Travellers, tourists and boaties have been banned from visiting North Stradbroke, Moreton and Fraser islands, with the threat of $13,000 fines.
The ban is for anyone who does not live or work there or be travelling for permitted purposes and comes on the eve of what is traditionally one of the islands' busiest periods - Easter.
It sees the government ramping up restrictions on the islands which have limited medical facilities as it attacks the COVID-19 outbreak.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a directive would be issued today by the Chief Health Office, after talks with Redland City Council.
"A person who does not live on the island can only travel to these areas for work, to access health care and other services or other permitted purposes including people travelling for compassionate reasons," she said.
Travelling to a designated area for a holiday or any kind of recreation is not permitted.
People coming from a high risk area or from overseas will also have to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering a designated area.
Ms Palaszczuk said the three islands were popular destinations over Easter but this was no time for travelling outside where you live.
"This is a time for staying in your communities," she said. "It's a time for families to stay at home and stay safe and healthy.
"The last thing we need is people travelling outside their communities unless it's essential.
"This travel ban will be enforceable, just as the other directives of the Chief Health Officer have been.
"If you are traveling to these islands and you don't live there, if it's not for work or for a permitted purpose, Queensland Police may fine you more than $13,000.
"There are exemptions in place for those who need to travel like parents and carers, workers and those travelling for other essential reasons."
