Visiting Redcliffe, Queensland

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

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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

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Woody Point

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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.

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
  
  

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.

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

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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.

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

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 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.

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.

Market Hours:

• Sunday: 08:00 AM–02:00 PM

Redcliffe Museum

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.

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.

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

Redcliffe Art Gallery

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Hours:

• 7 Days: 06:00 AM–06:00 PM

Scarborough

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Places To Eat

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

Accommodation

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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

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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

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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.