Coochiemudlo Island's ongoing ferry parking shortages are causing community tension, but fighting each other won't solve it. Instead, residents are urged to direct that energy toward Redland City Council and local representatives to demand a formal parking study, commuter permits, better transit links, and long-term infrastructure solutions.

Something Spooky Is Stirring on Coochie…

On Saturday 31 October, Coochiemudlo Island will undergo a mysterious transformation.

Ordinary children will become witches, pirates, superheroes and creatures yet to be officially identified. Quiet streets will fill with excited voices. And perfectly respectable adults may be found lurking outside their homes with bowls of lollies.

Yes, Halloween is coming to Coochie!  🎃🎃👻👻

Every islander knows the best Coochie stories don’t live in dusty archives—they’re told over a cuppa, on the beach, or on the ferry ride over. From historic cyclones and the old jetty to memories made just last week, our shared lore is what makes this island special.

Whether you’ve lived here for 40 years or just moved in last month, join us for an intergenerational High Tea to share your tales, ask questions, and enjoy some great local company.

 Most people know Coochiemudlo Island for its tranquil beaches, sheltered waters, and relaxed island pace.

Just a short hop across Moreton Bay from Victoria Point, it often feels like a timeless pocket of paradise.

Yet long before it became a weekend retreat and a tight-knit coastal community, Coochie stood at the crossroads of Queensland history. From its deep roots as Kutchi Mudlo—where Quandamooka peoples gathered red ochre from the cliffs for ceremony—to the July day in 1799 when Matthew Flinders stepped ashore and logged it simply as “Sixth Island,” Coochiemudlo holds stories far richer than its shoreline suggests.

Did you know the island served as a

🐍 A Message From Your Local Snake: Could You Humans PLEASE Calm Down?

He’s lived on Coochie longer than most of us, he knows exactly where you keep your chooks, and frankly, he’s tired of being misidentified by Facebook’s self-appointed herpetologists.

Before anyone grabs a broom, panics, or dials Craig, Leigh, or Croc, our resident slithering neighbor has a few ground rules about routine "poultry inspections," cool tile floors, and why you really need to put that whipper snipper away.

What happens when an island catches fire with no fire truck in sight? You improvise. Take a look back at Coochie’s fire brigade evolution—from neighbours with tractors and water tanks to the modern heroes of Station 661—and see why one vital tradition hasn't changed at all.

A fauna survey of the Melaleuca Wetlands reveals the rich, hidden wildlife sharing Coochiemudlo Island. From venomous death adders and shy bandicoots to microbats and native frogs, learn how to spot these quiet neighbours safely and protect local biodiversity from invasive cane toads.

As magpie season kicked into high gear across Australia, one photographer bravely faced off against a territorial swooping magpie equipped with nothing but a giant lens, board shorts, and sheer determination. Instead of retreating, he captured stunning shots mid-swoop in a battle of willpower where both photographer and magpie came out victorious.

Written from the perspective of two local ground-nesting birds—Mavis the Masked Lapwing (plover) and Colin the Bush Stone-curlew—this article highlights the challenges native birds face during breeding season on Coochiemudlo Island.

It explores their contrasting defense mechanisms, from the swooping and loud calls of lapwings to the stealthy freezing behavior of curlews. The piece outlines major threats to young chicks—including predators, roaming pets, and traffic—and provides practical guidelines for residents to protect local wildlife, such as driving slowly, keeping pets contained, and giving bird families plenty of space.

This article details the history and achievements of Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare, starting from its inception in January 2013 just prior to a destructive storm surge from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald. It outlines the community's swift response alongside local council and environmental organizations to restore damaged dunes, protect the Ramsar-listed Melaleuca Wetlands, and plant over 6,500 native plants along Norfolk Beach. Over 13 years later, the article highlights Coastcare's ongoing conservation efforts and announces the official opening of its permanent Environmental Hub at 43a Elizabeth Street on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

When a boat sank off Coochie and debris began washing ashore, local residents Jordy and Adrian took immediate action to clear the wreckage and prevent further environmental damage.

Resident Kate joined the cleanup by parking her ute by the beach, mobilizing additional help through the Coochie Community Facebook group, and hauling the debris to the dump.

Building on this momentum, Jordy is gauging interest in organizing an island-wide community working bee. Interested volunteers can register by texting Jordy at 0421201387.

The Island Storytellers Festival returns to Coochiemudlo Island, infusing Queensland’s southern Moreton Bay with vibrant culture and excitement.

This year’s event invites guests to board the beloved MV Kurrawera for an interisland journey, weaving through Lamb Island, Coochiemudlo, and Dunwich on Minjerribah.

Festival-goers enjoy a distinctive choose-your-own-adventure approach, immersing themselves in captivating storytelling and local history without the hassle of mainland travel.

