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 four-and-a-half hours with a delicious lunch included. Tangalooma Whale Watching day trips have cruised the bay for more than 35 years and guarantee all passengers they’ll spot a mighty humpback whale. These tours offer transfers from several Brisbane hotels and depart from Pinkenba Jetty.  

Spend a weekend – or longer – yachting on Moreton Bay with Moreton Bay Holidays Afloat. Sail the calm waters, spot dolphins and dugongs or snorkel the wrecks of Tangalooma. Choose a Seawind Sailing Catamaran which can accommodate up to 10 guests overnight in comfort and space or choose a power catamaran for up to eight guests. 

Travel in style with River to Bay tours that meander along the Brisbane River and out to the natural wonders of Moreton Bay and Islands. Choose to explore nature with guided walks and snorkelling, focus on heritage experiences or fill your belly with an Island-style feast. All tours feature scenic cruising and encounters with local Moreton Bay marine life.  

Pick up the pace with Moreton Bay Jetski Hire and Ride. The high-adrenaline, nature-based adventure company offers small group jetski tours along Pumicestone Passage. 

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.  

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 stunning, free resort-style public pool. Make a day of it by packing a picnic – or stocking up at the markets – and relaxing 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, hit up the fish-and-chippery or pick up a cheeky dozen at the oyster bar then make yourself comfortable and watch the 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, watersport 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. Hire a 4WD with G’Day Adventure Tours and check out iconic Australian wildlife as you explore the island. For on-water action, take the family to Bribie Island Hire Hut and book kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, water bikes and stand-up pedalboards for hours of fun. 

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 take in stunning landmarks across the region, making memorable experiences for their passengers.

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. The park is family-friendly and has several campgrounds with amenities plus remote walk-in-only campsites for the more adventurous trekkers. D’Aguilar Range is split in two: South D’Aguilar takes in Mt Coot-Tha in Brisbane up to Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious behind Samford Valley, and the north Mount Mee section is only a short distance from Dayboro.

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 in the Mt Mee section of D’Aguilar National Park and access is recommended for 4WD vehicles only. The nearby Stony Creek swimming hole and Neurum Creek are other spots perfect for a paddle. Closer to Brisbane, the Bunya Crossing Reserve swimming hole, Edward Allison Park at Eatons Hill and Young’s Crossing in Petrie are great spots for an outdoor swim.

For a guided option, jump on a tour of Bellthorpe with Brisbane Nature Tours, and discover the serene and secluded lush points of 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 and beer, look no further than Ocean View Estate. Call ahead to order a picnic to enjoy on the grounds or book a spot for lunch or dinner at its renowned restaurant. Drop by the cellar door to pick up some take-home samples or make a weekend of it by staying at one of the on-site cottages.

Another great weekend getaway destination is Brockhurst Farmstay. This little beauty is perfect for the whole family including furry, four-legged members. Swim in the spring-fed dam, sit around the fire pit, enjoy a barbecue, take a trail ride or feed horses 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 also 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 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 10 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.