About St Helena Island National Park
St Helena Island National Park is a heritage-listed island national park in Moreton Bay, about 4 kilometres east of the Brisbane River mouth within the City of Brisbane, Queensland. The 72-hectare island preserves the ruins of Queensland's 19th-century high-security prison operating from 1867 to 1932 and a former quarantine station. Accessible only by licensed commercial tour, it features restored buildings, a museum, mangroves and birdlife, illustrating Queensland's penal and quarantine history.
Visitors guide
Visitors arrive by licensed tour boat from Manly and explore on a guided walking tour. Expect well-preserved ruins of the former prison including cell blocks, warder residences, workshops and lime kiln, plus a small museum with artefacts. The island landscape includes mangroves, eucalypt woodland, grassy picnic areas and shoreline views across Moreton Bay. Tours include historical interpretation, birdwatching and photography opportunities. Independent access is not permitted and all visits are guided.
Key highlights
- 01
Heritage-listed ruins of Queensland's 19th-century maximum-security prison (1867-1932)
- 02
Guided tours with restored buildings and museum artefacts
- 03
Moreton Bay island landscape with mangroves, woodland and birdlife
- 04
Historic quarantine station remains and lime kiln