Renowned historians and authors headline sessions like History Afloat and Flying High, treating audiences to engaging tales—from rich island heritage to stirring World War II accounts.

Family-friendly highlights include a Welcome to Country and the beloved Teddybear’s Picnic.

With flexible scheduling, staged tickets, and a focus on comfort, the festival showcases the charm and resilience of the Moreton Bay islands, creating treasured memories for locals and visitors alike.

Filmed right here on the island, Majelen’s official music video for Lady Divine brings together local women of different ages and backgrounds in a celebration of strength, beauty, individuality and that unmistakable feminine spark.

That mysterious pop-pop-pop echoing across Coochie isn’t a neighbourhood feud. It’s pickleball, and it is getting louder!

In just over two years, more than 250 people have stepped onto the island’s courts, while the annual tournament has grown from one division to potentially six.

Discover how Dave brought his pickleball passion from the mainland to Coochie, helping one temporary court grow into a thriving community of players. Now the tournament is about to bring even more popping, cheering, groaning and good-natured Coochie rivalry to the courts.

Hidden just out of sight, Pirate Island emerges this International 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' on Saturday, 19 September. For one day only, Coochie transforms into a legendary pirate haven before the portal closes and the magic vanishes.

Local enthusiast Noel Christensen has launched the Coochie Photography Group to bring together residents interested in photography, regardless of their skill level or equipment. Whether using a smartphone or a dedicated camera, members can connect through a private Facebook group, participate in photo outings, and attend gatherings at the Coochie Recreation Club to share techniques, receive constructive feedback, and appreciate the island's everyday beauty.

The Welcome Swallows are returning to Coochie’s jetty, but questions remain about how the exclusion netting was approved, whether proper environmental processes were followed and how cleaning will be managed. At a community meeting with BirdLife Southern Queensland Convenor Sheena Gillman and Cr Wendy Boglary, residents welcomed the positive outcome while voicing broader frustration about council transparency and consultation. The discussion also highlighted the power of residents to pursue issues through community organisations, independently, or bot

If you’re struggling to meet your Centrelink job-search requirements, volunteering with the Coochie Community Shopping Service may be able to help. Your hours could count towards your obligations while supporting elderly and housebound island residents with an essential local service. Check your eligibility with your provider, then contact John on 0406 455 388 or Rosemary on 0403 014 396.

Struggling with Centrelink job-search requirements? Volunteering with the Coochie Community Shopping Service may allow you to complete some of your required hours while helping elderly and housebound island residents. It’s practical, rewarding and genuinely useful to our community. Find out whether volunteering could work for you

For most of us, it’s an uncomfortable thought. For carers, it can be a constant and frightening question.

In the final episode of The Hairy Marys, the laughs, hospital chaos and promises to pluck each other’s chin hairs sit beside a much sadder reality: our bureaucratic systems simply aren’t built to cope when a carer can no longer be there.

With thousands of new followers and one reel reaching more than a million views, it’s clear this funny, poignant series has touched a nerve.

Read why The Hairy Marys matters, and why the question beneath the comedy deserves a proper answer.

The Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society has been selected for Grill’d Victoria Point’s Local Matters program throughout September 2026.

When you purchase a meal, you’ll receive a token to place in one of three community jars. By choosing the Heritage Society’s jar, you’ll help raise funds to preserve Coochie’s historical collection, support educational displays and keep our island’s stories alive for future generations.

So, if you’re passing through Victoria Point this month, grabbing a burger suddenly comes with a very respectable side order of local history. Every token counts!

The annual open studios weekend on Coochiemudlo Island transforms the tranquil setting into a vibrant hub of creativity, drawing art lovers from near and far.

Across 15 studios and galleries, 31 local artists showcase their diverse talents, from intricate silver jewelry to imaginative sculptures crafted from found objects.

Visitors are welcomed into intimate spaces like Artisan Alley and 11 Phillips Street, each bursting with the island’s unique spirit and artistic energy.

Collaborations thrive throughout venues such as Migaloo Artist Collective, where styles and techniques blend in group exhibitions.

This festive gathering goes beyond art sales, fostering genuine connections and highlighting how Coochiemudlo’s natural beauty inspires each piece.

Improved public spaces and signage have enhanced the experience, while rising interest in the creative scene is boosting the island’s profile—and its real estate market.

The event cements Coochiemudlo Island as an emerging destination for Queensland’s art seekers.

Acting Mayor Does a Backflip

From a Council statement describing those who tore the jetty netting to free trapped birds as “vandals”, to announcing that she personally had the matter investigated and that no further exclusion measures will be installed, Acting Mayor Julie Talty has left the community scratching its collective head.

The removal of the netting and the promise that it will not be replaced are welcome news. However, serious questions remain about the disappearance of the swallows’ nests, what happened to them and why the investigation report has not been released.

