Visiting Redcliffe, Queensland

By travellingwithmynikon | Oct 1, 2020
Oceania > Australia > Queensland > Brisbane > Moreton Bay Region > Redcliffe

If you just need a relaxing place to get away from the city or a family retreat to get back to nature, then the Redcliffe area is for you. The safe beaches are great for families, or you could take a stroll along the many walkways.

First European Settlement City


Redcliffe is full of history. Aboriginals have called this place home for thousands of years, with the local seafood and plantlife keeping them well fed. Lieutenant Cook mentioned this area on his 1770 voyage, but it was Matthew Flinders in 1799, who spent more time exploring the area and naming it Red Cliff Point, after the red soil exposed in the cliffs.
On the 13 September 1824, the convict ship Amity docked in Redcliffe. Aboard were the settlement's commandant, Lieutenant Miller, explorer John Oxley, crew, guards and, of course, convicts.

Within a year, they moved to the Brisbane River as there wasn't enough water, or safe anchorage amongst other problems, to sustain the settlement. Redcliffe remained untouched until the 1860s when it became an agricultural reserve then, in the 1880s a seaside resort.

Today you can find not only its historical past but so much more. It is best if you have a car as it's only a 45-minute drive north, but if you don't you can catch the train to Kippa-Ring, an hour from Brisbane Central, and use the buses to get around. You can find the link here to plan your journey. You can easily spend a long weekend.

Clontarf


Clontarf Information Centre

The Clontarf Information Centre at Pelican Park is packed with information on what there is to do in the area, with the helpful volunteers will steer you in the right direction.

Your first stop should be the Information Centre at Pelican Park

Your first stop should be the Information Centre at Pelican Park

There is another Information Centre on the Redcliffe foreshore, but this was the first site.

Hours:

  • 7 Days: 09:00 AM–04:00 PM
  • Public holidays may affect these hours.

Get Up Close With Pelicans

If you arrive at 10.00 am for your visit to the Clontarf Information Centre, you'll see the local Australian Pelicans up close as they are fed. They are fed a small amount of fish each day by the centre volunteers, as they do health checks. Fishing lines and hooks are common problems for these fish-loving birds, so checking down their throats is a great way to check their health.

Time for a feed and health check

Time for a feed and health check

You'll see them flying in right at 10 o'clock, even before the volunteers are out the door.

Ride/walk Along The Foreshore And Ted Smout Bridge

With kilometres of cycle and walking paths along the foreshore, you'll be spoilt for choice at where to go. From Shorncliffe Pier, along Sandgate and Brighton then across the Ted Smout Bridge is already nearly 10kms.

The Ted Smout Bridge and one of the information boards along the foreshore walk

The Ted Smout Bridge and one of the information boards along the foreshore walk

You have this cycle/walkway around to Endeavour Park in Newport, which is about 15kms from Pelican Park, with only a few times having to go on the road.

Between July and November, it's Magpie Season. Magpies are nesting in these months and may swoop you as you pass by causing scratches or worse on their attack, so watch out.

Aqua Splash

Kids of all ages having fun in the deep waters of Clontarf

Kids of all ages having fun in the deep waters of Clontarf

At the back of Pelican Park is Aqua Splash. During the summer months, is when this aqua park comes to life.

Children from 5-years-old, and upwards are welcome, although those between 5 and 9-years-old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are lifeguards on duty, and water jackets must also always be worn as the water here is deep.

You could buy tickets for 1-hour, 2-hour sessions or all day. AquaSplash is only open during the warm months - which is about nine months of the year here - but if you're coming in late Autumn or early Spring, just check on their website if they are open.

Hours:

  • 7 Days: 09:00 AM–07:00 PM

Fly A Kite At Pelican Park - Kite Fest

A popular place to be when the wind is blowing is flying a kite at Pelican Park.

When the winds are blowing off Bramble Bay, this is a popular park to come and fly a kite

When the winds are blowing off Bramble Bay, this is a popular park to come and fly a kite

Every year Kitefest is held in Pelican Park. In 2020 it will be on the weekend of the 13-14 June. This annual celebration of kites brings domestic and international kite flyers of all shapes and sizes.

Fun for all the family, there is all types of entertainment from stage to street performers and grows more popular every year.

Watch The Sunset Over Hays Inlet

At the end of the day, there are many places to watch the sunset, and down at the old Hornibrook Bridge is one of them. You may even want to drop in a line and see if you can catch any fish for dinner.

