Thinking of moving to the islands?
Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra are home to about 7,600 people. Island life is quieter, closer to nature and more community-minded than the mainland. It also runs on ferry time. Here's an honest look at both sides.
Getting on and off
Passenger ferries run from Redland Bay Marina to all four islands every day. Check live times and delays on our ferry tracker. Cars, trailers and building materials travel on the vehicle barge, which needs booking and costs more than the ferry. Islanders who register their vehicle to an island address get a resident discount on the barge.
Everyday costs people don't expect
- The ferry commute adds time to every mainland trip, and parking at Redland Bay Marina can fill up.
- Most homes run on septic systems rather than town sewage, which need servicing.
- Freight and deliveries can cost more or take longer.
- Vehicle registration and barge discounts are available to island residents: see the island guide.
Services
Each island has its own mix of shops, services and community groups. Russell has a medical service and an ambulance station, and patients needing hospital are transferred to the mainland. High school means a ferry commute.
Read the island guideBefore you buy
- Check flood and tidal overlays on Redland City Council's planning maps.
- Get a site and soil test: on septic blocks, the soil can limit how many bedrooms you're allowed to build.
- Get a pest and building inspection; termites and ticks are part of island life.
- Many blocks were subdivided decades ago and not all are buildable, so check before you commit.
- Visit at different times of day and on a weekday, not just a sunny weekend.
The good and the hard
The good
- Quiet streets and a slower pace
- Water views, fishing and wildlife
- Markets, festivals and a real community feel
- Land and homes that are often cheaper than the mainland
The hard
- Every mainland trip depends on the ferry
- Fewer shops and services on the island
- Septic, pests and storms to manage
- Some blocks can't be built on
Find help on the islands
- THE PROPERTY CENTREREAL ESTATE & PROPERTY SERVICES · All SMBI
- CA ElectricalElectricians · Russell · Macleay · Lamb · Karragarra
- Steve Carlin Island Building & MaintenanceBuilders · Macleay · Russell · Lamb · Karragarra
- Mayfair Homes QLDBuilders · Macleay
- Russell Island Real EstateReal Estate · Russell
- SMBI Air & ElectricalElectricians · All SMBI
Buying or already own a block but live elsewhere? We can help from the ground.
Own land here?The islands
Each island has its own page: what it is like, ferry times and local businesses.
SMBI Index is independent and not affiliated with Redland City Council. Check official sources before making decisions.