3-day Nature Inspired Road Trip Itinerary

Take your holiday into your own hands and make the most of some much-needed time off.

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 Moreton Bay Region and follow our North Brisbane sightseeing itinerary.

You can expect:

  • Gorgeous sub-tropical rainforest walks alongside iconic Australian animals
  • Native sea life experiences out on the pristine waters of Moreton Bay and beaches
  • Immersive local history adventures in the Moreton Bay Hinterland
  • Opportunity to purchase local art and handmade gifts

Let's get this road trip started!

#1

AM - See the Australian Bush

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.

Bush Walks

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.

#2

Lunch time

Enjoy a delicious lunch in Samford, stop by Canter & Colt and tuck into a 100% organic, wholesome and fresh meal, celebrate local produce at Little Tree Bake & Brew House, known for their house-made pastries and pies.

For a lunch degustation experience, you can’t go past the mouth watering menu at Pause Restaurant. Crafting the food from scratch, the European trained Italian chefs at Pause have been awarded for their slow-food approach using local ingredients to create elegant and delicious menus.

If you're looking for some country charm and a casual dining experience, make sure you head to the iconic Samford Hotel.

#3

PM - An afternoon of history and nature

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!

#4

AM - Enjoy bayside animal experiences

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 offer you boom netting experiences. Snorkel the Shipwrecks at Moreton Island for an extra AUD$20.

#5

PM - Bee Gees & Sensational Seafood

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!

Hungry? Redcliffe Peninsula is renowned for its fresh seafood offering. Treat yourself to an evening at The Golden Ox, an award winning family-owned restaurant renowned for its shared seafood platters and Moreton Bay Bug dishes. Looking for something more casual? Head to Morgan’s Seafood for fresh off the trawler Fish and Chips takaway or dine in overlooking Scarborough Marina at Tempest Restaurant.

#6

AM - Explore the beaches

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.

#7

PM - Get active at Bongaree

Head down to Bongaree and try your hand at Stand Up Paddle Boarding or a bike ride along the foreshore thanks to Bribie Hire Hut & Tours. Looking for a leisurely conclusion to your Moreton Bay Region stay?

Take a stroll and explore the history of the Bongaree Walkabout Trail followed by a sunset picnic at Sunset Park. There's plenty of nearby takeaway shops and of course plenty of fresh fish and chips for you to enjoy by the water.

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 brings your 3-day self drive itinerary to an end. We hope you enjoy your time exploring all that our wonderful region has to offer.

We hope you find inspiration for your next road trip adventure in Moreton Bay 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!

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Acknowledgement of Country - We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of the Moreton Bay Region, the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, and Turrbal people and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise the ongoing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land.