Redlands Coast Islands – Which One Is Best to Live On?
Why Buyers and Investors Choose the Redlands Coast Islands
When we first started looking at the Redlands Coast Island property market, we found ourselves asking the same thing that many buyers do: “which island in the Redlands Coast is best to live on? “
The Southern Moreton Bay Islands — Macleay, Russell, Lamb, and Karragarra — are only a short ferry ride from the mainland at Redland Bay, yet each one offers a very different residential lifestyle or island investment opportunity.
Over time, we’ve spent weekends walking the island beaches, catching ferries, chatting with locals at markets, and even talking to local Real Estate agents about current property prices. What we discovered is that choosing the best Redlands Coast island to purchase near Brisbane isn’t about a one-size-fits-all answer. The right answer depends whether you intend to buy an island property to live on or instead might be searching for an opportunity to purchase an island investment property or block of land.
It comes down to what you value most:
- Affordability
- lifestyle pace
- suitability for families with facilities
- or long-term island investment potential.
In this guide, we’ll share what we’ve learned about each island, not just from visitors but from island residents who have bought here and from buyers who have seen the potential of purchasing an investment property here.
We’ll take a look at Redlands Coast Island Property market trends, the reasons people buy and stay or invest, and where the opportunities might be for buyers right now.
Living On Macleay Island: a creative community with room to grow
Of all the islands, Macleay is the one we’ve always felt strikes the best balance. Walking through the local markets, you notice how creative and community-driven the place feels. Artists display their work, locals sell homemade goods, and there’s always a buzz of friendly conversation.
From a practical point of view, Macleay Island has a small but reliable set of services — cafés, shops, and a medical centre. It’s also well serviced by a regular passenger and vehicle ferry service running throughout the day. For families or retirees, that means you’re not isolated, and it’s easy enough to commute back to the mainland when needed.
Buying property on Macleay Island has traditionally been more affordable than Brisbane suburbs, though prices have risen as more people discover it. With a median price sitting around the mid-$400,000s, it’s still within reach for first-home buyers and investors. What catches our attention is the property value growth rate: in the past year Macleay Island properties have seen some of the strongest capital gains of the four islands. Add rental yields averaging around 5%, and you can see why more Island buyers are paying attention.
Buying Property On Russell Island: affordable and a growing market
Russell Island is the largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, and when you first step off the ferry it feels busier. There are schools, sporting clubs, and a variety of shops. For young families, this makes Russell appealing because you don’t need to head to the mainland for every little thing.
For property investors, Russell Island’s attraction has long been its affordability. It remains one of the lowest-priced coastal property markets within commuting distance of Brisbane. Median house prices hover around $400,000, making it a drawcard for first-home buyers and those looking to enter the market at a lower cost. It also offers retirees or investors some exceptional options for purchasing an island property.
The growth story here is also interesting. Russell Island has seen steady appreciation, and demand for both land and houses has increased. From our perspective, that makes it a practical option — not just a lifestyle choice. Rental demand is strong too, with yields above 5% in many cases.
The downside? Because Russell Island is bigger and busier, some pockets are noisier, and commuting time is a little longer compared to Macleay. Still, if you’re weighing up affordability and amenities, Russell is often the pick of Redlands Coast Island properties.
Property On Lamb Island: peaceful with investment potential
Lamb Island has always struck us as the “hidden gem.” It’s smaller, quieter, and less developed, but that’s exactly the appeal. Walking around, you see fertile soil, large garden blocks, and a slower pace of life. It feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way.
For property buyers, Lamb Island is intriguing. Prices have risen sharply — growth has been more than 25% in the past year — but the entry point is still attractive compared to
the mainland. Median house prices sit in the mid-$400,000s, and rental demand is surprisingly strong for such a small island. We’ve seen listings here snapped up quickly.
From an investment perspective, Lamb Island offers potential because of its scarcity. With fewer blocks available and limited development, homes here hold value as more people search for quiet coastal living within reach of Brisbane. If you’re looking for privacy and don’t mind fewer amenities, Lamb could be the long-term play.
