Discover the diverse wonders of Moreton Bay Region
You don’t need to travel far to discover beautiful bays, explore sandy islands and experience hinterland escapes. These natural wonders can be found in the picturesque Moreton Bay region, just a 40-minute drive from Brisbane City. The area offers a dazzling array of outdoor experiences, dining options and accommodation to enhance your visit. It’s time to discover the best things to see and do in the Moreton Bay region so you can start planning your visit today.
Get lost in the hinterland
Discover national parks and rainforests
Lush rainforests and ancient landscapes are highlights of the Moreton Bay region’s hinterlands. D’Aguilar National Park is the closest, large-scale national park to any capital city in Australia and is home to swimming holes, bushwalking tracks and challenging mountain climbs. The parks offer a range of family-friendly campgrounds with excellent facilities, as well as secluded walk-in-only sites for more adventurous trekkers.
The D’Aguilar Range is divided into two spectacular sections. South D’Aguilar stretches from Mount Coot-tha to the peaks of Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious behind Samford Valley. The northern Mount Mee area sits just a short drive from Dayboro. Both offer sweeping scenery and unforgettable views.
For a guided option, jump on a tour of Bellthorpe with Brisbane Nature Tours, and discover serene pockets of lush greenery in this stunning mountain range. Here, your chances of encountering wildlife are high, so keep an eye out for wallabies, koalas, echidnas and even platypus!
Visit wineries and local farms
For locally grown and produced wine, look no further than Ocean View Estate. Call ahead to arrange a gourmet picnic to enjoy on the grounds or reserve a table for lunch or dinner at its renowned restaurant. Drop by the cellar door to browse the selection of wine to take home with you or treat yourself to a relaxing weekend by staying at one of the charming on-site cottages.
Another great weekend getaway destination is Yajambee Farm Stay. This little beauty is perfect for the whole family including furry, four-legged members. Swim in the magnesium plunge pool overlooking the rolling mountains, sit around the fire pit, enjoy a barbecue, take a trail ride or feed the cows from the comfort of your deck.
Bushwalks and hiking trails
Set aside half a day and take on Cabbage Tree Range Loop at Mount Nebo. The 17km return hiking trail will take between four to seven hours and involves crossing Cabbage Tree Creek, so prepare to get your shoes wet. Take in the native bird song and bushland as you make your way around this scenic hiking trail.
If you’re looking for a more challenging trek, the Aquila Loop in D’Aguilar National Park is one of the largest walking tracks in Brisbane. Clocking in at 25km and taking six to ten hours to complete, this is a trail for fit early-risers. Starting at the Maiala day-use area, follow the Westside track past the Western Window and down steep stairs to a track junction. Don’t be scared off by the distance because this walk is well worth it for the spectacular views of the England Creek catchment.
For a shorter stroll, the Piccabeen Walk offers lush greenery and beautiful wildlife across a one kilometre boardwalk trail, its perfect for those wanting to experience the natural beauty of D'Aguilar National Park across 30 to 45 minutes.
Pro Tip: Secure a room at Maiala Park Lodge and relish in luxury accommodation and mouth watering local flavours amidst the enchanting setting of Mount Glorious, providing a perfect retreat after a day of invigorating hiking.
Discover the bayside
Get out on the water
Hit the tranquil waters of Moreton Bay and get up close and personal with an underwater world of native marine life. Whale watching season runs from June to October and local operators can safely manoeuvre you close to these majestic creatures as they traverse the coastline on their winter migration. Say hello to Captain Kerry Lopez as you board the Eye-Spy catamaran with Brisbane Whale Watching. Tours depart from Redcliffe Jetty and cruise around Moreton Bay for five-and-a-half hours with a delicious lunch included.
Spend a day cruising on Moreton Bay with Dolphin Wild Island Cruises. Sail the calm waters, spot dolphins and dugongs or snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks. Pick up the pace with Bribie's Moreton Bay Jetski Hire and Ride. The high-adrenaline, nature-based adventure takes you along Pumicestone Passage for a trip to remember.
Sandstone Point Hotel, Moreton Bay
Take a beachside break
Cruise along the Moreton Bay Cycleway and enjoy sea breezes as you cycle past bayside sections of the 26km cycleway track. Start your journey at Brighton’s Ted Smout Bridge and follow the waterfront to Redcliffe then onwards to Scarborough, Rothwell and Deception Bay.
Every Sunday, the Redcliffe Markets trade along the foreshore, offering locals and visitors alike an enticing selection of artisan products including deli delights, fresh local seafood, flowers, plants, arts and crafts. For more family fun, check out Settlement Cove Lagoon, a stunning, free resort-style public pool. Make a day of it by packing a picnic, stocking up at the markets and relaxing in the sunshine.
The Sandstone Point Hotel is one of Moreton Bay region’s prettiest waterfront dining venues. The expansive, family-friendly hotel has lush green lawns that roll down to Pumicestone Passage and stunning views of the ocean and Bribie Island. Book a table at the restaurant, hit up the fish-and-chippery or pick up a cheeky dozen at the Oyster Shed Beach Club then make yourself comfortable and watch the spectacular sunset.
Experience island vibes
Visit Bribie Island
The only Queensland island connected to the mainland by a bridge, Bribie Island is easy to access yet feels like it’s a world away. A getaway to the island is ideal for nature lovers, water sport enthusiasts and families alike with plenty of holiday apartments to rent including On the Beach Resort at Woorim, On the Bay Apartments at Bongaree and Holiday Hub Bribie Island with multiple locations.
Vast expanses of recreational areas offer an abundance of coastal camping experiences, some accessible by 4WD and others by boat. If you’re travelling without a 4WD, G’Day Adventure Tours offers a range of adventures from full day trips to shorter beach drives. For on-water action, take the family to Bribie Beach Shack and book kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, barbecue boats, and cruising boats for hours of fun, or embark on a romantic Island Gondola that takes you through the Pumicestone Passage.
For a bird's eye view of the Moreton Bay region, join Oceanview Helicopters for an unforgettable day out. Book in for a scenic flight or make a day of it by booking for a tour package to visit a local island or winery – the possibilities are endless.
