Coochiemudlo Island’s Remarkable Story

Coochiemudlo Island holds a unique place in history. It was here that British explorer Lieutenant Matthew Flinders first landed, charting and naming the island – the first European to set foot on its shores. Yet the island’s story stretches back far further. Locals are proud of its deep connections with Indigenous Australians, who originally named the striking red cliffs Kutchi-Mudlo, meaning “red earth stone”.

Among today’s residents is Major General Professor John Pearn, who has co-authored two books on the island’s history and botanic heritage. He describes the island’s magic as beginning with the mangroves, vital to the entire Moreton Bay ecosystem. Its wetlands shelter more than 200 plant species, over 100 bird species, and an abundance of native wildlife.

Long-term resident Jan Macintyre played a pivotal role in securing heritage protection for the island’s Emerald Fringe – the green ribbon encircling the shoreline. By government decree, this area can never be subdivided or built upon, making Coochiemudlo the only inhabited island off Queensland’s coast to hold such protection.

Christine Leonard has chronicled the life of Ted Jones, a local legend who confirmed Flinders’ identification of the island in his journals, and began the annual re-enactments of Flinders’ landing.

For such a small island, Coochiemudlo boasts four heritage-listed sites – a testament to its rich cultural, natural, and historical significance.