St Helena Island National Park

St Helena Island National Park is a protected island in southern Moreton Bay, Queensland, that preserves the ruins of a 19th-century penal settlement. The island contains substantial masonry remains of the convict station and is managed for cultural heritage as well as conservation.

The intact and interpreted prison buildings and yards where visitors can follow guided tours and interpretive trails through the site. The island is important for understanding Queensland’s penal history and is a focus for heritage tourism.

The penal settlement was established in the late 19th century to house convict labour and operated for several decades before closure; masonry buildings and infrastructure remain as the primary historic fabric. The site is now protected and interpreted by Queensland Parks and heritage authorities.

St Helena Island lies in southern Moreton Bay off the coast of Brisbane, accessible only by boat from mainland departure points in the Cleveland and Redland Bay area.

• Access and interpretation: Access is by scheduled boat tours from mainland Moreton Bay towns; visitor facilities and interpretive signage explain the island's convict-era history.

What to See #

• Penal settlement ruins and museum areas: Extensive masonry ruins and the remains of the former penal settlement, including cell blocks and guard buildings that form the core of on-site interpretation.
• Visitor jetty and landing: A jetty and visitor landing area used by tour operators that bring day visitors from the Queensland mainland.