Russell Island
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Russell Island, QLD 4184.
About Russell Island
Welcome to Russell Island
Russell Island sits in Moreton Bay, part of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands group off the coast of Redland City, roughly 40 kilometres by road and ferry from the Brisbane CBD. Reached by regular passenger and vehicle barge services, it's a laid-back, low-density community that trades city bustle for bay views, bushland blocks and a slower pace of life.
The island has long attracted retirees, tree-changers and buyers chasing affordable land, and with a median age of 59 and a population of 3,698, it remains one of the more relaxed corners of the Redlands. It suits people who value space and water over proximity to shops and offices, and who don't mind planning their day around the ferry timetable.
Lifestyle & dining
Life on Russell Island revolves around the water, whether that's fishing off the jetty, kayaking the calm bay waters, or simply enjoying the outlook from a back deck. Dining out is modest and local rather than trendy, with a handful of takeaways, cafes and a pub covering most needs, and residents typically head across to the mainland at Redland Bay or into Cleveland for a wider choice of restaurants and entertainment. It's a community where neighbours know each other, and much of the social life happens through local clubs, markets and the island's own events calendar rather than a bustling main street.
Getting around
Russell Island has no bridge to the mainland, so getting on and off the island means the vehicle or passenger barge, with services running to Redland Bay and connecting on to other Southern Moreton Bay Islands. The crossing takes a matter of minutes, and from Redland Bay it's a further drive into Cleveland and the Brisbane rail network for those commuting into the city. On the island itself, most residents rely on cars or golf buggies to get between home, the school and the local shops, since distances are short but footpaths and public transport are limited.
Schools & families
Families on the island are served by Russell Island State School, a genuine community hub that many locals point to as one of the reasons they've chosen to settle here. For high school and more specialised education options, most families look to the mainland, factoring the ferry crossing into their daily routine. It's a lifestyle that appeals more to families comfortable with a bit of extra travel time in exchange for a quieter, close-knit upbringing for their kids.
Parks & recreation
The island's real drawcard is its natural setting: mangrove-lined foreshores, bushland reserves and uncrowded stretches of water that make it popular for fishing, crabbing and boating. Informal parks and reserves dot the island, offering picnic spots and walking tracks with water glimpses, and the surrounding Southern Moreton Bay Islands, including neighbouring Island, add to the sense of a scattered archipelago community where getting out on the water is simply part of everyday life.
The property market
Russell Island's property market is built around land and affordability. Current listings are dominated by vacant blocks, which make up about 65% of stock, against 35% houses and no townhouses, reflecting the island's low-density, build-your-own character. The median house price sits at $525,000, and typical rents are around $470 a week, figures that remain well below mainland Redlands and Brisbane benchmarks.
History
Recent growth has been notable, with house prices up 22.1% lately, a sign that the island's affordability and lifestyle appeal are drawing renewed buyer interest even as it retains its quiet, low-key reputation. For buyers priced out of the mainland, or those simply after a change of pace, Russell Island offers a rare combination of space, water access and value that's becoming harder to find closer to Brisbane.
Market snapshot
Russell Island property market
Median sale price
$525k
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$470
per week
Gross rental yield
4.7%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$352k
Median
$525k
Premium
$720k
Days on market
66
Auction clearance
0%
Sold this year
163
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +13.7% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Russell Island by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Russell Island, QLD 4184.
Population
3,698
residents (2021)
Median age
59
years
Household income
$756
median, per week
Median rent
$260
per week
Median mortgage
$867
per month
Mortgage / income
26%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Russell Island
Government school catchment
Recent results
Recently sold in Russell Island
$135k
33 Bayswater Road
Sold ~July 2026
$105k
14 Woomera Street
Sold ~July 2026
$135k
35 Taylor Street
Sold ~July 2026
$165k
17 Laurel Street
Sold ~July 2026
$160k
16 Plantation Street
Sold ~July 2026
$390k
4 Rodds Road
Sold ~July 2026
$79k
45 Burke Avenue
Sold ~July 2026
$95k
2 Swan Parade
Sold ~July 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Russell Island
Compare the area
Price map around Russell Island
Every listing for sale near Russell Island, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Common questions
Russell Island suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Russell Island?
The median house price in Russell Island, QLD is $525k for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 22.1%.
How much is rent in Russell Island?
The median weekly rent in Russell Island is around $470 per week.
Is Russell Island a good place to live?
Russell Island is an island, a town and a locality in the City of Redland, Queensland, Australia. Russell Island is an established residential suburb in QLD, with a population of around 3,698 and 1 school in the area.
What is the population of Russell Island?
Russell Island has a population of 3,698 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 59.
What schools are in Russell Island?
There is 1 school in or near Russell Island, including Russell Island State School.
How long do homes take to sell in Russell Island?
Properties in Russell Island take around 66 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 0%.
How much do you need to buy in Russell Island?
Entry-level properties in Russell Island start around $352k, while premium homes reach $720k.
What suburbs are near Russell Island?
Suburbs near Russell Island include Island.
Fresh to market
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