If you live in the Brisbane, Moreton Bay or Scenic Rim regions – great news!
Due to the Ekka holiday shuffle, you’ve scored an extra (and unexpected) long weekend at the end of October.
Any plans? How about a 3-day, family-friendly getaway on the beautiful Redlands Coast?
No need to fuss over an itinerary – we’ve got your 72 hours all sorted.
FRIDAY
Add an authentically French touch to your breakfast on Day One with a lovingly made croissant from the team at petite La Bouche Bakery in Cleveland. The owners are serious about creating extraordinary pastries. Their croissants are the work of 3 days – crafted from Aussie flour and lashings of French Butter. While you’re there, check out La Bouche’s luscious danishes, golden gourmet pies, quiches and tart. Ooh la la!
Before you leave, grab a freshly brewed coffee to go and make your way to beautiful Raby Bay marina. Settle in for a 5- hour adventure on Moreton Bay with your new seafaring friends from Aria Cruises.
The man at the helm of this luxury sailing catamaran is Rob Hartog – a descendent of explorer Dirk Hartog, who discovered Western Australia in the 1600s.
You’ll discover how glorious Moreton Bay can be on this excursion to lovely Peel Island. Stand-up paddle-boarding, boom-netting, swimming and beach ball games are all part of the fun. Lunch and morning or afternoon tea are part of the package too.
After your cruise, browse local wares and hear intriguing stories told by the friendly staff at the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre – based at the marina.
Time to sort out a bed for the night – and there are options. Sanctuary by Sirromet is a selection of glamping pavilions nestled near vineyards and a simple stroll away from Sirromet Winery’s cellar door and restaurants.
Or you can slink away to a secluded bushland cabin at Mount Cotton Retreat. Your beautifully appointed, self-contained getaway comes with a private balcony and complimentary port and chocolate treats.
SATURDAY
There’s a bush tucker twist to breakfast this morning. Head to Indigiscapes at Capalaba and explore the walking trails and botanic gardens before sitting down to Avocado Toast, dusted with Bush Spices or Pancakes served with ice cream, strawberries and lemon myrtle syrup – just to name a few delights on the menu.
Set aside a big chunk of the day for some aquatic fun with Bay Island Watersports. Join a kayak tour, waterbike tour (like cycling on the ocean!) or hire a stand-up paddleboard for some fun out on those calm, inner bay waters. They even have a 10-person Standup Inflatable Paddle Board for hire – if you’ve got an extra-big family!
You might even paddle or cycle your way over to Cleveland Point – where the stand-out feature is a heritage lighthouse. The landmark also lends its name to the Lighthouse Restaurant – known for awesome seafood platters and amazing bay views. And that’s lunch wrapped up, folks!
Take an apres-lunch wander around Wellington Point Recreation Reserve, surrounded by water on 3 sides and home to 100-year old Moreton Bay Figtrees. The kids will love the playground – and, when the time is right, you can even walk to an island! King Island is accessible via a low sandbar that emerges on the ebbing tide– creating a natural bridge.
Head south to lovely Victoria Point to settle into your digs for night number two. Warra Warra is the First Nation name for Victoria Point – and it’s your luxury escape for the night. This stylish new guest accommodation is a great option for couples or families – with a plunge pool; vintage bikes to explore the coast; well-appointed kitchen; Vogue-worthy bathroom; and plenty of bed acreage for the whole clan.
SUNDAY
Yes, it’s the last hurrah of the long weekend – but there’s still time to pack in plenty of fun.
At Victoria Point is the Redlands Coast’s answer to a New York deli – an eatery and mini-grocery store where Louie’s Special Sandwiches are the stars of the menu. There are 7 from which to choose, including a traditional Reuben (corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, pickles and Russian dressing) and the Muffuletta (prosciutto, mortadella, coppa, sopressa, provolone, mozzarella and olive salad).
There are also fresh salads and delicious cakes and biscuits, baked in-house. And don’t forget a takeaway coffee from the pink hole-in-the-wall servery at the front of the café.
Make your way to Victoria Point jetty and jump on board Amity Trader’s passenger ferry to Coochiemudlo Island. It’s a mere 8-minute voyage – just enough time to get some fresh sea air in the lungs.
Coochie is a pocket paradise with playground, sandy beaches that are perfect for picnicking or beach-combing and calm waters for splashing about. There’s also a great little eatery on the island – just steps from the jetty. It’s called Curlew Café in honour of the striking native birds of the same name that live on the island.
If a visit to Coochie has whet your appetite for more island adventure, there are 4 Southern Moreton Bay islands worth exploring.
For instance, if you love a roll-up, head to Macleay Island for a round of barefoot bowls and a beer, overlooking stunning blue bay waters.
Or go big and take the journey to Minjerribah – the big brother of all the bay islands. Straddie is the bomb when it comes to holiday fun. You can commune with nature; learn to surf; 4WD to hidden lakes; and take a deep dive into Quandamooka culture.
Need some more inspiration to tailor your own 3-day escape on the Redlands Coast?
Victoria Point is also home to the Lakeside outdoor precinct – next door to a natural lake formed by Eprapah Creek. Enjoy a coffee, drink or meal at any of the eateries overlooking the lake. Keep an eye out for the lake’s resident ducks and turtles too!
The Redlands Coast suburb of Ormiston is home to historic Ormiston House – the birthplace of the sugar industry. This beautiful colonial homestead is set in lawns sweeping down to the water – and it’s a popular spot for a weekend picnic.
While you’re in Cleveland, check out the beautiful Raby Bay Foreshore Park. There are sandy beaches, electric BBQs and picnic lawns. Take a walk along the foreshore and enjoy the bay breezes. Or check out the Old Schoolhouse Gallery – home to the works of local artists.
Venman National Park is another great spot for a bushland stroll. You’ll find this natural reserve in the Mount Cotton area. Native wildlife – including koalas, wallabies, goannas and birds – call the national park home.
Redland Bay is your jumping-off point to visit the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. Hop on board the regular passenger or vehicle ferries and explore Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra Islands.
For plenty more ideas, jump onto visitredlandscoast.com.au and start planning!
