Russell Island, Brisbane

Welcome to The Observatory Guesthouse – Your Island Getaway

• Luxury
• Sharehouse
• Accommodation
• Russell Island, QLD
• 15 Mins From Redland Bay
• Short & Long Term Stays Available

Boasting panoramic 360 degree views – this stunning, award winning, architecturally designed waterfront home is situated on the exclusive Canaipa Peninsula, surrounded by the picturesque waters of Southern Moreton Bay.

Freshly furnished and in an excellent location close to the ferries, shops and medical center etc..

The Observatory Guesthouse is perfect for retirees, FIFO workers or for those who have a job close by to the Redland Bay area.

–‣ PROPERTY FEATURES:

· Luxurious high-set shared accommodation with vast magical views overlooking Lamb, Peel, Goat and North Stradbroke Island

· 4 spacious bedrooms with water views, built-in wardrobes and lots of hanging space

· Large gourmet chef kitchen with all modern appliances

· Open plan rustic dining area with huge 4 metre long dining table and spectacular views

· Large lounge area with 4 sofa beds, intricate timber features and polished floorboards throughout

· TV with Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney channels included

· Outdoor wrap-around entertainment deck with 8 bar tables. Positioned high on the cliff-side with panoramic breathtaking views overlooking many islands across the horizon

· 2 Immaculate bathrooms with walk-in showers, spa bath and seperate toilets (Single use guest soaps, shampoos and conditioners etc are provided)

· 5 star bed linen and toweling provided

· High speed WiFi available (Unlimited data usage)

· Chess, cards and other board games are supplied

· Multi-functional games table available on request (Pool table, poker etc)

· Fully fenced yard with automatic security gates

· Tropical landscaped gardens which create a relaxed holiday atmosphere whilst also attracting a passing parade of native visitors, particularly some of the amazing local bird life

· You can do as much or as little as you like while holidaying in this unique and diverse part of the world

· Why wait? Book your luxury island getaway today!

–‣ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: How much is the Passenger Ferry?
A: 50 cents

Q: How much is the Vehicle Barge?
A: $75 (Car) / $25 (Motorbike)

–‣ OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:

· All of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands are only accessible by vehicle barge or passenger ferries which depart from Redland Bay Marina

· Inter-island ferry travel is fast, free and run regular services daily, so you can easily explore the other islands (Karragarra, Lamb and Macleay) with secluded day trips away from the crowds.

· The Observatory Guesthouse is just a few minutes drive/ bike ride or walk from the ferry terminal, local shops and cafes. (Approximately 3km from jetty and town center)

· Island Taxi Services are available

· All islands are well serviced by emergency services 24/7. (This includes: Ambulance, Rural Fire Service, Police, SES, Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue)

· Sorry, strictly no parties, no unregistered guests allowed on the premises, no smoking inside the property and keep noise to a minimum after 10pm

· There are 17 steps to access this property

–‣ COME AND EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN MORETON BAY ISLANDS:

You’ve probably heard of Moreton, Bribie and North Stradbroke Island – but what about Russell, Lamb, Macleay or Karragarra?

Located in-between The Gold Coast and Brisbane, just off the coastline from Redland Bay lie a group of four islands known as the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

(a.k.a - The Golden Islands)

Visitors fly from all around the world in search of islands as idyllic as these. They are fuss-free and simple, proving the perfect escape for many from the hustle bustle of city life.

In the protected channels and waterways surrounding the islands – dolphins, turtles and dugongs can often be seen in these pristine crystal-clear waters. Here you’ll find plentiful opportunities to dive in and enjoy safe swimming, snorkelling, boating and water sports such as kayaking.

The islands are well known as the perfect fishing area, whether you have a small boat or just enjoy throwing in a line from the jetty. An abundance of species are found around the islands.

The four islands are rich in flora and fauna and edged with mangrove foreshores interspersed with sandy beaches. Bird lovers will be enthralled by the annual visits by migratory birds from Japan and China, as well as many non-migratory species.

The islands of Southern Moreton Bay are precious and fragile, so it is important that residents and visitors enjoy, protect and appreciate nature’s gift. The friendly local communities are welcoming, whether you’re visiting for the day or staying longer.

Island to island passenger ferry rides are short – and free – which makes it super easy to island hop.

Jump on a ferry, charter a boat, join a tour, or even set off on your own adventure and come discover a different side of Australia.

–‣ RUSSELL ISLAND:

Blessed with beautiful views, the natural environment here is outstanding and the bird life is unbelievable – Russell Island is proudly one of 125 recognised sanctuaries for birdlife in the world.