Watch the sunset from the old Hornibrook Bridge at Clontarf

Watch the sunset from the old Hornibrook Bridge at Clontarf

Woody Point


The Belvedere Hotel

Looking out over Bramble Bay, the Belvedere Hotel is a great place to enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner. From this vast outside deck, you can enjoy views of Bramble Bay.

The Belvedere Hotel and the immense outdoor seating

The Belvedere Hotel and the immense outdoor seating

Trading Hours In The Restaurant:

  • Monday-Thursday: 07:30 AM–08:30 PM
  • Friday-Sunday: 07:30 AM–Until Late

You may also want to try the local fish and chips, and eat them at the park along the foreshore.

You can try Woody's Seafood Takeaway or Seafood Town Cafe.

Woody's Seafood Takeaway Hours:

  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 AM–06:30 PM
  • Friday-Saturday: 10:00 AM–07:00 PM

Seafood Town Cafe Hours:

  • 7 Days: 10:30 AM–08:00 PM

Seafood Town Cafe fish and chips with million-dollar views

Seafood Town Cafe fish and chips with million-dollar views

See The Wreck Of The Hmqs Gayundah

In 1958, the HMQS Gayundah was grounded at Woody Point after nearly 40-years of service. During this time she served as a flat-iron gunboat in the Queensland Marine Defense Force and Australian Navy. In 1921 she was decommissioned and became a sand and gravel barge on the Brisbane River.

You have to go on the road around Woody Point. From the road, you can either look down on the wreck or go back down to the Gayundah Coastal Arboretum. It is here that go back to the site of the wreck and see it a bit closer.

This was taken two years ago. You can see how it has deteriorated more below.

What is left of the HMQS Gayundah

What is left of the HMQS Gayundah

Please note, that there are signs up saying keep off the wreck. It should really be common sense not to climb down to it, as it is crumbling away like crazy as you can see from the photos above.

See The Sunset Over Bramble Bay

Another great place to watch the sunset is from Woody Point Pier. As the sun sets the lights come on, and many people are still down here enjoying the light show and eateries.

Watch the lights come on the jetty as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Redcliffe


There are plenty of places to park in Redcliffe. On the waterfront at Captain Cook Park, street parking and car parks along Sutton and John Streets.

If there is an event weekend like the Festival of Sails, you'll find signs directing you to the showgrounds to park, and there will be shuttles to the foreshore or the event site.

Redcliffe Information Centre

If you have bypassed the Clontarf Information Centre then you have the Redcliffe Information Centre to check out.

The Information Centre on the right before you head out onto the Redcliffe Jetty

The Information Centre on the right before you head out onto the Redcliffe Jetty

Here you will find everything you need to know about Redcliffe and Moreton Bay area.

Hours:

  • 7 Days: 09:00 AM–04:00 PM
  • Public holidays may affect these hours

Beaches And Bbq Areas

You can walk the pathway from Scotts Point Beach, Woody Point to Scarborough Beach. All this stretch is made up of safe beaches for families to swim at. Some are patrolled, but not every day, and you can check out when the patrols are from the BeachSafe website here.

Suttons Beach

All along the foreshore at Suttons Beach, are BBQs and picnic tables for you to use, as well as the Pavilion cafe and Rotunda

All along the foreshore at Suttons Beach, are BBQs and picnic tables for you to use, as well as the Pavilion cafe and Rotunda

One of the most popular beaches on the Redcliffe Peninsula is Suttons Beach. Here you will find not only a safe swimming beach for the family but parklands, picnic and BBQ areas, The Pavilion Cafe and playgrounds for the kids.

You'll find a huge car park at Suttons Beach although it will fill up quickly on weekends and public holidays.

Trading Hours At The Pavilion Cafe Restaurant:

  • Monday-Thursday and Sunday: 11:30 AM–03:00 PM
  • Friday-Saturday: 11:30 AM–03:00 PM and 05:00 PM-10:00 PM

Bathers Bar:

  • Monday-Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 05:00 PM–09:00 PM
  • Friday: 03:00 PM-Late
  • Saturday: Noon-Late
  • Sunday: Noon-07:00 PM

    Cafe:

  • Monday-Friday: 08:00 AM–04:00 PM

  • Saturday and Sunday: 07:30 AM–06:00 PM

Fish And Chippery:

  • Monday-Thursday: 10:30 AM–03:00 PM
  • Friday-Sunday: 10:30 AM–06:00 PM

Comino's Arcade

If you want to see what Redcliffe was like over the past 100-years, then you should visit Comino's Arcade.

The Comino Arcade with historical photographs of early Redcliffe

The Comino Arcade with historical photographs of early Redcliffe

The photographs give you an insight into the life of those visiting the Peninsula by whatever means possible over the years.

