The Redcliffe Peninsula sits in the middle of Moreton Bay, so the islands, the marine park, Bribie Island, the Glass House Mountains and Brisbane’s bayside history are all within a day trip. Here are the best things to do in the Moreton Bay region, with the details you need to plan them.
Moreton Bay Marine Park and its wildlife
Moreton Bay Marine Park covers more than 3,400 square kilometres, and its wetlands are listed under the international Ramsar Convention. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says the bay is home to six of the world’s seven sea turtle species, three species of dolphin and herds of dugong, and its mudflats feed migratory shorebirds that fly in from as far away as Siberia. Vessels over 8 m must slow down in the designated turtle and dugong go-slow areas.
Whale watching from Redcliffe
Humpback whales pass through the region on their annual migration in the cooler months. Brisbane Whale Watching runs seasonal cruises from the Redcliffe Jetty, roughly from June to November; check its website for the current season and departure times.
Moreton Island and the Tangalooma Wrecks
Moreton Island is reached by ferry from Brisbane, not from Redcliffe: the Micat vehicle ferry leaves the Port of Brisbane at Lytton, and the Tangalooma resort launch leaves Holt Street Wharf, Pinkenba. The Tangalooma Wrecks are 15 vessels scuttled between 1963 and 1984, just off the beach north of the resort. Snorkelling there means strong tidal currents and no lifeguards, so many visitors book a guided tour. Driving on the island needs a 4WD and a QPWS vehicle access permit.
Bribie Island
Bribie Island is the one bay island you can drive to, over the Bribie Island Bridge, roughly 45 to 50 minutes from Redcliffe. Pumicestone Passage on the western side is calm; Woorim on the ocean side has surf and a patrolled beach. The 3.8 km Bicentennial Trails start near the Community Arts Centre on Sunderland Drive.
Glass House Mountains
Glass House Mountains National Park is roughly an hour north. The Mt Ngungun summit walk is Grade 4, 2.8 km return and takes about 2 hours. The Yul-yan-man track is Grade 5 and needs rock-scrambling skills. Check park alerts on the Queensland Parks website before you go.
Walks and rides
- Moreton Bay Cycleway, Redcliffe: 11 km of foreshore path from Scarborough Beach to the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge, with no road crossings.
- Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail: a 10.5 km sealed trail on an old rail line, opened in 2020.
- Bunyaville Conservation Park: bush walking tracks near Albany Creek.
History around the bay
- Redcliffe Museum, 75 Anzac Avenue: free, open Wednesday to Sunday. Redcliffe was the site of the first European settlement in Queensland, in 1824.
- Redcliffe Heritage Walk and Talk: a free 1.5-hour guided walk from the Redcliffe Visitor Information Centre, Monday to Friday at 9:30am.
- Fort Lytton, near the mouth of the Brisbane River: free guided tours on the first and third Sunday of each month.
- St Helena Island: the former prison island is visited on guided tours from Manly and Fort Lytton.
A base for exploring
Redcliffe Seaside Villa Escape is a four-bedroom holiday home in Scarborough that sleeps up to eight, with a fully fenced backyard (pets welcome on approval) and a full kitchen. Scarborough Beach Park is about a 15-minute walk away, and Kippa-Ring station is a short drive. See the accommodation or check availability and book direct.
Can you see dugongs and turtles in Moreton Bay?
Yes. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says the bay supports six of the seven sea turtle species, three dolphin species and herds of dugong.
When is whale watching season near Redcliffe?
Roughly June to November, when humpback whales migrate past. Brisbane Whale Watching runs cruises from the Redcliffe Jetty in season.
Can you get to Moreton Island from Redcliffe?
Not directly. Ferries leave from the Port of Brisbane (Micat) and Holt Street Wharf, Pinkenba (Tangalooma launch).
Which Moreton Bay island can you drive to?
Bribie Island, over the Bribie Island Bridge.
Where does Queensland’s European history start?
At Redcliffe, site of the first settlement in 1824. Redcliffe Museum and the free Heritage Walk and Talk cover the story.
Explore Moreton BayBase yourself in a four-bedroom home in Scarborough, central to the bay, the islands and Brisbane. Check availability