There are many secluded beaches around that are ideal for a swim or to throw in a fishing line, as well as some delightful picnic areas with BBQ facilities, playgrounds for the kids and open grass areas right by the waters edge.

The beaches are tidal, so swimming is best within a couple of hours of high tide.

As well as enjoying the scenic attractions – visitors can savour a range of culinary opportunities close by with restaurants, coffee shops and clubs providing a variety of cuisine that will tempt anyone’s taste buds.

Russell Island – the biggest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands is nestled between the mainland and other islands such as Karragarra and North Stradbroke Island in the state of Queensland, Australia.

The island is eight kilometres long and nearly three kilometres wide.

Island life is very different to the mainland, with no traffic jams and where you can drive or cycle at a leisurely pace while admiring the spectacular views.

All year-round there's always plenty of flowers and birds to discover / photograph with visitors coming from all around Australia and overseas to spot many of the hundreds of bird species on the island – one in particular is the Curlew.

Russell Island provides a treasured and relaxing experience – come over and experience the peace and tranquillity that the islanders have come to enjoy.

–‣ KARRAGARRA ISLAND:

Karragarra Island is a delightful day-trip destination and has the best beautiful sandy beaches including a protected swimming area near the jetty which is netted and ideal for children. There is free electric barbecues, picnic tables, shady trees as well as public amenities and a playground for the kids. Also, just past the barge ramp to the west is a good family fishing spot.

This is the smallest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, approximately 500m wide and 2km long.

Everything here is within easy walking distance, which means there is virtually no traffic.

Walking the whole island can take less than an hour and reward you with stunning and ever changing vistas from Mt Cotton, to the Gold Coast hinterland, and the other three islands.

Karragarra is the only island without any shops at all so packing your favourite food and drinks into a hamper is a great way to prepare for a relaxing day trip over.

The island’s population of around 170 people has a strong sense of community and takes pride in retaining the peaceful island lifestyle and unspoilt beauty.

–‣ MACLEAY ISLAND:

There’s plenty to do on Macleay Island for a day-trip over with a bowls club, boat club, golf course, beaches for swimming and fishing and barbecue facilities in the foreshore parks.

Pub Paradise is located just a short walk from the jetty, serves a range of good meals and has great views overlooking the sandy beaches at Karragarra Island.

Dalpura Beach, on the island’s western shores, is a top spot to relax, have a barbecue or go for a fish or swim. Potts Point is another popular spot for picnics and swimming.

The Art Gallery opens on weekends to exhibit the works of the many sculptors, painters, glass artists and potters who live on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

–‣ LAMB ISLAND:

Lamb Island has a small general store, and is located where you come off the ferry. They sell a range of take away meals if you like and other general supplies. Or if you’d prefer to join the friendly locals for a meal, the Lamb Island Recreation Club has a welcoming atmosphere and serves meals mostly on weekends.

They offer a courtesy bus service which can pick you up from and drop you back to the ferry terminal safely.

Day trippers can also check out Hine Lovell Park on the south eastern side of the island, which is only 1.5 kilometres from the jetty. There’s a swimming enclosure that’s perfect for a refreshing swim in the temperate bay waters. The park is also equipped with a BBQ, toilets and a playground for the kids.

Lamb Island is two kilometres long one kilometre wide, and with a population of around 400 residents, this is a friendly island that has its own special character.

–‣ GETTING AROUND:

• PASSENGER FERRY:

SeaLink Bay Islands operate a fast and comfortable ferry service to Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra Islands. Ferries depart approximately every half hour from the Redland Bay Ferry Terminal (Weinam Creek) located on Banana Street, Redland Bay.

7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The travelling time from Redland Bay to Russell Island is approximately 15 minutes.

Timetable:
Download the app ''BAY ISLANDS GUIDE" to your mobile phone and simply view the scheduled timetables for all of the passenger ferries.

Inter-island ferry travel is free.

For any further information or enquires regarding the Bay Islands passenger ferries please contact SeaLink.

• VEHICLE BARGE:

SeaLink Bay Islands operate regular vehicle ferries departing from 1 Weinam Street, Redland Bay.

7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The travelling time from Redland Bay to Russell Island is approximately 60 minutes.

Timetabled services are the departure time for each ferry so please arrive 20 minutes prior for loading.

We recommend you book prior to travel to avoid disappointment.

There is no cafe at the terminal or on the SeaLink vehicle ferries however there are a cafes nearby.

Best Regards,
The Observatory Guesthouse Team