Holiday houses in Macleay Island

Edged with mangrove foreshores and sandy beaches, Macleay Island sits 30 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane and is the second biggest of the four Bay Islands in the Moreton Bay Marine Park. With abundant native flora and fauna, the island is a paradise for birdwatching and part of Moreton Bay’s internationally recognised wetland and migratory bird habitat — with approximately 200 species, many of which are rare and endangered. Macleay Island has several beaches to explore, including Dalpura Beach, which is excellent for swimming and a magical spot to view the sunset. Potts Point is popular with children due to its swimming enclosure, and Sandpiper Beach at Thompson’s Point features a deep-water pebble beach.

Macleay Island enjoys a reputation for its arts and culture scene. The island is home to more than 250 artists, writers, and musicians with various talents — from painting and pottery to calligraphy, photography, and acting. You can also visit several galleries on the island and purchase works from the local creators.

The climate on Macleay Island is subtropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The most pleasant time on the island is in spring and autumn, which generally offer warm and sunny days to enjoy beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. The island also hosts several community markets during these months, including the popular trash and treasure markets. If your visit to the island is all about spending time at the beach, then summer will offer those hot and humid days and nights lovely for enjoying fun in the water. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll find an array of accommodations on Macleay Island to suit your interests.

The Macleay Island Heritage Trail

Walk or cycle the Heritage Trail to explore its Aboriginal and European history and the unique flora and fauna of the island. The trail is 24 kilometres and starts at the jetty, but it can be entered and exited at any point, and there are lots of signs to help guide you along. Macleay Island is part of the internationally recognised wetland and migratory bird habitat of Moreton Bay. On the trail, you’ll learn about the rare and threatened species that live there, including the eastern curlew and bar-tailed godwit.

Thompson's Point

Thompson’s Point offers serene surroundings to explore, and you can find the remains of a stone wharf constructed in 1865 that’s believed to be the oldest example of a Kanaka-built structure still surviving in Queensland. For years, the point and wharf were rafting grounds, and island logs were tied together and floated to the mainland. Beautiful Sandpiper Beach features a deep-water pebble beach and excellent swimming conditions if you’re up for a dip.

Dalpura Beach

If you feel like spending a lazy day soaking up the sun, Dalpura Beach sits on the island’s western point. With its calm waters and sandy shore, it’s popular with swimmers of all abilities. There are gazebos for shade and barbecue facilities if you fancy a cook-out. The beach also offers impressive views back to Brisbane and neighbouring North Stradbroke Island — especially at sunset.