Hidden gems to explore on the Redlands Coast

Spanning the sparkling waters of southern Moreton Bay to the borders of Brisbane and Logan, Redlands Coast is south-east Queensland’s gateway to a whole new world of coastal discovery.

With swathes of unspoiled bushland and rainforest, islands scattered off the coastline with naturally wonderful villages and beaches and a bay that is a playground for boating, fishing and watersports, there is something naturally wonderful awaiting your discovery and delight.

Here are some of the region’s hidden gems to immerse yourself in the quietness of natural worlds away from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Island hopping in Moreton Bay

Swim the crystal clear waters off Peel Island. Image: Visit Brisbane

Redlands Coast is an area blessed with coastline and a bay dotted with islands big and small. Get direct access to the expansive Moreton Bay via Raby Bay Harbour in Cleveland. Visit Peel or Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Islands and go for a swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters. Take a boat ride across Moreton Bay to one of the four inhabited Southern Moreton Bay Islands and relax away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Start with morning coffee by the slipways in Redland Bay then catch a passenger or vehicular ferry to Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb islands.

Spot wildlife in the conservation areas

Koalas are found all over the Redlands Coast. Image: Kate Webster

Redlands Coast is rich in conservation land and wildlife. Flourishing across the Coast are conservation areas, bushland refuges, nature belts, creek corridors, areas of urban habitat, conservation coastal foreshores, wetlands and more. Providing safe habitat and refuge for wildlife, these areas offer opportunities for exploring, trail walking, horse riding, and wildlife spotting. Enjoy seeing koalas, wallabies, many of the Coast’s species of birds – some quite rare – and other native animals in their natural environment. 

Walk to King Island from Wellington Point at low tide

Walk across to King island at low tide. Image: Visit Queensland

Now a conservation park, visiting King Island at Wellington Point is a stunning place to visit. At low tide, you can walk to it by crossing the 1km sandbar making a natural bridge between Wellington Point and the island itself. Just make sure to check the tides as you don’t want to get caught out and have to swim back. The walk is a great way to reconnect with nature as you explore along the sandy pathways and admire the surrounding mangroves. If you are lucky, you may even spot some local wildlife like rays, dolphins, crabs and birdlife.

Dive with majestic manta rays

Dive with manta rays off North Stradbroke Island. Image: Supplied

Get up close and personal with marine life off North Stradbroke Island and you might even spot the manta rays known to congregate in the area. Snorkel and scuba dive trips with Manta Lodge go from Point Lookout to an area known for manta rays, leopard sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish and corals. As well as a full-service scuba centre, Manta Ray Lodge are also North Stradbroke Island’s only YHA Hostel, offering comfortable dorm-style and private accommodation with full facilities for up to 60 guests. They also offer bike, snorkel gear, surfboard and longboard hire for those looking to explore the island on both land and sea.

Drop in for a surf on North Stradbroke Island

Hit the waves on North Stradbroke Island. Image: stradbrokeisland.com

If the waves were good enough for local-born Australian professional surfer, Bede Durbridge, then you know it will be pumping.  The closest surf breaks to Brisbane city, North Strandbroke island is a surfer’s dream. The geographical layout of Straddie’s headlands and beaches can create great surf on a diverse range of wind and swell conditions.

Get an eco fix at IndigiScapes

Explore the bushlands at IndigiScapes. Image: IndigiScapes

IndigiScapes is an eco-wonder, right on Redlands Coast.  This unique environmental education centre is located on 14.5 hectares at Capalaba. An eco-tourism attraction, it is designed as a hub providing resources and experiences for the community to learn more about our native habitat, how to live a sustainable life and how to care for our native flora and fauna. Explore it’s Native Botanical Gardens, Three bush trails, Native Nursery, Nature Playground and Discovery Centre or pop into the Eco-shop featuring sustainable products and gifts.

Immerse yourself in nature

Redlands Track Park takes you into nature. Image: Visit Brisbane

The national parks within the borders of Redlands Coast are naturally wonderful. Immerse yourself in the living world experiences found across Moreton Bay Marine ParkNaree Budjong Djara (Blue Lake) National Park on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)Teerk Roo Ra National Park (Peel Island) and Venman Bushland National Park. Discover the wonder of trails in the calmness of nature or relax on pristine beaches alongside nature at its finest.

This and far more naturally wonderful delights can be found on the Redlands Coast – where staying, playing, exploring and discovering are naturally wonderful experiences.

For more visit visitredlandscoast.com.au

Kate Webster is a world traveller, ocean lover and conservation warrior who is determined to make every moment count for not only herself but the world around her. This has inspired Kate to translate those moments and share them through her storytelling. A dedicated David Attenborough and Jane Goodall fan, Kate has delved into the world of wildlife and conservation travel to bring awareness.

kate@capturedtravel.com