Kooringal

What’s it like to live on a sand island? Here in Kooringal, a coastal town on Moreton Island, life revolves around the rhythm of the tides and the whispers of the sea. Kooringal, meaning “Home Near the Water”, is a tight-knit community with a fascinating history. Imagine being one of the early residents who witnessed George Peter Campbell, son of the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company Ltd. Secretary, acquire a huge lease on the island. In 1902, Campbell recognized the potential of this beautiful land and began transporting cattle from drought-stricken areas to graze on the lush pastures of Moreton Island. Kooringal wasn’t always the only planned settlement. A town named Booloong, envisioned as a holiday haven for Brisbane residents, was planned on the ocean side. However, the relentless forces of nature had other plans. Coastal erosion, a constant reality of life on a sand island, swallowed Booloong whole, submerging it beneath the waves. Today, only whispers and shadows of its existence remain, a stark reminder of the power of the sea. But Kooringal perseveres. The resilient community has adapted to the challenges of island life. Everything needed, from building materials to groceries, arrives by barge. Despite its remoteness, Kooringal thrives, a testament to the enduring spirit of its people and the allure of its beautiful, ever-changing landscape.