Photo: Supplied.
RANGER STACEY THOMSON IS PRINCIPAL ADVISER – COMMUNITY EDUCATION (REDLAND CITY COUNCIL)
I recently had the pleasure of guiding a group of curious community members on an early morning walk to King Island from Wellington Point Reserve. It was such a fantastic bunch of people that included a lady celebrating her birthday with family, an eager squad of homeschoolers, a couple of keen birdwatchers, a lady new to Australia, plus local residents who hadn’t yet seized the opportunity – until now!
The walk to King Island is a unique adventure that must be experienced at low tide, when the one-kilometre sand bridge becomes exposed. On the day of our walk, we hadn’t even set foot on the sand, when one of the bird enthusiasts spotted an Australian hobby. This medium-sized falcon is not only striking in appearance but a skilled and speedy hunter. In fact, this handsome hobby is often perched in the same tree, scoping out the landscape below.
People have strolled out to King Island since at least the early 1900s, when promenading was a popular pastime. Then and now, the natural beauty of the marine environment continues to attract visitors. King Island – along with Green, St Helena, and Mud Islands – is part of a chain of islands that extend into central Moreton Bay.
Along the walk, shorebirds feast on a smorgasbord of seafood, such as crustaceans and beachworms, while crabs quickly disappear down tiny holes in the soft sand. This is more than a visual escapade, it’s a multi-sensory experience, from the gentle salty breeze on your skin to the distinctive clicking sounds of snapping shrimp hiding beneath the sand’s surface.
The ambience changes as you arrive on the tiny island. Precious mangroves hug the edges, while cotton trees (Hibiscus tiliaceus) and swamp oaks (Casuarina glauca) provide shelter and food for wildlife.
Surprisingly, King Island was home for the Phillips family for 16 months from December 1904. The family relocated from Hamilton after their daughter Jo contracted infantile paralysis (poliomyelitis), for which there was no treatment at the time. However, bathing daily in warm salty water was thought to be beneficial, so the family of nine, plus a maid, lived a simple island life. Mr. Phillips, a bank manager, commuted to Brisbane City each day while the three older children attended Wellington Point State School.
King Island is a treasure-trove of natural wonder and fascinating history.
If you haven’t ventured out to this Redlands Coast gem, start planning your visit today!
Until next time … Stay Wild!
Ranger Stacey
