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.
But every 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 on Sunday July 20th - with a re-enactment of the landing at Norfolk Beach a five minute walk the Coochie jetty.
Hundreds of visitors from “Australia”, as the locals call it, join in the fun and the ceremony follows a 10am grand parade of quirky vehicles and even quirkier locals.
At the Main Beach reserve locals and mainlanders contribute to a delightful market from 8am to 2pm 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.
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.