St Helena Island, Brisbane Qld

This little island situated in Moreton Bay was the site of Queensland’s first penal settlement. In 1967 it became a high security prison for long-term inmates until the 1920s when it then became a prison farm until it’s closure in 1932.  The ruins here provide a fascinating glimpse into history and include warder accommodation, a sugar mill, lime kiln and stone causeway.

A guided day tour to the island will give you detailed insight to how the prisoners spent their days, which interestingly included producing olive oil from the island’s olive groves and burning coral for cement in the island’s lime kiln.

For thousands of years local Aboriginal people visited the island as evidenced by middens and shell scatters.  Today, the island is an important site for migratory wading birds.

The southern corner of the island is open to the public, and you will need a boat to access this area.  For the rest of the island, including the prison ruins you will need to enter via a guided tour, which we highly recommend.  It is a fantastic day out, well worth the cost,  and includes boat cruise, tour and lunch!