Itinerary:
Moreton Bay Region weekend escape
From seaside bars to indulgent wine tours, strawberry picking to whale watching, the Moreton Bay Region truly has it all. Here’s the ultimate itinerary to spending your weekend in Moreton Bay.
Day One
Morning
Lace up your hiking boots and start the morning with one of the best rainforest bush walks north of Brisbane at Maiala. Set in the scenic Mount Glorious, this trail is perfect for beginners, families, or those looking to take a stroll among nature. Pack some snacks and enjoy morning tea at one of Maiala’s secluded picnic areas.
Midday
Tour Ocean View Estate’s Vineyard and Winery, taste their handcrafted wines and nibble on a selection of complementary artisan cheese as you go. If you’re still hungry, make your way to their award-winning restaurant and enjoy the indulgent Chef’s Banquet or choose from delicious a la carte options like confit duck and salted beef cheek.
Afternoon
As the afternoon creeps in and you start to unwind, watch the sunset over Lake Wivenhoe, the largest lake in South East Queensland. Settle onto a picnic blanket at the top of the lookout at Mount Glorious, listen to the soft songs of native birds and see the last of the sun sparkle across the lake and the lush green mountains as stars populate the sky.
Evening
Enjoy the ‘Contemporary Country’ experience as you dine at the Samford Hotel. Take your pick from their three eateries featuring a historic public bar, lax HOPS Bar, and garden bar and grill. If you’re looking for a more modern dining experience, head to Village Kitchen and Bar and enjoy dinner in their alfresco dining area set amongst a quaint courtyard garden.
Stay
After an evening spent dining in Samford or lingering over sunset views in Mount Glorious, staying close to the hinterland action is the perfect way to soak up the region’s slower pace. Nestled among the lush bushland, Mercure Clear Mountain offers an easy retreat with sweeping mountain views, a cosy restaurant and spa facilities ideal for unwinding after a day of rainforest walks and winery hopping. For something more whimsical and secluded, Ting Tong Treehouse and Foliar House deliver dreamy rainforest escapes that feel worlds away from the city.
Day Two
Morning
If you’ve never picked and eaten a strawberry, then you’ve never tasted the fruit at its best. Not only are they juicer and more vibrant when picked fresh, it’s also a fun activity for the whole family. LuvaBerry opens its doors to the public during picking season so you can stock up on all things strawberry to take with you (including their delicious Strawberry Freeze-Dried Crunch), or set up in their Farmgate Cafe and enjoy their homemade creations.
Midday
Explore the pristine, white sandy beaches of Bribie Island/Woorim with G’Day Adventure Tours. Get up close and personal with native wildlife, take a swim in tea-tree stained lagoons and enjoy the wind in your hair as you explore over 30km of Bribie’s stunning beaches.
Afternoon & Evening
Refuel from the day’s activities by the waterfront at Sandstone Point Hotel’s Oyster Shed. Lounge on a bean bag, sip on a marg or two and dine on fresh oysters as you enjoy live music and watch the sun go down at this romantic slice of paradise. Equipped with a games room, jumping pillow and playground, this location is perfect for couples and families alike.
Stay
Following an afternoon exploring Bribie Island and an evening by the water at Sandstone Point Hotel’s Oyster Shed, staying nearby means you can fully lean into the laidback coastal mood. BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort is the ideal base, offering everything from luxury safari tents to family-friendly villas just moments from the waterfront dining precinct. With resort-style pools, entertainment facilities and easy access to Bribie Island adventures, it’s perfectly positioned for travellers wanting to turn a sunset dinner and live music session into a full weekend escape.
Day Three
Morning
Start your morning at the iconic seaside Redcliffe Markets and discover the best growers, makers, builders and bakers of the Moreton Bay Region. Live music soundtracks every market as people gather in the staple cafes and set up on the shoreline with treats from artisan stallholders. Grab a coffee and see for yourself; stroll through the farm-fresh produce, meats, creative goods, fresh baked breads, gourmet foods, handmade wares, and arts and crafts.
Midday
Get your fix at the region’s crown jewel of seafood markets, Morgans Seafood. From bugs to prawns to fish to oysters, take your pick of fresh seafood to takeaway or eat in. With views of the bay and Glasshouse Mountains, Morgans is not only the go-to for quality seafood, but also a stunning location to relax in. As your meal settles, pop in next door to Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co for a cool glass of cider or house-brewed beer and enjoy the live tunes as you continue to take in the bayside.
Afternoon
Take a refreshing afternoon dip at Settlement Cove Lagoon in Redcliffe. This expansive man-made pool by the sea is the perfect place to cool off and soak in the sun. With BBQs and gazebos stationed all around the lagoon, a dedicated kid’s splash pool and playground, this is a family hot spot that everyone is bound to enjoy.
If you’d rather be out on the water than in it, you can spend the day with Captain Kerry aboard the MV Eye Spy to catch sightings of magnificent southern humpback whales. The gentle giants are known to breach, blow and play in the waters near Moreton Island/Mulgumpin from June to November. Set sail with Brisbane Whale Watching for an unforgettable experience the whole family will cherish.
Evening
As the sun starts to set, indulge in the ultimate waterfront dining experience at Tempest. Located at Scarborough Harbour, grab a drink in the alfresco, enjoy the Teppanyaki grill or dine on fresh seafood straight from the trawler.
Stay
After whale watching, seafood feasts and sunset drinks, staying bayside lets you stretch out the relaxed coastal feeling a little longer. The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach places you within easy reach of Redcliffe’s markets, waterfront dining and Scarborough’s evening atmosphere, while offering sweeping bay views and rooftop pool sessions that perfectly complement a seaside getaway.
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