We put together a list of 8 spots for a last-minute weekend adventure. You don’t need to plan, think or worry about these ideas, we’ve done the hard work for you. Read on to find our spots.
Open sunrise to sunset each day of the week, the North Harbour Heritage Park is the perfect last-minute weekend adventure. Situated along the banks of the Caboolture River, the Heritage Park takes you on 1.5km journey through the history of the Moray Fields plantation. With several informative markers along the way, this heritage park will remain as a slice of history preserved forever. You can learn about the old homestead, bunya nuts and the reason for so many bunya trees in the North Harbour area, the cane train, the old dairy, and more.
From 4WD inland tracks and beach frontage off-road opportunities to beautiful camping spots and fantastic fishing, Bribie Island National Park has it all! Pack your rod and kayak in the back of the fourby and get cruising along the white sandy shores of Bribie Island. Explore the history of the island at Fort Bribie, take a dip in the lagoon, surf the waves or throw in a line.
Don't forget to purchase your Moreton Bay camping permit and vehicle access permit before you head off. If you're not aware of the rules around beach driving, these videos by Queensland National Parks are well worth the watch.
Do you like the thrill of adventure in a four-wheel drive? Head west of Woodford with your bush basher to explore the natural surrounds of Bellthorpe National Park. The three different access points all lead to different tracks from beginner to intermediate. The southern access leads to the Stony Creek Day Use Area, while the eastern route offers the best views – so make sure your passengers have their cameras ready!
The northern access into Bellthorpe National Park is by far the most challenging. Via a steep incline onto the mountain ridge, this track is considered an ‘all weather’ unsealed track that tackles ditches, washouts, boulders and other obstacles.
Looking for rainforest hiking paths suitable for all levels of fitness? Thylogale Walking Track is accessible from Jolly’s Lookout and takes you on a 4km journey through the Moreton Bay Region’s very own Mount Mee. A fairly level walk, the track passes through rainforest and crosses a dirt 4WD road before continuing on to end at Boombana Picnic Area, not far from Cafe in the Mountains (previously known as 'Café Boombana').
The 3.8km circuit of Bribie Island Bicentennial Trails begin at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre on Sunderland Drive Bribie Island. The sandy track features Banksia, Palm Grove, and Melaleuca Bribie Island walks which branch-off the main circuit giving visitors the chance to enjoy strolls through eucalypt forests, paperbark wetlands, and even wallum heathlands.
Starting from Scarborough Beach near Pirate Park, you can enjoy a leisurely and scenic cycle along the Redcliffe foreshore thanks to the Moreton Bay Cycleway.
The Redcliffe Peninsula in the Moreton Bay Region comes up trumps for having the best foreshore North Brisbane bike paths in southeast Queensland, along The Moreton Bay Cycleway. From Scarborough Beach to the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge at Clontarf, recreational cyclists can pump their legs along 11kms of shared paths.
The 22km return cycling Brisbane North-side trip with total beach frontage can be an uninterrupted non-stop ride, or include stops for photos, coffee and lunch.
Home to a variety of wildlife and marine animals, the Moreton Bay Region’s very own Osprey House offers great opportunities to explore, discover and learn about both. In a fun and engaging space, kids and adults alike can get back to nature in suburbia’s backyard, with walkways weaving through the bushes along the banks of the North Pine River. There are three main bird watching areas and koalas and kangaroos are not uncommon sightings along the way.
A quiet oasis to read, picnic or enjoy a little natural beauty and serenity, the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens is a quick escape from the noise and clutter of every day life. Stroll through the wheelchair accessible gardens, visit the Herb Garden and admire the beauty of the Chorizema Spring water feature that operates as a natural pond system, becoming a habitat to tree frogs. The Moreton Bay Region Rainforest is also home to more than 250 rainforest species native to the region and more than 1000 bats! If you’re visiting in spring or summer, the Wallum Heathland is blooming with wildflowers that make a breathtaking array of colours.
Discover more natural wonders of the Moreton Bay Region here.
Samford Village Heritage Trail
Forgan Cove | Lake Samsonvale
Lake Wivenhoe Lookout | Mount Glorious
Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail | Caboolture
Lomandra Day Use Mountain Bike Area | Ferny Hills
Bray Farm Park | Griffin
Looking for more things to do and see? Pop into one of the region's Accredited Visitor Information Centres. The volunteers have a wealth of local knowledge.
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.