Settlement Cove gets the thumbs up from families
WHERE IS IT? Settlement Cove is by the seaside, off Redcliffe Pde, Redcliffe
OPENING TIMES: All year round
COST: FREE
WHAT IS SETTLEMENT COVE?
For those not in the know, Settlement Cove is a fantastic day out for families with children of all ages.
It is a park, pools/lagoon and picnic and barbecue facility rolled into one.
Settlement Cove’s main attractions are the manmade lagoon and wading pools, which cater to all swimming levels.
The main lagoon has an islet in the middle and is rimmed by sandy bays. There are shallows, which are suitable for young children while older more experienced swimmers can venture out to the deeper areas.
During the summer months, life guards are on duty from 7am to 6pm.
KIDS’ WADING POOL
Tiny tots have their very own fenced-off pool that contains a mushroom fountain and squirting lizards.
FOR YOUR COMFORT
The palm-tree studded park gets the thumbs up from parents as there are shady areas and picnic shelters, along with barbecue facilities.
There are toilet and shower facilities on-site.
PLAYGROUND ALTERNATIVE
If water play isn’t an option, the children’s playground is another fab area for the little ones who will dig the sand play area and hang out on the swings and slides. With a renovation happening right now, the playground is set to improve with more fun play and learning equipment on the cards.
FEEDING THE FAMILY
If you don’t want to bring a picnic or DIY barbecue, a kiosk is also in the vicinity. And there’s always the huge range of takeaway shops and cafes on Redcliffe Pde.
According to those in the know, parking can be a bit tricky on sunny days so either plan to get there early or consider doing some research on parking spots nearby.
And another heads up – like car spaces picnic shelters are also in demand and people do arrive early to make sure they get one. As the old saying goes, the early bird gets the worm.
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
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
Settlement Cove Lagoon
Settlement Cove Lagoon overlooks Moreton Bay on Redcliffe’s foreshore with amazing views looking out onto Moreton Island.
This gigantic tropical sea front pool nestled at the base of Redcliffe’s cliffs is extremely popular for families with young children and those who enjoy a shallow water paddle on a hot day. It is studded with islets of palm trees and encircled with shady fig trees,which makes it a perfect picnic spot.
Adjacent is a popular kids park with water play jets, giant toadstools, bugs that squirt water and a seafront walk/cycle path which connects the cove to Redcliffe Pier and the parks beyond.
Redcliffe Lagoon has everything for a great family day out and best of all it’s free!
It is located at Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe which is less than 5Kms from Scarborough.
Book your Scarborough/Redcliffe Peninsula Accommodation for summer with us here at Scarborough Beach Resort. CLICK HERE