Winter is the perfect time to escape the rapidly cooling southern states for something a little more liveable, and following the whales North is the way to go. Head to Moreton Bay Region for stunning sights and a leisurely stay. Ask the whales: they’ve been making this trek for longer than anyone can remember.
Moreton Bay is a place to take in at your own pace: a vast landscape filled with history and nature’s beauty. The pristine waters of the Bay give way to the green-and-gold slopes of Moreton Island in the distance. Our local wildlife on the Bay will capture your heart and leave you with many stories to tell. Just a 45-minute drive north from Brisbane, Moreton Bay Region offers plenty to keep you busy this winter.
You’re coming to Moreton Bay Region at the right time. The sun hasn’t quite forsaken us yet, and the golden beaches and bright blue water of the bay are calling. The sea life is thriving and there are chances to see our dugongs, dolphins, whales, and more all across the bay. There’s lots to see and do in Moreton Bay Region this winter, with Moreton Bay island and waterfront adventures.
Seeing the whales on their annual migration should be on everyone’s bucket list. These majestic animals pass through Moreton Bay from June to October. Boarding at 9.00am from Redcliffe for a 10.00am depature during the season, Brisbane Whale Watching offers the chance to see these animals in nature. Directed by a plane that tracks the whales as they pass through the area, Brisbane Whale Watching cruises will bring you to these animals in their annual winter home. This five-hour cruise experience offers a full buffet lunch, with a bar and souvenir store on board. To cross Brisbane Whale Watching off your bucket list, book now.
Want to understand what the return of the whales means to Moreton Bay locals? Stay in Moreton Bay Region and enjoy the Welcome to the Whales experience this season.
Castaways at Bulwer, Moreton Island offer options for camping in glamping tents under the melaleuca trees, just 100 metres from Bulwer Beach. Not a fan of camping? No worries! Castaways also offer a stay in a two-bedroom breezy island unit with television, dining, and its own kitchen.
Once you’re on the island, there are plenty of options for Moreton Island day tours or more, with fully-guided 4WD trips by Moreton Bay Escapes.
Alternatively, Dolphin Wild Island Cruises do day trips out onto the Bay with a stopover at Moreton Island. Dolphin Wild offers a wide range of sea life to see, from dolphins to dugongs to turtles. As you spend the day on the water you’ll learn some local history and spot the sun inching towards the Glass House Mountains on the horizon. Dolphin Wild is ideal for those looking for a thrill, with complementary boom-netting and trips to the sand dunes of Moreton Island. For an additional price, you’ll enjoy your Moreton Island snorkelling shipwrecks experience, through the famous Moreton Island Wrecks. Book your Moreton Bay experience now!
Moreton Bay Region still has plenty to see and do for people more interested in keeping their feet dry. Redcliffe foreshore includes an art trail, and a historical jetty with a walkthrough guide to local history. Music lovers will enjoy the displays at Bee Gees Way, showing how the legacy of The Bee Gees is staying alive in their hometown. If you’re in Redcliffe on a Sunday, Redcliffe Parade will be filled to the brim with local produce from the stalls of the locally famous Redcliffe Jetty Markets.
Just a few minutes down the peninsula coastline at Woody Point, visit the wreck of the first ship in Queensland’s navy and discover its history. Right at the edge of the Peninsula, you’ll love the picturesque views from the remains of what was once the second-longest bridge in the world, the Hornibrook Highway.
For birdwatchers, try Osprey House Environmental Centre to see the beauty of this local ecosystem, and for a chance to see the local mating and nesting raptors. Hays Inlet is home to four of Australia’s most majestic flying birds, the Eastern Osprey, Brahminy Kite, Whistling Kite, and White-Bellied Sea Eagle.
With picturesque seaside views come an Australian’s bread and butter: fish and chips. Indulge in some locally-sourced fish and chips at the Sandstone Point Hotel oyster shed, or eat at the local RSL Clubs at Bribie Island RSL at Bongaree. A local favourite since the 70s, Bribie RSL Club has many daily or nightly shows and different dining options. See the genuine Leopard AS1 German Battle Tank out the front and get a deeper appreciation for these gigantic war machines.
White Ridge Farm
Fort Bribie | Bribie Island
Lake Kurwongbah | Kallangur
Suttons Beach | Redcliffe
Looking for more local hot spots? Pop into one of the region's Accredited Visitor Information Centres, the volunteers have a wealth of knowledge about things to do and see in the Moreton Bay Region.
Learn about the history of Moreton Bay region on a FREE tour through Woodford, Redcliffe and Samford guided by our local knowledgeable volunteers from Visitor Information Centres.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend hacker, Moreton Bay swings with opportunity for golfers of all stripes with championship golf courses, indoor golf simulators, driving ranges and mini golf courses.
While the Moreton Bay region is famous for its stunning marine park and hinterland activities, there’s also a thriving retail scene waiting to be explored.
Channel 7's Weekender Crew visit Moreton Bay's newest attraction Mathema Gallery and the stunning Ocean View Estate Winery and Accommodation that surround it. Watch SUNDAY MARCH 10 from 5.30pm.
Channel 7's Weekender Crew and Lee Carseldine embark on a brewery hop, exploring some of the region's finest breweries in Brendale. Watch SUNDAY MARCH 31 from 5.30pm.