TINY Karragarra Island will be the place to be on Sunday October 1, when it holds its 22nd Sea Market Festival.
Just hop on the ferry at Redland Bay and get off at the jetty and head to the nearby beach.
Jane Milburn from Textile Beat and the War on Waste, Lara Noble from the Tiny House Company and Linda Brennan from Ecobotanica will hold talks and workshops throughout the festival and, best of all, it’s free.
Known as Karra, it is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Australia but locals reckon that every year it creates a big splash.
It sits in Southern Moreton Bay, just 14 minutes by boat from Redland Bay.
Every October the Karragarra Community Garden organises the event.
Co-ordinator Shirley Lindsay said the festival was seen as a time to bring the community together and celebrate the beauty of Moreton Bay islands.
“The event was started by community minded locals when this small vibrant island, just 2 kilometres long and
400 metres wide, had a population of around 50,” she said.
“The last five years has seen it trebled in size with over 1000 people expected to come ashore this year to enjoy the sights and sounds of this special hideaway.
“Most of the action is right where people arrive at the jetty.”
Ms Lindsay said the Sea Market Festival was a true island adventure right on Brisbane’s doorstep in one of the most convenient and picturesque festival locations in south east Queensland.
People could take a half hour walking track around the island which is a RAMSAR site for migratory birds. Seven of the eight species of mangroves of Moreton Bay grow there.
A total of 116 bird species have been recorded on the island with whistling kites and Brahminy kites nesting on the island.
“The good news is that entry is free,” she said.
“This year the festival is focusing on sustainability with many stalls on recycling, reuse and reducing and over 65 stalls booked.
“You can eat good food from a variety of stalls, feel the magic of a walk on a tiny island devoid of traffic jams, any shops or ATM’s, or a picnic and swim at the palm-fringed beach.
“You can learn more about tiny houses, rocket stoves or solar ovens, frog ponds, bees or micro bats and others can enjoy community garden tours, art displays or watch the sea eagles and curlews.”
Ms Lindsay said there would be entertainment, including an appearance by “Elvis”, children’s activities and a massive Karragarra Community Garden plant stall.
Buying a Translink ticket before boarding the ferry as it is the most economical way to travel and the 280, 282 and 250 buses deliver passengers to the Weinam Creek ferry terminal.
For more information and updates see Facebook facebook.com/KarragarraSeaMarketFestival.
