The Redlands Coast offers a bright and breezy coastal escape located only a 40-minute drive from Brisbane’s bustling city centre. With a lifestyle influenced by the region’s rich history and stunning location, there is no shortage of surprising and delightful experiences to enjoy. Your two-day itinerary is jam-packed with activities and intentional relaxing moments that highlight the serene coastal vibes.
Before you start your restful Redlands Coast adventure, drop your bags off at your accommodation of choice. Mt Cotton Retreat, Rainforest Gardens Escape and Sanctuary by Sirromet offer unique escapes in amongst nature. Situated closer to the flurry of the locals is Alexandra Hills Hotel Suites or One on Harris Apartments in Wellington Point.
For the perfect sunset dinner and drinks, take a short drive to Raby Bay Harbour, where you will find a line of bars and restaurants that allow for the perfect sunset views. Make your way to Fiction Bar & Restaurant to enjoy a few drinks and nibbles, for dinner, Mamma Mia Trattoria Pizzeria offers woodfired pizzas and authentic pasta, K Soul BBQ brings authentic Korean flavours to your personal grill for an interactive experience and you can finish off with a cold treat made to your liking at Cold Rock.
Roll out of bed nice and early and take a leisurely drive to Wellington Point. From here, stroll the 2km round-trip walk out to King Island across the natural sand walkway that forms during low tide. Just be sure to check tide times before you set out so you don’t spend your day stranded on the uninhabited island. If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up beforehand, stop at Bloom Room Café, Butter Meets Sugar or, First Coffee Co. or one of the many other cafés found between Birkdale and Wellington Point.
After your morning walk, refuel at The Mailman in Alexandra Hills, pouring Ona Coffee and providing a flavourful all day breakfast menu, you can be sure to kick your day off the right way. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, the cabinet is always filled with fresh pastries and sweet treats.
With a full stomach, it’s time to do some more exploring, make your way out to Cleveland Point where you can find the historic Cleveland Point Lighthouse. Built in 1874, it stands proudly as the only remaining hexagonal, timber 19th-Century lighthouse in Moreton Bay. The lighthouse originally stood on the north-east tip of Cleveland Point but was moved about 140m south when a concrete light replaced it in 1975. Surrounding the lighthouse, you can also find a great picnic area where locals love to watch the sunset and a marine inspired playground for the kids.
Make your way out to Cleveland Point to check out the historic Cleveland Point Lighthouse. Built in 1874, it stands proudly as the only remaining hexagonal, timber 19th-Century lighthouse in Moreton Bay. The lighthouse originally stood on the north-east tip of Cleveland Point but was moved about 140m south when a concrete light replaced it in 1975. You can't go inside but you can admire this small but mighty structure up close.
A few steps away from its namesake is the Lighthouse Restaurant. Wander into the nautical-themed restaurant for a seafood lunch or pop next door to its adjoining café for lighter fare. If it’s a glorious day, order from its takeaway kiosk which continues its 100-year-old tradition of serving fresh fish, salty snacks, ice cream and drinks. You can then unfurl the picnic blanket under the shadow of the lighthouse and eat in the park like a local.
If you’re looking for a slightly more naturistic afternoon to enjoy a tipple, book a winery tour and tasting at Sirromet Winery as you go behind the scenes to learn more about the winemaking process, Sirromet’s history and its wines, you then get to sample six locally produced wines in a private tasting. Or relax for the afternoon on the lush rolling hills with a premium winery hamper filled with locally sourced meats, cheese, sweets and, of course, wine.
If you decide to linger longer at Sirromet Winery for dinner, book into the elegant Tuscan Terrace restaurant. The elegant yet naturistic restaurant has panoramic views of the bushlands, a modern Australian menu championing local ingredients and expert staff ready to pair your menu selection with the perfect Sirromet wine.
No matter where you’re staying, you will be able to find one of the spa retreats for you to experience a morning filled with relaxation and tranquillity. Find Stephanies Vintage Spa or Endota in Cleveland, Body & Soul Spa Retreat is a hidden oasis found in Mount Cotton or City Cave in Cleveland or Redland Bay.
If you’re more the get-up-and-go type, then make your way to one of the Redlands Coast’s best cafés and eateries. In Wellington Point you’ll find Citron Bayside for Mediterranean food and a coastal atmosphere and The Wellington Point Farmhouse for a luxury barn house feel and seasonal and unique dishes. Over to Victoria Point you can stop in for a wholesome and hearty breakfast at Harvest Café located in the Lakeside precinct or Warra Warra on Colbourn Avenue for all-day breakfasts and smooth Single O coffee. If you’re accommodation is in Mount Cotton, you’ll be able to find the Grove Kitchen and Bar hidden in the IGA shopping village.
After finishing your delicious breakfast, hop on the ferry in Victoria Point to make your way out to Coochiemudlo Island. It’s about a 10-minute journey on the water and is the perfect way to fill a day. Only five square kilometres in size, “Coochie” is easy to explore on foot or by bike and features a 4km coastline of safe swimming beaches.
If you love the sand, crystal clear waters and the laid back way of life, then you can spend the day island hopping around the Redlands Coast. Once you have finished exploring Coochiemudlo Island, make your way over to Macleay Island/Jenchoomercha, Lamb Island/Ngudooroo, Karragarra island, Russell Island/Canaipa and of course North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.
If you prefer to come back to the mainland once you have finished exploring Coochiemudlo Island, then make sure you grab a bite to eat before catching the ferry back at Coochiemudlo Island Beach bar or Curlew Café.
Once you’re back on the mainland, stop in at Redland Art Gallery on Middle Street to admire the exhibitions or participate in an adult art workshop. The gallery showcases a mix of innovative exhibitions and presents a varied program of displays that look to define the cultural identity of the region. You can check out the gallery’s upcoming exhibitions here.
A trip to Redlands Coast isn’t complete without a stop at the craft beer bar, Bacchus Brewing. It rotates its eight taps weekly, pouring a new selection of beer and cider while also stocking a top selection of bottled brews. You can BYO food on Monday to Wednesday, and there is no shortage of local restaurants that are dishing up a wide variety of cuisines, Thursday to Sunday you’ll find onsite food trucks to cater your hunger needs.
After a packed weekend of relaxing and exploring this beautiful region, you may need to drive back to Brisbane City which is only a 40-minute trip! Why not use the transit to plan your next getaway?