Karragarra Island: A Quiet Paradise in Southern Moreton Bay
Tucked gently between the better‑known islands of Southern Moreton Bay, Karragarra Island—affectionately called Karra—is a rare sanctuary of stillness. Once known as Rabbit Island, this tiny gem is the smallest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, yet it offers some of the region’s most peaceful and restorative experiences. With no shops, no crowds, and no rush, Karragarra invites travellers to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Just four kilometres long and half a kilometre wide, the island is home to around 100 residents who cherish its unspoiled charm. Visitors quickly discover that the absence of retail and commercial development is not a limitation—it’s the island’s greatest luxury. Here, tranquillity is the main attraction, and the soundtrack is the soft lap of water against the shore.
Why Visit Karragarra Island
Karragarra is the kind of place travellers dream of when they imagine a secluded island escape. Its sandy beaches, leafy parks, and calm waters create a serene environment perfect for unwinding. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family picnic spot, or a solo getaway to recharge, Karra offers a rare sense of privacy and simplicity.
Bring a picnic basket, pack your favourite snacks, and settle in for a day of sun‑soaked leisure. With barbecue facilities, shaded areas, and wide‑open spaces, the island is designed for slow travel and meaningful moments.
Things to Do on Karragarra Island
Relax on Pristine Beaches
Karragarra’s beaches are peaceful, uncrowded, and ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply stretching out with a book. The gentle waters make it a welcoming spot for families and those who prefer calm, sheltered swimming conditions.
Enjoy a Waterfront Picnic
With well‑maintained parks and barbecue areas, the island is perfect for long, lazy picnics. Bring your own supplies—there are no shops on the island—and enjoy a meal with sweeping views of the bay.
Go Fishing
Cast a line from the beach or foreshore and enjoy some of the best quiet‑water fishing in the region. The stillness of the island makes it a favourite for anglers seeking a peaceful day on the water.
Walk to the Northern Rainforest
A gentle stroll leads you to a pocket of rainforest at the northern end of the island. This short walk offers a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to spot local birdlife and native flora.
Swim, Paddle, or Kayak
The calm waters surrounding Karragarra are ideal for kayaking, stand‑up paddleboarding, or a leisurely swim. Bring your own gear and enjoy the freedom of exploring the shoreline at your own pace.
Best Time to Visit
Karragarra Island is beautiful year‑round, but the most popular months are September to May, when warm weather makes swimming and picnicking especially enjoyable. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and fewer visitors, perfect for those seeking maximum tranquillity. Summer brings vibrant sunshine and long days ideal for beach activities.
How to Get There
Reaching Karragarra Island is simple and scenic.
Regular passenger ferries and vehicle barges depart from Redland Bay, with the journey taking only a short time across the calm waters of Southern Moreton Bay. Once you arrive, the island’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
Because there are no shops or retail facilities on the island, visitors should plan ahead and bring everything they need for the day—food, drinks, sunscreen, and any recreational gear.
A Destination for True Escape
Karragarra Island is not a place of bustling attractions or busy itineraries. It is a place to pause. To savour. To breathe. Its quiet beaches, friendly community, and untouched natural beauty make it one of the most peaceful destinations in the Redlands Coast region.
For travellers seeking seclusion, simplicity, and a genuine island escape, Karragarra offers an experience that feels wonderfully rare.