Redcliffe Farmers And Artisan Markets Sundays

On a Sunday morning, why not try out the Redcliffe Jetty Markets. You can buy everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to gifts to take home.

The Redcliffe Parade is shut down for the Sunday Street Markets

The Redcliffe Parade is shut down for the Sunday Street Markets

This is a very popular market for locals and visitors. Not only do you have food trucks, but all the cafes and restaurants including Hoggs Breath Cafe, Coffee Club, Preece's at the Jetty and British Fish and Chips from Yabbey Road. From all these eateries you can enjoy outside dining looking out over Moreton Bay.

Seating is in front of most of the cafes and restaurants along the Parade, and The Beatles inspired Yabbey Road Fish and Chippery

Seating is in front of most of the cafes and restaurants along the Parade, and The Beatles inspired Yabbey Road Fish and Chippery

Market Hours:

  • Sunday: 08:00 AM–02:00 PM

Redcliffe Museum

The Redcliffe Museum that was a converted church on Anzac Avenue

The Redcliffe Museum that was a converted church on Anzac Avenue

Inside the excellent Redcliffe Museum, you'll find not only the history of the Peninsula but how the Aboriginals lived before the white man arrived.

The Shed, in a room on the right-hand side, has memorabilia which takes us through the last 100 years or so. This shows you what life was like with tools lining the walls and a recreated kitchen and laundry.

The Kitchen and Laundry that you see after passing through The Shed

The Kitchen and Laundry that you see after passing through The Shed

Inside the Museum you'll find memorabilia, stories and a kid's information area

Inside the Museum you'll find memorabilia, stories and a kid's information area

In the kid's area, they can practice sailor's knots and learn about boating in Moreton Bay.

A room to the side houses the war propaganda posters. You can also see a film on the cartoons that Australia, Britain and the U.S. made using war propaganda, which is very interesting.

There are so many posters of war propaganda hanging in this room

There are so many posters of war propaganda hanging in this room

Parking is right next to the museum.

Hours:

  • Sunday: 10:00 AM–03:00 PM
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 AM–04:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM–03:00 PM
  • Closed on all public holidays

Standing on Oxley Avenue is the Redcliffe Art Gallery and Library<

The Redcliffe Art Gallery isn't big, but it does include works from local artists. It's only half a dozen walls or so, but there are many artworks with changing exhibits.

Hours:

  • Sunday Closed
  • Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM–04:00 PM
  • Closed on all public holidays

Parking is either on the street or underneath the Art Gallery/Redcliffe Library building. Access is off Downs Street.

Redcliffe Libary

In the same building but on the other side is the Redcliffe Libary. Here you can find free Wifi as well as the usual books, magazines and newspapers. You can also use their computers and get any photocopying done.

Parking is either on the street or underneath the Art Gallery/Redcliffe Library building. Access is off Downs Street.

Hours:

  • Sunday Closed
  • Monday-Thursday: 08:30 AM–05:00 PM
  • Friday: 08:30 AM–08:00 PM
  • Saturday: 09:00 AM–04:30 PM
  • Closed on all public holidays

Settlement Cove Lagoon

The lagoon is the place to be on a hot summers day

The lagoon is the place to be on a hot summers day

On a hot day, the Settlement Cove Lagoon is the place to be. The Lagoon is a safe swimming spot for all ages with a toddler pool and playground at the southern end.

The kids have plenty to keep them occupied in and out of the water

The kids have plenty to keep them occupied in and out of the water

Lifeguards are on duty during the day, although it is open 24 hours. Parents should still keep their eyes on their kids at all times. You can check if lifeguards are on duty here.

There is a car park just along from the Cove that you access from the roundabout on the Redcliffe Parade.

Bee Gees Way

On the 14th of February 2013, the Bee Gees Way was opened, commemorating the work of the Brothers Gibb and how they got their start on the Peninsula. In 2015 Barry Gibb was here to witness the opening of stage 2.

The Bee Gees Way is a celebration of the lives of the Brothers Gibb. It was on the Peninsula that their career began in the late 50s, and early 60s.

The walk between Sutton Street and Redcliffe Parade, tells the story of the Brothers Gibb

The walk between Sutton Street and Redcliffe Parade, tells the story of the Brothers Gibb

Here you can wander down seeing photographs, album covers, a film and career highlights with their music playing. At the bay end, there are also statues of the brothers in their younger days and at their peak.

