My town: Macleay Island is a hidden gem near Brisbane

Marie Peters is 67 years young. She has been married for 42 years and has three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was a real estate agent for 15 years. Marie has lived at Macleay Island — and island in Moreton Bay, south-east Queensland — for 12 years. Here, she shares some great tips for any fellow Travel at 60 Travel Lovers who might be interested in having a look around…

About your town

Describe your town in a couple of sentences:

Macleay Island is the second largest of the four Bay Islands, situated 30 kilometres from Brisbane in the Moreton Bay Marine Park at the southern end of Moreton Bay. Protected by North Stradbroke Island to the east, Macleay (as it’s commonly known) is connected to the mainland by ferries and barges, which also connect to inter-island transport for the four Bay Islands.

In the early years, Macleay Island was regarded as a spiritually significant Aboriginal meeting place. It was later called Tim Shea’s Island, after a convict who lived on the island alone for more than a decade.

What interesting thing/s might people not know about your town:

Macleay was originally part of New South Wales, which in part is how it got its name. The colonial secretary at the time was Alexander Macleay.

What are the best events taking place your town that you’d recommend to visitors?

There is an annual canoe race — the Macleay Island Classic — that goes around the island. The event attracts paddlers from around the country.

For artists and art lovers, of which there are many at Macleay, there is the Artists At Work event held each year. The event is designed to allow visitors the opportunity to see the diverse range of artistic talent the bay islands offer.

Why do you love your town?

It’s a well-kept secret (though maybe not for long). It is also one of the few places where people still care about people, so there is a strong sense of community.

The best list

Best place for a walk?

The island boasts much natural beauty, including rainforest, rocky shores, sandy beaches, mangrove areas and vistas to the mainland, over to North Stradbroke Island and up to Moreton Island.

Best place for an amazing view?

You can enjoy beautiful ‘million dollar’ views at the Macleay Island Bowls Club. Have a cocktail while the sun sets.

Best place for visitors to pick up something special?

Macleay Island is home to 250 artists, writers and musicians. This artistic community features a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, pottery, calligraphy and photography, which you can experience by browsing the galleries around town.

Best thing to do on a hot day?

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

The best thing to do for free?

There’s a large variety of birds including migratory birds, which visit yearly. There is a large bush stone curlew population on the island.

Best place for a top-notch evening meal?

The Waters Edge Bistro offers first rate dining. There is a great steak selection as well as seafood offerings.

Best cheap and cheerful restaurant?

The first Friday of each month at the Tingara Boat Clus is the celebrated Fish ‘n Chip Supper, which is open to all. For $14 for non-members, this is great value and an excellent meal.

Best place to go to learn more about your town?

Jump online and visit www.macleayisland.net

Do you love where you live? Do you have some great tips to share with any Travel at 60 visitors who might be visiting? Let us know at [email protected].