Read the full story as we attempt to follow Council’s rather twisty journey from blame and denial to investigation, removal and an apparent change of heart.

Every second Friday, the Coochie Community Shopping Service delivers Mabel’s groceries to her door. As an elderly, mostly housebound resident, Mabel relies on the service for everyday essentials, but it also brings companionship, reassurance and the freedom to remain in her own home.

The service is looking for a couple of volunteers who can spare a few hours each month. It’s a small commitment that makes an enormous difference, helping older Coochie residents stay independent, connected and supported by their community.

To learn more about volunteering, call Rosemary on 0403 014 396.

Episode 4 of The Hairy Marys takes caring life somewhere television rarely dares to go: straight into a forgotten bucket of dirty undies now crawling with maggots.

It is revolting, ridiculous and painfully believable. But beneath the gagging and frantic clean-up is a warm story about friendship. When life gets truly messy, Queen Nwa and Revolution do what carers often have to do: roll up their sleeves, swear a little and get on with it together.

Created by carers, for carers, The Maggot Situation finds humour in the exhausting, unglamorous moments usually kept safely off-screen.

Watch Ep 4 on YouTube, but perhaps finish your lunch first.

Shoreline erosion is fueling debate on Coochiemudlo Island, exposing how small Queensland communities struggle with nature’s force and tough management choices.

After fierce storms devastated Norfolk Beach over a decade ago, Redland City Council installed a sandbag seawall in hopes of protecting the fragile shoreline.

The decision quickly split islanders.

Some welcomed what they saw as overdue action to safeguard a beloved beach for the future.

Others pointed to council studies showing limited long-term erosion, questioning the necessity and cost.

Unexpectedly, the seawall may have triggered more erosion just south of its footprint, sparking new worries and demands for a policy rethink.

Efforts like importing new sand have offered only brief relief, with high tides undoing much of the work.

Decades of photos even suggest that parts of Norfolk Beach remain relatively unchanged, keeping the island’s erosion debate alive.

At the northern end of this weekend’s Coochiemudlo Island Art Trail, Gindabara will open its leafy grounds to visitors looking for coffee, something sweet and a chance to catch their breath.

But there is more here than a handy rest stop. The property includes historic Pullen Hall, once an early meeting place for the Coochie Art Group, along with Pullen Cottage and heritage displays revealing another side of island life.

Visit Gindabara at 18–20 Mooroondu Street from 9am to 3pm on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September.

Come for the coffee, stay for the serenity and discover where part of Coochie’s artistic story began.

Free First Aid Fun for Island Kids

Island children love their independence, whether they’re heading to the BMX track, climbing trees or fishing from the jetty. These school holidays, they can also learn what to do if something goes wrong.

Redland City Council’s Community and Recovery team is offering a free two-hour First Aid Course for children aged 6 to 12, delivered by Lifesaving Hands.

The session will cover DRSABCD, CPR, defibrillators and common emergencies including asthma, anaphylaxis, burns, seizures, bites and stings.

It’s happening at the Coochie Rec Club on Tuesday, 29 September, from 10 am to 12 noon. Parents are welcome to participate, and families with younger interested children should make contact before the day.

Each child will receive a Certificate of Participation, mini roller bandage and DRSABCD chart.

Queensland art enthusiasts have a creative weekend to look forward to, as the Coochiemudlo Island art trail returns in September 2026.

This much-loved event transforms the island into a vibrant showcase, with 14 venues opening their doors between 9am and 3pm over two days.

More than 30 local artists will display original works—spanning painting, sculpture, jewelry, writing, and even Lego—giving visitors a rare behind-the-scenes view.

Interactive workshops and rolling demonstrations encourage guests to try new techniques and connect personally with creators.

The event, organized by the Coochiemudlo Island Artisan Collective, fosters genuine connections and a sense of community throughout the trail.

Maps, brochures, and the free Coochie Community Bus make it easy for newcomers to explore every stop.

Supported by local sponsors and Redland City Council, this free art trail celebrates the Redlands Coast’s creative heart.

Foreshore access is at the heart of intense discussions on Coochiemudlo Island as Redland City Council works to shape a long-term vision that merges community access with environmental protection.

With a draft strategy in development, climate challenges like coastal erosion and sea level rise highlight the area’s vulnerability, fueling an urgent push for public involvement through September 2026.

Recent storms have underscored the need for resilient foreshore infrastructure, while sparking anxiety over the loss of shoreline and vital habitats.

Coochiemudlo’s mangroves, tidal flats, and seagrass beds remain essential to Moreton Bay’s ecology and local wildlife.

Residents emphasize that access must be paired with stewardship, urging the Council to heed concerns about increased rubbish, wildlife disturbance, and heritage protection.

Many believe preserving the unique spirit of Coochiemudlo’s coast will ensure its value for generations.