MATTHEW FLINDERS DAY – SUNDAY 17th JULY 2011 ON COOCHIEMUDLO ISLAND
The inhabitants of the one square mile gem that is beautiful Coochiemudlo Island normally lead a tranquil lifestyle shattered only by the call of native birds and the very occasional car.
The locals treasure the serenity of “Coochie” as it is affectionately known but are always ready for a party.
And each July the island springs to life with colour and movement as the islanders celebrate the landing of the great explorer Matthew Flinders on their shores on 19th July 1799.
The islanders commemorate the historic event on the nearest Sunday to that date.
This year the event is being held on Sunday July 17th 2011 with a re-enactment of the landing at Norfolk Beach near the Coochie jetty on the very spot where Matthew trod all those years ago.
Hundreds of visitors from “Australia”, as the locals call it, join in the fun and the ceremony follows a street parade of quirky vehicles and even quirkier locals,
At the Main Beach reserve locals and mainlanders contribute to a delightful market with a country feel and a wide range of stalls and a licensed bar.
Visitors are welcome to join locals in period costume and decorated bike competitions.
Dragon and outrigger boat racing is a major pastime on Coochie and this year the local teams will be challenged to an around-the-island race by teams from Brisbane, Redland Bay and nearby Macleay Island.
Coochie is a one day overseas experience within easy driving distance from Brisbane and Bayside suburbs with a delightful ten minute ferry ride from Victoria Point a highlight of a great family day out.
Visitors can amble around the island in about an hour through beautiful bushland and along pristine beaches.
Transport from Victoria Point Jetty
A ferry service operates seven days a week from the Victoria Point Jetty at the of Colburn Avenue, Victoria Point.
The first trip from Victoria Point is at 6:30am on weekends, and runs every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 7 minutes.
Prices, the last time I checked,were $6.80 return per adult & $3.40 return per child (5-14) or pensioner.
Walk on passengers can also take the Car Barge, also from the alongside the Victoria Point Jetty.
This is about a 15 minute trip, at a cost of (I am not sure) but it is operated by CIBT Coochie Island Barge Transport
