Five things to do that don’t require a day on the road
It’s hard to come up with five definitive ‘must sees’ in South East Queensland because we are so spoilt for choice in the scope of attractions that range from natural wonders through to cultural and indigenous heritage.
To make things easier, we’ve narrowed down the drive time from Scarborough to five things that are “do-able” in a day.
We’ve gone off the beaten track for some while others are an easy cruise for a big day out.
1. Mt Tempest on Moreton Island National Park: Moreton Island is the ultimate ‘must see’ destination on our list. And if you want to make the most of your visit, the 2.5 kilometre hike to the island’s highest sand dune Mt Tempest is well worth it. On a clear day, the view from the top takes in 360-degree views of the island and the Glasshouse Mountains on the mainland. Less challenging hikes are available if the two-hour return trip appears daunting.
2. Coastal drive or bike ride from Scarbrough to Shorncliffe: You can drive or ride a bicycle along this scenic route that passes through local coastal villages on the Redcliffe Peninsula. Cross the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge – at 2.7 kilometres in length, it is claimed to be Australia’s longest bridge – and cruise through Sandgate with its heritage-listed houses. At Shorncliffe, check out Shorncliffe Pier (see photo), which reopened in 2016 after a full refurbishment.
3. Deception Bay: Walk the four-kilometre heritage trail along the boardwalk and over mudflats at Deception Bay. Look out for the heritage-listed sea baths, rare surviving examples of 19th century tidal baths built for health and recreational purposes by landowner Dr Joseph Bancroft, who is recognised as a founder of medical research in Australia.
4. D’Aguilar National Park: It takes less than an hour by car to get to the Walkabout Discovery Centre at D’Aguilar National Park. The cool mountain tops and forest flats are home to a huge variety of native plants and animals. There are plenty of options for getting around including bush walking, mountainbike riding and trail rides on horseback.
5. St Helena Island National Park: Visit the 166ha island, the location of the state’s first penal settlement from 1867-1932. Take a guided tour to get educated on the colourful history of the island and to gain access to the restricted area that includes the remains of fragile structures such as the butcher shop and bakery. Seek out the middens and shell scatters left behind by indegenous people who visited the island for thousands of years.
Book accommodation at Scarborough Beach Resort. Perfect for a family holiday to Queensland, it’s just 35 minutes drive from Brisbane airport, offering a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom fully-self contained holiday apartments and onsite facilities including swimming lap pool, large heated spa and more. BOOK YOUR SCARBOROUGH BRISBANE ACCOMMODATION NOW
Day trips to the Sunshine Coast
Scarborough Beach Resort – the perfect South-East Queensland base!
When staying at Scarborough Beach Resort you will be ideally located to explore not only the beautiful local area, but it’s also the perfect base for discovering South-East Queensland.
Our location is just a short drive to many great Queensland attractions and destinations. Over the next few months we will be looking at the different regions of South-East Queensland that you can explore from Scarborough Beach Resort, including Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast!
Starting out this month, with the Sunshine Coast and surrounds!
Australia Zoo
Get up close with the wildlife at the world-famous Australia Zoo! See the exhibits with a wide selection of mammals; including kangaroos, echidnas, giraffe and the Tasmanian Devil, Birds and Reptiles; including crocodiles, lizards and snakes! There’s also Bindi’s Island for the kids to explore and much more on offer.
Located at 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah
Approximately a 1 hour drive from Scarborough Beach Resort
The Big Pineapple
An icon of Queensland and heritage-listed tourist attraction of the Sunshine Coast. The feature stands at 16 metres high, and was originally opened back n 1971. Ride the Pineapple train, visit Wildlife HQ Qld Zoo or try a bite to eat at The Pineapple Shop and Café. Why not try the signature Big Pineapple Fruit Salad Parfait! The Big Pineapple is also the site for the Big Pineapple Markets each Saturday from 6:30am until 1pm, boasting indoor and outdoor stalls. Each year they host the Big Pineapple Music Festival.
Located in Woombye, Sunshine Coast
Approximately a 1 hour drive to the Big Pineapple
Aussie World
Australian themed park with over 30 rides and attractions including dodgem cars, Giant Slide, Crazy Mirrors, Platypus Ponds mini golf and more. They also host regular events at Halloween, Easter, Christmas, Australia Day and more.
Located at 73 Frizzo Road, Palmview
Approximately a 60 minute drive
Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
Visit the southernmost community of the Sunshine Coast! Including stunning beaches such as Kings Beach, Dicky Beach, Moffat Beach or Bulcock Beach. Plus the Pumicestone Passage which is a great destination for cruising and water based activity. Caloundra is also home to the Sunshine Coast Turf Club and nearby Greg Norman designed Pelican Waters Golf Club. On Sundays you may enjoy the Bulcock Street Markets.
Approximately a 1 hour and 10 minute drive from Scarborough Beach Resort
Bribie Island
The only Moreton Bay island that you can drive to!
Connected to the mainland by bridge, why not take a scenic trip to Bribie Island where you will find beaches, golf courses, shopping centre, movie theatre, golf and bowls club, parks and an array of restaurants and eateries.
Bribie Island is protected by Environmental, National and Marine Parks, 86% of Bribie Island will remain unchanged, ensuring the natural beauty will remain for future generations to visit and enjoy!
Approximately a 1 hour and 20 minute drive
Book accommodation staying with us here at Scarborough Beach Resort – and discover the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland!
Stay tuned for our next article in December, when we visit Brisbane.
*Please note that all drive times are approximate and are based on google maps directions. Driving times may vary due to traffic conditions, routes taken, etc.