Lions Boulevard Camp Ground – Russell Island

Lions Boulevard Camp Ground is a picturesque waterfront park located on the eastern side of Russell Island, part of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. While known colloquially as a campground, it’s primarily a beautiful public park and popular day-use area maintained by the Lions Club and Redland City Council. Access to the island itself requires a vehicle ferry from Redland Bay on the mainland. The park boasts stunning views across the Canaipa Passage towards North Stradbroke Island, offering a serene and scenic environment. It features a large, flat grassy area perfect for picnics, with excellent facilities including toilets, electric barbecues, sheltered picnic tables, and a children’s playground. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for fishing from the shore, kayaking, or simply relaxing and watching the boats go by. While not an official, designated campground for booking, it has become a well-known spot for self-contained travellers to stop for a short period. Visitors planning an overnight stay should be discreet and respectful, as regulations on overnight parking in council parks can be subject to change and are not officially endorsed. For those seeking a tranquil island escape with essential amenities and a million-dollar view, Lions Boulevard Park is a true hidden gem for a day trip or a quiet, short-term stopover.

Site Information

• Location: Eastern side of Russell Island, accessible only via vehicle ferry from Redland Bay.
• Site Suitable For: Day trips, picnics. Self-contained vehicles for potential short stays.
• Road Access: Sealed roads on the island.
• Site Surface: Grass.
• Camping Permitted: Unofficial/Discretionary. This is a public park, not a designated campground. Overnight stays are not officially permitted but may be tolerated. Check with Redland City Council.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not officially defined.
• Facilities: Toilets, electric BBQs, sheltered picnic tables, playground.
• Potable Water: Yes, a tap is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Use BBQ facilities provided.
• Generator Use: Not recommended in a public park setting.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open grassed area, no designated sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Insect repellent, fishing gear. If staying overnight, full self-containment is essential.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent shore fishing.
• Short Walks: Along the waterfront.

Local Amenities (on Russell Island)

• Local Pubs:
  • Russell Island RSL Club
  • Russell Island Bowling Club
• Places to Eat:
  • Aunty Alice’s Cafe, local takeaways, and an IGA supermarket are located on the island.
• Local Attractions:
  • Boating and fishing in Moreton Bay
  • Island hopping to Macleay or Karragarra Islands
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • None on the island. Nearest are on the mainland near Redland Bay (e.g., BIG4 Redlands).
• Next Free Camps:
  • Tully Memorial Park (North Maclean), located on the mainland.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • None on the island. Nearest public dump point is on the mainland.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Yes, a service station is available on the island.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Tap available at the park.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Russell Island enjoys a pleasant subtropical coastal climate, with warm weather year-round.