Coochiemudlo Island — “Coochie” to most locals — sits in southern Moreton Bay just off Victoria Point, a short hop south of Cleveland and west of North Stradbroke. Surrounded on three sides by sandy beaches, it always seems to offer a lee shore somewhere, which is why it is a popular day destination and a useful overnight when the breeze is in the south or south-east.

How to get there

Heading out from the leads at Manly Boat Harbour, sail south through the southern bay. Pass Green and King Islands, then continue south past Peel Island and into the island channels toward Victoria Point / Coochiemudlo. The island lies about a kilometre offshore from the mainland ferry terminal at Victoria Point.

Follow marked channels and keep Beacon to Beacon open — shoaling water and rocks are noted in several places around the island. Ferry and barge traffic between Victoria Point and the island is regular; give commercial vessels room. From Manly it is typically a longer afternoon sail than Peel, so plan tide and daylight accordingly.

Anchorage Overview

Best winds: Southerly / south-easterly on the western side; choose the lee beach for the day’s breeze

Depth: Typically about 2–4 metres in usable spots — shallower close in; sound on the way in

Bottom: Sand (holding generally good where depth allows)

Getting into the anchorage

The deeper, main anchorage is on the southern side near Main Beach, east of the ferry jetty and boat ramp. It is convenient for going ashore but more exposed to the prevailing south-easterlies. When the breeze is from the south or south-west, many yachts prefer the western side, working in carefully and anchoring in a few metres rather than crowding the beach.

The tide retreats a long way on the flats — do not anchor too close on a falling tide or you may find yourself high and dry. Watch for rocks and shoals on the chart, keep clear of the ferry approach, and leave room for local trailer boats launching from Victoria Point.

What to do there

Coochie is made for a swim and a beach walk. Main Beach is popular with families; quieter stretches such as Morwong Beach can be a better dinghy landing when the south side is busy. The island has a small township, walking tracks and enough shade for a picnic lunch ashore.

A passenger ferry and vehicular barge run to Victoria Point if you need supplies or a mainland coffee run. As always in Moreton Bay Marine Park, check zoning before fishing. Dugongs and turtles are sometimes seen in the clearer patches — go slow near seagrass.

Coochiemudlo is an ideal lunch stop on a southern-bay day trip and a calm overnight in the right wind. It’s a favourite with Yachtshare owners looking for something quieter than Horseshoe Bay on a busy weekend.

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