Looking for an authentic Aussie experience? Take a road trip this summer with the gang and make memories to last a lifetime.
The drive is just 102 km in length. You can tackle this itinerary as day-trips or book accommodation in the beautiful region and make the most of each pit-stop.
Discover the magic of the Moreton Bay Region and follow our North Brisbane sightseeing itinerary.
You can expect:
Let's get this road trip started!
DAY 1
Good morning, it's time to get exploring all the wonders that Moreton Bay Region has to offer.
We suggest setting the alarm clock early to get a head start on your journey. Grab some coffee, pack the car (remember: there's no pesky luggage limits on this road trip, so pack everything you need and want) and hit the road.
You're going to spend the morning exploring the hinterland at your own pace and your way.
Your authentic Australian experience isn’t complete without a bush walk. You can keep active at Mount Glorious and Mount Nebo, a 35-minute drive northwest from Brisbane. Start your sub-tropical rainforest walk at the Maiala picnic area and choose one of the many tracks. There are options for every bush-walker. Be sure to stop by Jolly’s Lookout on the assent and be rewarded with spectacular views.
Not enough bush-walking for you? Bunyaville State Forest & Conservation Park is a 20-minute drive east. Bunyaville walking tracks are short, and a great way to spot the locals. You’ll find many local plant, animal, and bird species in this natural paradise, like Eucalypts, Koalas, Kookaburras, and camouflaged Tawny Frogmouths. There’s also mountain bike tracks for the adventurous.
Enjoy a delicious lunch in Samford, stop by Canter & Colt and tuck into a 100% organic, wholesome and fresh meal, and celebrate local produce at Little Tree Bake & Brew House, known for their house-made pastries and pies.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at the Samford Hotel in Samford Village, where history and modern cuisine meet. With a menu offering everything from starters like garlic pizza bread to mains that cater to all dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, your dining experience promises variety and quality. The atmosphere in the Village Garden Bar & Grill, combined with the extensive selection of dishes, makes for a perfect nature-based itinerary stop.
A 25-minute drive north from Samford, Lake Samsonvale is surrounded by parkland, with barbecue areas perfect to sizzle a sausage. Enjoy the 4km walking trail from Bullocky Rest to Forgan Cove, and take in the views. A popular spot with locals to take in a hinterland sunset.
Old Petrie Town, open Wednesday to Sunday, is a 10-minute drive south. Visit the local markets on Sunday mornings. You’ll enjoy the historic trains, chapel, pub, milk bar, and free entry to Pine Rivers Heritage Museum.
You can see Australian native birdlife for free at Osprey House Environmental Centre. Located a 15-minute drive from Old Petrie Town, you’ll arrive to bird-songs and the soothing tides of Hays Inlet. Travel between March and September to see the mating and nesting Raptors, such as Eastern Ospreys, Sea Eagles, and Brahminy Kites. You can learn lots about the local ecosystem at The Centre!
DAY 2
This morning, you are en route to the seaside paradise of Redcliffe Peninsula.
Walk along Redcliffe Jetty and read local history. If you’re there on Sunday, you’ll enjoy the local food, arts, produce, and more at the Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets.
Every day of the week, you'll find an abundance of great coffee spots and places to dig into some delicious breakfast along the Redcliffe Seaside Village, before your Brisbane Whale Watching tour leaves the Jetty promptly at 10am.
Whales migrate to Moreton Bay from July to November and are known for putting on a show. Watch these majestic animals move north to warmer waters while you’re served a delicious lunch. Guaranteeing sightings each trip, Brisbane Whale Watching depart every day during the season.
If you miss the whales, you’ll enjoy seeing dugongs, dolphins, and other Moreton Bay sea life. Dolphin Wild Island Cruises embark on Saturdays all year. Feeling adventurous? Dolphin Wild offers you boom netting experiences. Snorkel the Shipwrecks at Moreton Island as part of their incredible experience.
Once your tour ends, take in the seaside views of Redcliffe. Redcliffe Parade is lined with history, like Redcliffe Foreshore Art Trail or Settlement Cove Lagoon, the site of Queensland’s first penal settlement. You’ll enjoy how the legacy of the Bee Gees is staying alive at Bee Gees Way, be sure to visit after dark for the nightly light show!
Craving seafood? The Redcliffe Peninsula offers a fantastic array of fresh seafood options. Enjoy a relaxed evening at The Rustic Olive, known for its Italian-inspired seafood dishes, including sumptuous seafood platters that are perfect for sharing. For a more laid-back setting, Morgan’s Seafood is your go-to for fresh fish and chips, directly from the trawler. Alternatively, Tempest Restaurant provides a dine-in experience with views of Scarborough Marina, offering a menu rich with seafood delights.
DAY 3
Your spending your last day heading for an island escape on Bribie Island. The only Queensland island you can access via car, and is only a 50-minute drive from Redcliffe and about 90 minutes from the heart of the Brisbane CBD.
As an island, there's no surprises here that you'll find a number of pristine beaches to explore and enjoy some fun in the sun.
Families will love swimming at Bongaree Beach with its gentle waters and shallow areas. If you're looking for a surf beach, you're in luck! Woorim Beach is the closest patrolled surf beach to Brisbane. Please always swim between the flags!
If you really want to make the most of your time on the island, you can't go past G’Day Adventure Tours Beach 4WD experience and seeing Fort Bribie. You might see some kangaroos and emus, too!
Want to take in local history? You’ll enjoy Bribie Island Seaside Museum, with exhibits for the whole family. Learn the history Matthew Flinders had with the region, and how the area was named. You can even see the work of Australian artist Ian Fairweather.
Looking for locally made gifts and momentums? Bribie Island Community Arts Centre has a stunning selection of local artisan work for sale, from sculpture to jewellery, textiles and paintings. With an onsite café, it is the ideal location to explore.
Take a stroll and explore the history of the Bongaree Walkabout Trail followed by a sunset picnic at Sunset Park. There are plenty of nearby takeaway shops and, of course, plenty of fresh fish and chips for you to enjoy by the water.
Head down to Sandstone Point and try your hand at Stand-up Paddle Boarding or kayaking, thanks to Bribie Beach Shack. Looking for a leisurely conclusion to your Moreton Bay Region stay?
Feel like a cold drink and delicious seafood? End your perfect Moreton Bay adventure with a visit to Sandstone Point Hotel’s Oyster Shed.
That concludes your 3-day self-drive itinerary. We hope you enjoy exploring our wonderful region.
Share your journey with us on socials @visitmoretonbayregion and tag us with #visitmoretonbay in your posts, we would love to hear about your experiences in 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.
