Once you step on the jetty on Russell Island and walk to terra firma, you can either wait for the Russell Island taxi, which usually meets the ferry, walk to where you are going or maybe you are being met by a friend, an acquaintance, a relative or your host at the B&B, where taking guests to and from the ferry is part of the service.

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You can also hire a bicycle or a car or take a tour. If you arrived by car on the vehicular barge, you are all ready to go and find the nooks and crannies of Russell Island.

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From the jetty, along the first street on the left, there is Aunty Alice’s Café with its friendly owners chatting to locals and visitors. In the same complex  there is also a real estate agent, a medical centre and a pathology where you will find a doctor and nurse. Next to the Pathology is the Art Shop. Going straight up from the jetty, along High Street, you will find two real estate agents, a liquor store, a book exchange, a cyber lounge, a nursery, a motel, a pet shop and a library. Then you come to the Police Station and opposite it, across the street on the right, is the Russell Island shopping centre.  There is a bakery, a newsagent, a Supa IGA, a butcher, a hairdresser, a pharmacy and a take away.  Sooner or later everyone meets everyone at the shopping centre.

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Further along High Street, just before the State School, is the swimming pool and on the other side of the street is the post office and beside it is Russell Island Service Station.  A bit further, turn right into Kings Road and there you will find the King Road Markets, where you can enjoy a leisurely Devonshire Tea or a frothy cappuccino at Luke’s coffee cart. If you have a sweet tooth, Luke is sure to find something to tempt you. Just sit down and be part of it all, without hurry, with a smile. There are many small business on Russell Island, such as Bay Islands Computers Services, which provides excellent services at affordable prices.

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There are two clubs, the RSL and the Bowls Club. They both run courtesy buses for your convenience. These courtesy buses run from Wednesday to Sunday (included).

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Next door to the Bowls Club is BICS. Bay Islands Community Services has its finger in many pies, assisting and supporting the community. Russell Island’s Community Centre has an op-shop , where you can fossick and discover your own bargain. There is also a hall, where many groups meet and functions are held, from dancing to meetings of different island groups.

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Adjacent to BICS  is a museum, giving you a glimpse to yester years.

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There is a lovely picnic area at Lions Park with tables and a couple of electric BBQs, also a little beach. The Lions Park is located on the South East corner of Russell Island.

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Kennedy’s farm is a beautiful place with much history that goes back to the pioneer days. Stands of old old trees give shelter to both birds and people.  This is a  place where community groups meet in a recent, purpose built hall. A community garden has been formed and you can see the fruits of their labour flourishing.

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The  jewel in the crown: the wetlands,  with all their variety and beauty. More than two thirds of Russell Island are conservation and wetlands areas, some of these areas interlocking. Work has been done to survey and document Whistling Kite, Turtle Swamp, Western and Eastern Corridors. More about wetlands found here.

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Many people come to Russell Island to buy a piece of island paradise, as there are many blocks of land for sale starting from around $25,000.  Also there are houses for sale from excellent value waterfront/waterview houses to very cheap cottages. One of the real estate agents on the island is Gold Real Estate.

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The best thing on Russell, like in any place you go, is the exploring and finding your own favorite places.

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Or check some of the Russell Island Activities – you may be pleasantly surprised