The best of Moreton Bay: fly, ferry, walk or bike
Where do we start with things to do in Moreton Bay/Redcliffe Peninsula?
Paradise in 300 words? Here we go:
In past posts, we’ve written at length about Moreton Island Scenic Helicopter Flights, a must if you want to get a bird’s-eye view of this beautiful corner of the world.
For 90 minutes fly like an eagle (in a helicopter) over Moreton and Stradbroke Islands to take in a unique and spectacular landscape, swooping over an array of oceanic wildlife, famous ship wrecks and Cape Moreton Lighthouse.
If you prefer to travel by boat, there is nothing better than a day trip to Moreton Island.
Get there on the Redcliffe2Moreton Express Newport Ferry that operates on Friday and Sunday.
The pedestrian (no vehicles) ferry departs from Newport Marina at 158 Griffith Rd, Scarborough, on Friday and Sunday at 10am (arrive around 9.30am to board).
It returns to Newport from Bulwar at about 5pm. *Note that it doesn’t go to Tangalooma Resort.
If you prefer to keep your feet on terra firma, walk (or cycle) along the Redcliffe Peninsula seaside walk from Scarborough to Redcliffe Jetty. It is a level walk that can take 30 minutes (by bike) to an hour each way. But be prepared to be distracted by cafes and local boutiques so give yourself plenty of time.
Take your swimmers because you might be tempted to dive into the calm ocean at Suttons Beach.
Fans of fishing could also drop a line at fishing hotspots such as Scarborough Marina, Redclliffe Jetty or Hornibrook Bridge.
Check out the tours and discover more local attractions at Experience Oz.
Book accommodation nearby at Scarborough Beach Resort. Perfect for attending an event at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. 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
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
Hit the road for a day trip: we offer free parking!
It’s reassuring to know that when you stay at Scarborough Beach Resort your vehicle is safe and sound in our free, secure undercover car park.
This gives you the freedom to leave the car behind to wander on foot, exploring the immediate local area and attractions or travelling across the water to mesmerising Moreton Island.
We are also in a fantastic location – conveniently positioned within driving distance of numerous day-trip destinations.
While we have an undeniably picturesque beach on our doorstep, the coastline drive is refreshing. You might like to drive south along the short peninsula route to Redcliffe Jetty, checking out Woody Point on the way.
Or head north for a longer drive (it only takes around an hour) through Beerburrum and Beerwah State Forests to Mooloolaba.
Alternatively, a one-and-a-half hour drive into the hinterland will get you to the aptly named Mount Glorious in the D’Aguilar Range.
There’s so much choice so why not get your motor going!
Book accommodation nearby 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
Fun for the whole family: 10 things to do in the Moreton Bay Region
Boredom (the negative kind, not the day-dreaming kind) is banned from our 10 fantastic school holiday activities in the Moreton Bay Region. There is something for everybody on the list, which contains a mixed bag of structured and free-form experiences.
Keep it local
1. Moreton Island: Cruises depart from Redcliffe Jetty and Newport Marina, Scarborough, for Moreton Island Marine Park on a regular basis, with a number of cruises/tours to suit different schedules and budgets. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins, sea turtles or dugongs. And now is the time to see humpback whales (see our whale watching post for more information).
2. Redcliffe Botanic Gardens: What used to be a cow paddock is now a glorious natural haven filled with native Australian plants. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the gardens have literally grown into something special. There’s plenty for curious kids to investigate including a herb garden with more than 500 species, a rainforest, heathland and floral sensory experience. Shelters and seating are available. Perfect for a family picnic.
3. Redcliffe Art Gallery: Regional art galleries are thriving, and this local gem is no exception. The art gallery has many projects on the boil and will be exhibiting the work of the Henzell St Quilters in June and July. An established quality art collection also showcases new artworks.
4. Go fishing at Redcliffe Jetty: Whiting is the catch of the day off the historic jetty that has panels which chart it and the town’s fascinating past. If you’re there on a Sunday, visit the Redcliffe Jetty Markets on the Anzac Bay Parklands from 8am-2pm.
5. Moreton Bay Cycleway, Redcliffe: Get on ya bikes and freewheel it along a coastal bike path from Scarborough Beach to Ted Smout Memorial Bridge at Clontarf. It’s a 22km return journey with plenty of distractions along the way that include the Guyandah Wreck at Woody Point and loads of tempting eateries!
6. Redcliffe Show at Redcliffe Showgrounds: It is sure to be bigger and better than ever this year. For three days – from June 30-July 2 – it promises camel rides, cattle judging, horse show judging, pig racing and car racing (not together) and fireworks! And that’s just a taster. What more could you want in a show?
7. Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe: Open all year round, this family-friendly amenity in front of Redcliffe Pde has water activities and a shaded children’s playground. All ages are catered to in the lagoon, which has a shallow wading area for small children and high-set viewing areas for parents and carers. Barbecues, toilets and change rooms are provided (no glass is allowed on-site).
Action packed
8. Skateaway Family Skate Centre, Albany Creek: The centre has a roller-skating holiday fun program that includes day-and-night sessions, a Saturday learn-to-skate class and a family pass giveaway at every holiday session.
9. Kumbartcho Sanctuary, Eatons Hill: Get back to nature and give your lungs and legs a workout in six hectares of bushland and riparian* forest that has survived suburban encroachment. Walking tracks follow the South Pine River where you could see water and shore birds, raptors and all variety of native animals including frogs, snakes, turtles and possums. Afterwards, enjoy a barbecue or picnic while the kids frolic in the playground. (*relating to or situated on the banks of a river)
10. Helicopter tour: Spoil yourself rotten with a ‘Redcliffe Spin’, a 12-minute flight that takes in the sights of Moreton Bay. If you’d like longer, go for the 20-minute ‘Redcliffe Beach Patrol’ that covers Moreton Bay, Redcliffe city, Moreton Island, Brisbane City and the Glasshouse Mountains. (Minimum of two passengers, from Redcliffe Airport)
Book accommodation nearby 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