We've done all the hard work for you - we've created the ultimate weekend itinerary, without the hefty price tag.
So, all that's left for you to do is pack the car (the great thing about this road-trip is there's no baggage limits so grab the beach ball and the boogie boards), and point your steering wheel towards Moreton Bay for an affordable but fun-filled bayside escape for the whole family.
DAY 1
If you're planning on hitting the road after you pick the kids up from school, that's ok! The great thing about Moreton Bay being only minutes away, is that the sun will still be up when you get to your destination - Bribie Island.
You'll need to book in advance, but it'll be worth it when you roll into Big4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort. Offering a variety of accommodation options for every type of getaway and budget, BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort isn't just accommodation, it's a holiday destination like no other!
If you're really wanting to make the dollar stretch (without compromising on the fun), then get back to nature with your very own spot of grass to pitch your tent. Or if you've got a caravan, drive right up and settle in. Both options are price effective which means you can save on accommodation, while still having access to the world-class facilities.
If camping isn't really for you, the resort features 2, 3 and 4 bedroom villas as well as a Family Safari Tent (for something a little different). There's plenty of room for the family to stretch-out.
TIP: Stay mid-week for some great discounts.
If you managed to sneak away earlier than Friday afternoon, then you'll still have plenty of time to relax with a drink in hand while the kids have an absolute blast in the water play park, which features five water slides and a giant 800 litre tipping bucket.
But that's not all, the resort also boasts heated swimming pool, jumping pillow, playground, tennis court, kids play room and a basketball court. There's also go-carts to hire.
When it's time for dinner, you can whip something up in your villa or if you're camping the resort has a number of camp kitchens for you to cook up a BBQ feast.
If you don't feel like cooking (you're on holidays after all), there's a restaurant onsite at the resort, or the award-winning Sandstone Point Hotel is only a short walk away (it's literally next door) with a number of different family-friendly dining options, as well as a free petting zoo and outdoor barnyard-style playground.
During winter, make priceless family memories and warm up by the fire pit at the Sunset Deck and enjoy a bite to eat and something to drink, while you roast marshmallows. The fire pits light up every Friday & Saturday night from 6pm - 9pm.
DAY 2
If you’re not in the mood to fire up the BBQ this morning that’s ok, jump in the car, just across the bridge on Bribie Island is Scoopy’s Ice Creamery & Sidewalk Café where the delicious bacon and egg rolls are only $8 you can feed a family of 4 for as little as $32.
Bribie Island is renowned for its beaches - and it's not hard to see why. Explore the local beaches, depending on what you're after and how old the kids are.
Families with little ones love to splash around in the calm waters at Bongaree Beach and Sylvan Beach. If you're looking for some waves, and your kids are a little older, head to Woorim Beach, the closest patrolled surf beach to Brisbane. Be sure to always swim between the flags.
For a budget-friendly family day out, Bribie Beach Shack offers an array of options to explore the beautiful Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay Marine Park. Families can enjoy the rich marine habitat home to dolphins, dugongs, and turtles with boat hires, including fishing boats, BBQ pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards. Expert local advice on fishing spots and all the necessary gear is also available, making planning an enjoyable fishing adventure easy without breaking the bank.
Bribie Island Hire Hut & Tours offers a range of affordable hire options to help you make the most out of your time on Bribie. They have a variety of equipment to help you explore the island. Choose from:
If you want to really get to know the island, Bribie Island Hire Hut also hosts half day and full day guided tours.
DAY 3
Can you believe how fast time flies when you're having fun? Today is your last day in Bribie Island, so it's time to make the most of it.
Depending on the budget, we recommend you splurge a little bit, there's some great tours that will help you finish your weekend.
Experience Bribie Island and its surrounds on a scenic boat tour of the Pumicestone Passage with Ferryman Cruises. Offering morning, lunch and sunset cruises, with prices starting from just $29 per person. The whole family will be entertained with the Skippers commentary while keeping a look out for local dolphins, dugong and seabirds.
Get off-road and discover the all the natural wonders of the island with G'day Adventure Tours. Kick-back and relax as you're chauffeured around in a kitted-out four-wheel drive. Depending on time and budget, there's a range of tours. The Bribe Island 4WD WWII Bunker Tour is a popular 2.5 - 3 hour tour where you'll discover Bribie Island's Norfolk Lagoon & Mermaid Lagoon and four wheel drive along Woorim Ocean Beach to the remnants of World War II bunkers, as you learn the history of the island. Prices are $77 per adult and only $57 for children (7-12 years old).
Have you ever had lunch in the middle of Pumicetone Passage? Well, here's your chance. You can hire a 8-seater self-drive barbecue boat, equipped with cushioned seats, BBQ, toilet and shade canopies from Bribie Island Boat Charters. For half day hire it costs $200, however it works out cost effective if you BYO food (and drinks).
Love butterflies? No trip to Bribie Island is complete without popping into the Butterfly House, a not-for-profit community of passionate volunteers dedicated to increasing the butterfly population on Bribie Island. Open to visitors, a friendly volunteer will give you a guided tour where you can step into the butterfly haven and interact with them in their natural environment.
We hope you enjoy your time exploring all that our wonderful region has to offer.
Share your journey with us on socials @visitmoretonbayregion and tag us with #visitmoretonbayregion 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.