Day one

Afternoon  

For a slice of home-away-from-home accommodation, check in at local B&B The Friendly Chat at Thorneside. Nestled comfortably on the calming shores of Waterloo Bay, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom self-contained apartment is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas.  

Take a short drive and enjoy a classic pub dinner and ice-cold beverage at Cleveland’s Grand View Hotel, Queensland’s oldest pub. Built in 1851, the Grand View overlooks beautiful Moreton Bay and is home to one of the region’s best beer gardens. It serves fresh seafood and mouth-watering steaks and there’s always a local or two at the bar up for a chat. 

Day two 

Morning  

Roll out of bed nice and early and take a 10-minute 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 because you don’t want to spend your day stranded on the uninhabited island with only mangroves for company when the tide goes out. If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up beforehand, stop at Citron Bayside, First Coffee Co or one of the many other cafés along Main Road at Wellington Point.  

Refuel at The Mailman in Alexandra Hills, with their smooth coffee and a flavourful all day breakfast menu, you can be sure you are kicking your day off right. If you like something a little lighter, the cabinet is always filled with fresh pastries, and yes this of course includes almond croissants which pairs perfectly with the smooth Ona coffee. You can be sure that you will be heading into your day with a smile on your face.

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. 

Midday 

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.  

There’s so much to do at Sirromet that it’s worth setting aside an afternoon to explore the winery and its attractions. Book a winery tour and tasting and go behind the scenes to learn more about the winemaking process, Sirromet’s history and its wines before sampling six locally produced wines in a private tasting. Or, relax on the lush rolling hills with a premium winery hamper filled with locally sourced meats, cheese, sweets and wine. BYO picnic blanket. 

Evening  

Indulge even further at Sirromet’s elegant Tuscan Terrace. The award-winning restaurant has panoramic views of Moreton Bay, a modern Australian menu championing local ingredients and expert staff ready to pair your menu selection with the perfect Sirromet wine.  

Leave the worries of the world behind you as you check in to Mount Cotton Retreat, a six-room boutique hotel with private cabins and cottages tucked away on 20 hectares of bushland. The Ecotourism Australia-certified accommodation is designed for guests to make the most of the surrounding natural beauty while having a minimal impact on the environment. Fall asleep under the starry canopy and wake to a chorus of birdsong. 

Day three

Morning 

Make the most of Mount Cotton Retreat’s tranquillity and enjoy a luxurious sleep-in followed by a cooked breakfast on the balcony with the local cockatoos for company. For the ultimate morning of relaxation, pay a visit to the nearby Body & Soul Spa Retreat. The treatment rooms overlook unspoiled bushland, providing natural light and offering uninterrupted views of the native plants and animals outside.  

If you’re more the get-up-and-go type, make your way over to Victoria Point and stop in for a wholesome and hearty breakfast at Harvest Café at the Lakeside entertainment and retail precinct or Driftwood Café by the Bay on Colbourn Ave for all-day breakfasts and delectable sweet treats.  

Hop on the ferry and head to Coochiemudlo Island. It’s about a 10-minute journey by water taxi, ferry or barge from Victoria Point 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.  

Midday 

After a busy morning exploring the Island, stop in at Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar or Curlew Cafe for lunch. Enjoy balcony-style dining while you eat and take in picturesque views of Moreton Bay across to Macleay and Karragarra Islands.  

Once you’re back on the mainland, stop in at Redland Art Gallery on Middle St 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. Entry is free, which is always a bonus.  

A trip to Redlands Coast isn’t complete without a stop at the craft beer bar, The Bench. 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 with plenty of local restaurants dishing up cuisine ranging from tapas and Thai to pizza and hot chips. You can also catch free live music every Friday and Saturday evening.  

Evening  

You’re probably exhausted from such a busy weekend but the best part is it’s only a 40-minute drive back to Brisbane City from the region. Why not use the drive home to plan your next getaway?