Karragarra Island: buy exclusive property and a laid back lifestyle
Karragarra is the smallest of the four islands, and to us, it feels almost exclusive. There’s a sandy swimming beach, picnic facilities, and a sense of community that’s welcoming but private. We’ve noticed how relaxed it feels compared to Russell or even Macleay, with it feeling more like an island retreat.
On the property front, Karragarra Island is limited. There aren’t as many new property listings, and when homes do come up, they can command higher prices. Recent sales have hovered around the high-$400,000s to low-$500,000s. That scarcity, combined with lifestyle appeal, makes Karragarra a niche investment option, and one of the best islands for investment near Brisbane.
If your goal is lifestyle first and foremost, Karragarra Island is unbeatable. For investors, it’s more about buying into a tightly held market rather than expecting rapid growth. Still, Karragarra property demand remains consistent, particularly among retirees or those seeking a holiday home.
Comparing Property Trends Across Redlands Coast Islands
We have put together a quick snapshot of how the islands stack up against each other right now.
When we look at these numbers side by side, it’s clear the Redlands Coast Islands are no longer just affordable property alternatives. They are active markets in their own right, with solid yields and growing buyer interest.
☐ Median Price: $429,000
☐ Growth: +13%
☐ Market: High demand
☐ Rent: $380–$440/week
☐ Yield: ~5%
☐ Median Price: $425,000
☐ Growth: Positive trend
☐ Market: Medium demand
☐ Rent: ~$460 week
☐ Yield: ~5%
☐ Median Price: $455,000
☐ Growth: +26.9%
☐ Market: ~68 days
☐ Rent: $450/week
☐ Yield: ~5%
☐ Median Price: $470,000
☐ Growth: Positive trend
☐ Market: Some demand
☐ Rent: $465/week (example)
☐ Yield: ~5%
Source: Current property data compiled from Redlands Coast market reports & public listings (as of 2025).
Transport, Services, and Everyday Living on the Redlands Coast Islands
We know that living on the islands does mean factoring in transport. We’ve taken the ferries countless times, and while they’re regular and efficient, commuting does add to your day if you work in Brisbane, but it is attractive if you work in the Redlands Bayside suburbs. Passenger ferries and vehicle barges connect all four islands to Redland Bay, with clockwise and counterclockwise loops making inter-island travel easy.
On the mainland side, buses connect you straight through to Cleveland, Capalaba, and into Brisbane. For us, it’s never felt like a barrier, but it’s something to weigh up if daily commuting is part of your lifestyle.
Services vary across the islands. Russell has the most amenities, Macleay strikes a balance, Lamb is limited but private, and Karragarra is exclusive with minimal services. Knowing what you need day to day helps decide which island works for you.
Trying To Find the Best Island To Live On near Brisbane?
After spending time on each of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, we’ve realised the answer depends on what you’re looking for:
- For amenities and schools → Russell Island
- For balance and community feel → Macleay Island
- For quiet and potential growth → Lamb Island
- For exclusivity and lifestyle retreat → Karragarra Island
What unites all four is that they’re still affordable compared to Brisbane suburbs, yet they offer a lifestyle that feels a world away. With steady growth, attractive yields, and an increasing profile, they’re no longer hidden secrets — they present real opportunities to secure an island property investment near Brisbane.
If you’re curious about exploring property on any of these islands, we recommend starting with our property listings on Redlands Coast Lifestyle to see what’s currently available.
Redlands Coast Is More Than Just A Place To Live
For us, the Redlands Coast and Southern Moreton Bay Islands represent more than just a place to live. The islands are a lifestyle shift and investment opportunity rolled into one. Whether you want the community vibe of Macleay, the practicality of Russell, the peacefulness of Lamb, or the exclusivity of Karragarra, there’s an island that could feel like home.
The question you must consider isn’t just “which island is best to live on?”. It’s “which island feels right for you, right now?”
Connect with your Local Redlands Coast Island Real Estate Agent
Reach out to Redlands Coast Realty, one of the region’s most trusted agencies:
- Address: Shop 1 36 Southsea Tce, Macleay Island, QLD
- Visit their website to browse listings or book an appointment
At Redlands Coast Lifestyle, we can help you explore Redlands Coast waterfront properties, land parcels, and investment opportunities tailored to your goals and lifestyle.