Teerk Roo Ra National Park Quandamooka Country Brisbane

Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

About Teerk Roo Ra

    Park features

    The 519 ha island is surrounded by mangroves, except for a sand beach on the southern side that forms Horseshoe Bay. Rich in cultural significance, Teerk Roo Ra is the only intact example of a multiracial lazaret in Australia. It opened in 1907, housing leprosy patients for the next 52 years. Prior to the lazaret, the island served as a quarantine station (1874 to the 1890s) and home for 'inebriates' (1910–1916).

    Looking after the park

    Your help is needed to preserve the park and historic ruins for generations to come. Please be aware of these guidelines while visiting the park:

    • Dogs are prohibited in the Teerk Roo Ra National Park.
    • To preserve the historic sites, access is restricted to most of the island. Fines apply for entering the restricted access area.
    • Everything in the national park is protected.
    • Rubbish bins are not provided. Take your rubbish home with you and dispose of it responsibly on the mainland or at home.
    • If camping at Platypus Bay we recommend you bring a portable toilet. All toilet waste should be removed from the island and emptied into an approved portable toilet disposal facility.

    See caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

    Park management

    Teerk Roo Ra was dedicated under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 as a national park and conservation park in December 2007. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has worked towards preserving the island’s historic remains and artefacts and managing visitor access to the island.

    On 4 July 2011, the Quandamooka Peoples #2 Native Title determination was recognised over land and waters on, and surrounding North Stradbroke Island, and Peel Island in Moreton Bay. This included Naree Budjong Djara National Park and other protected areas on North Stradbroke Island, and Teerk Roo Ra National Park and Conservation Park on Peel Island.

    Today Teerk Roo Ra National Park and Conservation Park is jointly managed by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). Quandamooka and departmental officers’ are working together to protect the islands cultural and natural values for the benefit of all the people of Queensland.

    Tourism information links

    For more information about Teerk Roo Ra, contact:

    For more information about activities, tours and accommodation in the Brisbane region, contact:

    For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.