The young Bee Gees during there time in Redcliffe and during there hey-day

The young Bee Gees during there time in Redcliffe and during there hey-day

Light shows are on every night between 7-9.30pm.

Watch The Sunrise Over Moreton Bay

Watch the sunrise over Moreton Bay from the Redcliffe Jetty.

All along the Moreton Bay shoreline are great places to watch the sunrise. See the changing colours in the sky as you walk along the foreshore.

Redcliffe Botanic Gardens

The entrance to the Redcliffe Botanical Gardens on George Street

The entrance to the Redcliffe Botanical Gardens on George Street

Tracks will lead you through the native gardens in Redcliffe Botanic Gardens. Bush Turkeys roam through the bush, and here you can enjoy the use of BBQs and picnic tables during your visit.
If you want to see fruit bats, then this is the place to be. You'll hear them during the day, and if you look up, you'll find them trying to get some sleep before dusk sees them fly off.

Look up while you're walking through the gardens to see sleeping, or not, Fruit Bats

Look up while you're walking through the gardens to see sleeping, or not, Fruit Bats

Hours:

  • 7 Days: 06:00 AM–06:00 PM

Scarborough


If you are walking or cycling the pathway then you'll come to the Northern end of the Redcliffe Peninsula at Scarborough.

Cafes line the village which is across the road from Scarborough Beach.

Scarborough Beach

Once again, you have a safe, family-friendly beach at Scarborough.

Scarborough Beach is another safe, calm family-friendly beach on Redcliffe Peninsula

Scarborough Beach is another safe, calm family-friendly beach on Redcliffe Peninsula

You have a car park or street parking and it is busy on weekends with families using not only the beach but the playgrounds located here.

Railway And Pirate Place At Scarborough Park

Also at the beach is the largest playground on the Redcliffe Peninsula. A Pirate Ship and Train are just two of the attractions for the kids to play on along with the usual swings.

If your kids love climbing, then the Cotton Tree Forest is for them. Gnarled Cotton Wood Trees offer plenty of opportunities for them to explore the cool undergrowth.

With so many branches, the kids will be busy for hours

With so many branches, the kids will be busy for hours

This is definitely a playground where your kids can let their imaginations run wild.

Reef Point And Scarborough Marina

You can pick up the walkway again here as you check out the views over Deception Bay on your walk around the Marina.

Watching the Kite Surfers at Reef Point Beach

Watching the Kite Surfers at Reef Point Beach

If the winds are strong, then you can be sure that kite-surfers will be out here. You can take a stroll around the marina keeping an eye out for local birdlife or enjoy something to eat at
Sea, Salt and Vine Cafe.

You can enjoy breakfast or lunch at this beachside cafe

You can enjoy breakfast or lunch at this beachside cafe

Hours At Sea, Salt And Vine:

  • 7 Days: 07:00 AM–04:00 PM

If you time your walk right, you can enjoy the sunset over the Marina and Deception Bay.

On your stroll around the marina, you can watch as the sun sets over Scarborough Marina

On your stroll around the marina, you can watch as the sun sets over Scarborough Marina

Fish And Chips At Morgans

One of the most well-known fish and chip places in the Moreton Bay and Brisbane areas is Morgans Seafood and Takeaway.

Morgans Seafood and Takeaway with covered outdoor seating and views over the Marina

Morgans Seafood and Takeaway with covered outdoor seating and views over the Marina

Whether you're after fresh fish, prawns, sushi or oysters, this is the place to find them all.

On Easter Friday, the queues are out the door and down the street and most days have smaller lines for their takeaway.

Enjoy Morgan's Fish and Chips while enjoying the waterfront

Enjoy Morgan's Fish and Chips while enjoying the waterfront

Trading Hours In The Seafood Market (closed Christmas Day):

  • Monday-Thursday and Sunday: 08:30 AM–05:30 PM
  • Friday-Saturday: 08:30 AM–6:00 PM

Trading Hours In The Takeaway (closed Christmas Day):

  • Monday-Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 AM–07:00 PM
  • Friday-Saturday: 10:00 AM–07:30 PM

Rothwell


Running beside the tracks between Kippa-Ring Train Station to Petrie Train Station is another cycle/walkway. This 12.6km path takes you through wetlands, and you'll see artworks of the local wildlife, Anzac tributes and historical commemorations to the local Aborigines.

Three of the many art along the train tracks

Three of the many art along the train tracks

On the path, you could take a detour to Lake Eden at North Lakes.

North Lakes

North Lakes also has a great walkway around Lake Eden.

