The King’s Birthday public holiday in October is the last long weekend before Christmas and provides the perfect opportunity to explore Redlands Coast, one of the jewels in the crown of Queensland’s tourism industry.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Redlands Coast was the perfect getaway for residents in the Greater Brisbane area and for locals wanting to explore more of their backyard.
“We have 335km of coastline and nine islands, three of which are uninhabited, so it doesn’t take long to immerse yourself in a whole new world,” the Mayor said.
“This includes opportunities to enjoy a family beach holiday, take in some amazing views and experience traditional First Nations culture.
“For water sports lovers, there are a number of pontoons to launch a canoe or kayak, or you can hire a standup paddleboard, join a guided tour or sign up for a sailing adventure.”
The Mayor said there were also plenty of adventures for people interested in land-based pursuits.
“Redlands Coast has an extensive network of tracks and trails, mountain biking courses, horse riding trails and walking and cycling ways,” the Mayor said.
“Visitors hoping to reconnect with nature also won’t be disappointed, with opportunities to view a wide range of marine creatures, native animals and birdlife.”
Redlands Coast offers a range of accommodation options from island waterfront cottages, camping and beachfront resorts to glamping, small boutique B&Bs and holiday homes.
Redlands Coast adventures
Long weekend getaway options on Redlands Coast can be as relaxing or adventurous as you like.
Here are 10 to get you started.
- Check out what’s on: Enjoy the magic of the Harry Potter A Forbidden Forest Experience before it closes on 5 October. Dream big at the Brisbane Tiny Home Expo at Cleveland Showgrounds from 3 to 5 October. View Quandamooka artist and designer Delvene Cockatoo-Collins’ Create Exchange: Wearing Country exhibition at Redland Art Gallery.
- Go island hopping. Catch the water taxi from Redland Bay and make your way around the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. Karragarra Island is a great spot for a picnic on the foreshore and a visit to the community gardens. Next is Macleay Island where you can enjoy a meal on the deck after a game of barefoot bowls with stunning views, with a short stroll to the Macleay Island Arts Complex showcasing local artists’ wares. On Lamb Island, you can enjoy the local fishing spots and unwind in the natural environment. Russell Island offers conveniently located cafes, the perfect spot to enjoy views over Canaipa Passage out to North Stradbroke Island.
- Explore island time in no time. Take the sea walk at low tide from Wellington Point Reserve to King Island and enjoy the tiny natural island’s sandy tracks, abundance of trees, mangroves and diverse wildlife. Coochiemudlo Island – only a 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point – is one of the best quick escapes in south-east Queensland. The sheltered beach is a little piece of paradise with plenty of barbecue and picnic spots, or you can hire a pontoon barbecue boat or head off on the island’s coastal walking trails.
- Unleash your creativity. Redlands Coast is home to nationally and internationally-acclaimed artists and there are creative outlets for both hobby and professional artists. Try your hand at pottery, painting or sculpting or visit one of the many galleries or studios on both the mainland and islands, many of which run classes, workshops and tours.
- Wine and dine. Redlands Coast is a foodie paradise – offering craft beer breweries, a five-star winery with international accolades, a never-ending café trail, dedicated dining hubs, and a paddock to plate dining experience. Enjoy harbourside and lakeside dining options and enjoy fresh, local produce and seafood.
- Make a splash. Explore southern Moreton Bay on the water – go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, snorkelling, diving, surfing, water biking or stand up paddle boarding. Beginners can learn to surf or scuba dive, or you can book a cruise or fishing charter.
Water sports on Redlands Coast. - Hit the tracks. Hike to Mount Cotton summit for views out to Moreton and North Stradbroke Islands. The Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area is suitable for hikers, mountain bike riders and horse riders. Walk or cycle the Eddie Santagiuliana Way from Cleveland to Thornlands (wheelchair and pram friendly) or take in the wild surrounds of Redlands Track Park, Bayview Conservation Park, Venman Bushland National Park, Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area or the Southern Moreton Bay islands.
- Watch for whales. The humpback whale migration continues in October, so head to North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout and North Stradbroke Island. Point Lookout is regarded as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Take a dip. From quiet bays on the mainland to idyllic sub-tropical islands, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the seashore. Try Raby Bay Foreshore Park that has three swimming coves with sandy beaches, Main Beach on Coochiemudlo Island, Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island or Wellington Point Recreation Reserve.
- Learn about environment. IndigiScapes Environment Centre in Capalaba is a great location for families to wander and learn about our environment, dine at the eco café overlooking the natural bushlands, and explore the outdoor adventure trails. The Discovery Centre, with its displays and hands-on learning opportunities, will spark children’s curiosity about the natural world.
For more information on these and other Redlands Coast getaways, visit the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre at 50 Middle Street, Cleveland or visitredlandscoast.com.au
The centre can be contacted by phone 1300 667 386 or email [email protected]
