Macleay Island

What secrets does Macleay Island hold? This island, nestled in Moreton Bay, is more than just a picturesque escape. Macleay Island whispers stories of convicts, surveyors, and booming real estate. Let’s uncover them together. Macleay Island, known by the Aboriginal name Jencoomercha, was once a significant meeting place, a spot imbued with spiritual meaning. Today, this island, the fourth largest in Moreton Bay, remains a hub, not for ancient rituals, but for a vibrant community of over 3,000 residents. The island stretches 6.5 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, a substantial footprint in the sparkling waters of the bay. Macleay Island wasn’t always known by its current name. In the 1800s, it was often called Tim Shea’s Island. This was after a convict, Timothy Shea, who, after escaping from Dunwich, carved out a life for himself on Thompson’s Point, near a life-sustaining waterhole, for over a decade. The island’s current name is a tribute to Alexander Macleay, the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales from 1825 to 1837, bestowed by surveyor James Warner. Imagine the scene in 1886: John Cameron, an auctioneer, advertises 308 marine villa sites for sale. Each plot, a quarter-acre or more, bordered streets with names like Kalara, Kate, and Karrawarra. Potential buyers were lured with the promise of a free steamer trip and a complimentary luncheon. Fast forward to the 21st century. In 2007, Macleay Island was declared a “boom suburb” by real estate expert John Edwards. This sparked a surge of interest, boosting the island’s population and leading to a flurry of construction. Macleay Island is a haven for nature lovers. Its diverse environment includes littoral rainforests, rocky shores, and sandy beaches. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the 200 resident bird species, including native parrots and migratory visitors. The island is also home to a significant bush stone-curlew population. For those seeking history, Macleay Island offers glimpses into its past. The industrial ruins of Campbell’s Saltworks and Tim Shea’s wetland and waterhole stand as testaments to earlier times. These locations, along with Corroboree Point and Thompson’s Point, are recognized as heritage-listed sites. Macleay Island is accessible by ferry from Redland Bay and vehicle barge from Cleveland or Redland Bay, connecting it to the mainland and neighboring islands. Whether you arrive by boat or barge, Macleay Island promises a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and vibrant community spirit.