Coochiemudlo has a nine-hole golf course. Tennis courts and a croquet lawn are also available for use.
Getting to Coochiemudlo
Coochiemudlo Island is accessed by either passenger ferry or vehicle barge. Both leave from Victoria Point. These services run about half-hourly into the evening, seven days a week.
Staying on Coochiemudlo
Coochiemudlo has a plentiful supply of private accommodation available for holiday letting.
The most unusual – indeed the quirkiest – is the aptly named Quirky Cottages, a colourful group of four detached houses available for holiday rental where the only stipulation is that holidaymakers have fun! The Cow House, which sleeps up to seven, is one such cottage: decorated in vibrant citrus tones accented by black-and-white Friesian cow motifs. It is stacked with children's toys. Its playground includes a Kombi cubby and a chook run).
Coochiemudlo also has resort style units and bed and breakfast accommodation.
Redland Tourism 's website has more information about accommodation.
Camping is not allowed.
Holidaymakers are advised to bring their own groceries. The local shop has only a limited supply of staple pantry items (like bread and milk). A greengrocer delivers fresh fruit and vegetables to the door on order.
Coochiemudlo Island is readily accessible from Queensland's capital Brisbane, offering a relaxed and affordable 'holiday overseas' with the kids, and without the hassles of passports, changed time zones and foreign languages.
Heather Grant - Heather Grant is a freelance journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. She's spent the best part of the last 20 years juggling writing ...
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