In 1838, some 20 Bandjalung people (original inhabitants of Woodford Island) were murdered by cedar getters in a reprisal massacre.

[2] The town of Brushgrove was once a major trading hub for timber, sugar and other agriculture goods due to its location on the Clarence River.

This brought tremendous wealth to area and at one time the island supported many schools, a police station, many businesses and other utilities.

Tourist drive 22 travels across the island starting at the Lawrence Car Ferry and ending at the McFarlane Bridge that enters Maclean.

[3] The bridge was named after John McFarlane local member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.