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