The Redcliffe Peninsula is a handy base for day trips to the Moreton Bay islands, Brisbane and the Glass House Mountains. Here is how to reach each one and what to plan for.
Bribie Island: the easy one
Bribie Island is joined to the mainland by a road bridge, so no ferry is needed. It is roughly 45 to 50 minutes’ drive from Redcliffe. The western side along Pumicestone Passage has calm water; Woorim, on the ocean side, has surf and a patrolled beach run by Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club. The 3.8 km Bicentennial Trails start near the Community Arts Centre on Sunderland Drive.
Moreton Island and the Tangalooma Wrecks
No ferry leaves from Redcliffe. The Micat vehicle ferry runs from the Port of Brisbane at Lytton (about 90 minutes), and the Tangalooma resort launch leaves from Holt Street Wharf, Pinkenba (about 75 minutes). Driving on the island needs a 4WD and a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service vehicle access permit.
The Tangalooma Wrecks are 15 vessels scuttled between 1963 and 1984, 50 to 100 m off the beach north of the resort. You can snorkel from the beach, but there are strong tidal currents and no lifeguards, so a guided tour is the safer choice for families.
North Stradbroke Island
Ferries and water taxis to Straddie leave from Toondah Harbour, Cleveland, on the southern side of the bay, so allow a full day with the drive.
Brisbane
Brisbane CBD is about 35 km away, around 40 minutes by car outside peak times. By train, Kippa-Ring station is a 7-minute drive from the villa and the trip to Central takes about an hour. Translink fares are a flat 50 cents on buses, trains and ferries (Airtrain excluded).
Glass House Mountains
Glass House Mountains National Park is roughly an hour north. Walks range from lookouts to the Mt Ngungun summit track (Grade 4, 2.8 km return, about 2 hours) and the Yul-yan-man track, a Grade 5 route that needs rock-scrambling skills. Check park alerts on the Queensland Parks website before you go.
Where to stay between day trips
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.
What is the easiest day trip from Redcliffe?
Bribie Island. You drive over the bridge, with no ferry needed, and it is roughly 45 to 50 minutes away.
Can you get to Moreton Island from Redcliffe?
Not directly. Ferries leave from the Port of Brisbane (Micat vehicle ferry) and Holt Street Wharf at Pinkenba (Tangalooma launch). A 4WD needs a QPWS vehicle access permit.
How far is Brisbane from Redcliffe?
About 35 km, around 40 minutes by car outside peak times. The train from Kippa-Ring to Central takes about an hour.
Can you snorkel near Redcliffe?
The best-known snorkel site in the bay is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island. Currents are strong and there are no lifeguards, so consider a guided tour.
How far are the Glass House Mountains?
Roughly an hour’s drive north. Check track grades and park alerts on the Queensland Parks website first.
Your Moreton Bay baseExplore the islands, Brisbane and the hinterland, then come home to a four-bedroom house with room for everyone. Check availability