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 close to these majestic creatures as they traverse the Moreton Bay 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 four-and-a-half hours with a delicious lunch included. Tangalooma Whale Watching day trips promise an unforgettable encounter with a mighty humpback whale. Tours include transfers from several Brisbane hotels and depart from Pinkenba Jetty, it’s the ultimate Brisbane day out on the bay.

Spend a weekend -or longer -yachting out on Moreton Bay’s coastline with Moreton Bay Holidays Afloat. Sail the calm waters, spot dolphins and dugongs or snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks. Choose the Salubrious Sailing Catamaran which can accommodate up to 11 guests in comfort or choose the power catamaran for up to eight guests.

Experience Tangalooma Island with the local experts on a Tangalooma Island Resort Day Tours where adventure meets paradise. Swim or snorkel among the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, spot dolphins, turtles and other incredible marine life, and soak up the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, all in one unforgettable day

For an adrenaline rush, you can pick up the pace with Moreton Bay Jetski Hire and Ride. Experience the thrill of speed on the water as you whip around Pumicestone Passage, weave between islands and feel the wind in your hair.

Take a beachside break

Cruise along the Moreton Bay Cycleway and enjoy sea breezes as you zoom along 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. It’s the perfect way to see the coastline of Moreton Bay in a day.

Every Sunday, the Redcliffe Markets trade along the foreshore, offering locals and visitors alike an enticing selection of artisanal products including deli delights, fresh local seafood, flowers, plants, arts and crafts. For more family fun, check out Settlement Cove Lagoon, a beautiful, free resort-style public pool. Make a day of it by stocking up at the markets and relaxing with a picnic in the sunshine.

The Sandstone Point Hotel is one of Moreton Bay region’s prettiest waterfront watering holes. 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, grab some takeaway at the fish-and-chippery or pick up a cheeky dozen at the oyster bar then make yourself comfortable as you watch the sunset across the bay.

Experience island vibes

Visit Bribie Island

The only island in Queensland that’s connected to the mainland by a bridge, Bribie Island is an easy to access oasis that 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 and Placid Waters and On the Bay Apartments at Bongaree.

Vast expanses of recreational areas offer an abundance of coastal camping experiences, some accessible by 4WD, others by boat. Take the pressure out of planning a day of exploration and join 4WD G’Day Adventure Tours for the nature adventure of a lifetime. Drive along the beach, kayak in the lagoon and discover the history of the islands role in World War Two.

For a bird's eye view of the Moreton Bay Region, join Oceanview Helicopters or V2 Helicopters for an unforgettable day out. Both companies provide personalised tours that fly over stunning landmarks across the region, making memorable experiences for you. 

Get lost in the hinterland

Discover national parks and rainforests

Lush rainforests and ancient landscapes are highlights of the Moreton Bay region hinterlands. D’Aguilar National Park is the closest, large-scale national park to any capital city in Australia and features swimming holes, bushwalking tracks and challenging mountain climbs. This serene national park is family-friendly and is home to several camping grounds with amenities including remote walk-in-only campsites for the more adventurous trekkers. Discover both the north and the south of the D’Aguilar Range, both encompassing different, yet beautiful nature offerings.

Once you’ve scaled the ranges and admired the views from several lookout locations, cool off in one of the secret swimming holes nestled in the hinterland area. Rocky Hole is a large swimming hole and waterfall found within Mount Mee. Or the nearby Stony Creek swimming hole and Neurum Creek are also perfect spots for a dip. Closer to Brisbane, the Bunya Crossing Reserve swimming hole, Edward Allison Park at Eatons Hill and Young’s Crossing found in Petrie and are great spots for a refreshing outdoor swim.

Visit wineries and local farms

For locally grown and produced wine and beer, look no further than Ocean View Estates. Call ahead to order a picnic to enjoy amongst the vineyards or book a spot at the renowned restaurant. Drop by the cellar door to pick up some take-home samples or linger longer and stay at one of the on-site cottages that offer modern country charm designed to relax and rejuvenate.

Another great weekend getaway destination is Brockhurst Farmstay. This little beauty is perfect for the whole family including your lovable furry, four-legged friend. Swim in the spring-fed dam, savour a moment around the fire pit, enjoy a barbecue, take a trail ride or discover the horses from the comfort of your deck that hosts an incredible view.

Bushwalks and hiking trails

For those with a taste of adventure, 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! Along the way, enjoy the chorus of native bird calls and the beauty of the surrounding bushland as you make your way through this 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 near Brisbane. Clocking in at a distance of 24km and taking between six to ten hours to complete, this is a trail for reasonably 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. This walk is worth it for the spectacular views of the England Creek catchment.

Plan ahead and find the best places to wine and dine in the Moreton Bay region.