Lake Eden at North Lakes

Lake Eden at North Lakes

As you walk around the 1-mile path, you will see water dragons and all types of birdlife keeping you company. Swans, turtles, ducks and swamphens also call this lake home.

Corellas, Female Superb Fairy Wren and Australian Pelican

Corellas, Female Superb Fairy Wren and Australian Pelican

Water Dragon and Intermediate Egret

Water Dragon and Intermediate Egret

Tandem Skydive

For the adrenaline junkies, from the Redcliffe Aerodrome, you can take off for a flight and skydive onto one of the many beaches that line Redcliffe's shores.
Take in all the views of Moreton Bay, Moreton and Bribie Islands.

Rothwell Water Tank Art

Another one of the colourful splashes here is the Water Tank on Morris Road.

The colourful water tank on Morris Road that highlights the wildlife in the area

The colourful water tank on Morris Road that highlights the wildlife in the area

Across the road from the Water Tank is Melaleuca Crescent, where once again you can pick up the cycleway.

Cycle/walkway To Deception Bay

The path takes you through parklands, Koala habitats, mangroves and more beaches through to Deception Bay.

If you're lucky you'll find the Mangrove Honeyeater, Kookaburra and Tawny Frogmouth.
More picnic tables are dotted along the pathway so you can sit and enjoy the views across Moreton Bay.

The pathway through Rothwell overlooking the wetlands and down at one of the many shelters along Deception Bay

The pathway through Rothwell overlooking the wetlands and down at one of the many shelters along Deception Bay

Keep an eye out for more local wildlife. Kangaroos may be seen on the grassy parklands at dawn and dusk, and if you look up into the Gum Tree branches, Koalas are in the area.

Keep a close eye open for Koalas high in the branches of the Gum Trees and Kangaroos

Keep a close eye open for Koalas high in the branches of the Gum Trees and Kangaroos

Places To Eat


With so many clubs, cafes and restaurants as well as takeaways, you'll be spoilt for choice about where to eat.

Accommodation


Everything from caravan parks to apartment accommodation is on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

You can see what is in your budget here as well as more in the Moreton Bay region.

Seasonal Activities


Whale Watching May-November

Taking off from the Redcliffe Jetty, Brisbane Whale Watching will take you out into Moreton Bay to meet the gentle giants that are Humpback Whales.

Along the way, you may also see the local dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more in this aquatic wonderland.

If you are staying in Brisbane, you can get the courtesy shuttle to pick you up from your accommodation in Brisbane.

They can also take you out on Moreton Bay for Sunset Cruises.

All information is on their website, which you can also book through or click below.

Redcliffe Festival Of Sails

Every Good Friday, Redcliffe is the most popular place to be during the Redcliffe Festival of Sails.

You have to get down to the foreshore early to get your place to watch the yachts go past on the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

This is when all the apartments on the waterfront come into force as balconies are packed with residents and their friends to watch the yachts go past.

Live music, street performers, sand art and more keep you entertained at Suttons Beach and Redcliffe.

Moreton Bay Food And Wine Festival

Every September, for one weekend, the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival arrives on Redcliffe Parade.

This festival has pop-up bars, live music, dining experiences, cooking demonstrations and celebrity chefs.

Caution


Queensland is the skin cancer capital of the world, so always bring the sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, even in winter, and don't forget your water if you're walking or cycling.

If you're in Brisbane, then be sure to read my other blogs on the area, Eat Street Northshore, where to Koalas in and around Brisbane, Brisbane City Markets and what there is to see and do in Brisbane City.

Woody Point Wildlife Skydiving Art Gallery Redcliffe Whale Watching Water Park Queensland Moreton Bay Region Australia Clontarf Botanical Garden Art Restaurants Things to do Park Oceania Library Museums Beaches Bee Gees Scarborough Rothwell Market History Brisbane

Share this tip:

Written by travellingwithmynikon
Hi. My name is Kim and I love to travel especially getting about in nature. I have only really started this seriously at the end of 2018 but I'm loving the lifestyle and community.

Thoughts? Questions?

See also

Accommodations

Tours and activities

Tarawera and Lakes - Eco Tour

The Rotorua District is home to 18 stunning lakes, amazing natural landscapes and lush native bush. Our Tarawera and Lakes Eco-Tour will take you from the centre of town into a culturally, ecologically and historically significant area.

Sea-Kayaking Pohatu Marine Reserve Safari

Explore the outer coast of Pohatu Marine Reserve and marvel at its spectacular towering cliffs, rock stacks, reefs, and deep sea caves. Observe the diverse wildlife and marine species such as penguins, seals, various sea birds and possibly the world’s smallest dolphin!