The Moreton Bay Bucket List

A bucket list can be anything you want it to be, so what if yours was made up of experiences to enjoy right here in the Moreton Bay Region?

This diverse destination offers everything from adrenaline-pumping adventures, animal encounters and amazing places to visit, to decadent delights for lovers of fine food.

Here’s our top 30 to get you started …

#1

#1 Taste local Moreton Bay seafood

There’s no shortage of delicious, fresh seafood in Moreton Bay including the iconic Moreton Bay Bug. You can buy it from a local seafood market and cook it yourself, or let the experts do all the hard work and simply order, throw down a picnic blanket and watch the world go by along the foreshore. Here’s our tips for the best on offer.

#2

#2 Sip on a cocktail at Sunny’s Rooftop Bar

With 180 degree views of Moreton Bay, Sunny’s Rooftop Bar is a spectacular spot to sip on a cocktail, catch up with friends or host a special event. It’s open for walk-ins from 3pm on Fridays and noon on Sundays. Enjoy DJs every Friday night and acoustic soloists on Sunday.

#3

#3 Attend an event at Sandstone Point Hotel

Live music is back baby!! Check out the line-up of gigs at Sandstone Point Hotel and take your pick. There’s outdoor concerts booked through to February 2022, so grab some mates for an afternoon of live music to remember. You won’t regret it.

#4

#4 Pitch a tent on at one of Moreton Bay Region’s most scenic camping spots

If you haven’t been camping in the Moreton Bay Region, you are missing out. There are beach and hinterland options, for those who like to rough it as well as those who enjoy creature comforts and even a little luxury. Check out all the options here and if you're looking for something a little extra special, check out these four amazing camping spots hidden in National Parks.

#5

#5 Visit Dreamtime Kullilla Art

Discover more about the world’s longest living culture at Dreamtime Kullilla Art. The family-owned business specialises in authentic Aboriginal art and craft, and bush tucker products. The gallery and shop at Clontarf, on the Redcliffe peninsula, is also a studio for renowned artist Michael Connolly. He’s a proud and passionate Aboriginal man who’d be happy to have a yarn with you.

#6

#6 Watch a sunrise or sunset

Whether you’re after that perfect photo for Instagram or a romantic setting for a morning or early evening picnic with your love, there are options aplenty across the Moreton Bay Region. Head to the beach, a bayside jetty or hinterland location to create memories in the virtual and real world. Here’s some inspiration to get you started.

#7

#7 Flip into fun at AquaSplash Redcliffe

For the young and the young-at-heart, try the AquaSplash Redcliffe water course. Jump, bounce, swing, and slide across a variety of obstacles that float on the waters of Redcliffe. Test your skills on this super-fun, family favourite activity. Whether you have super strength or not, anyone can have fun on this course, you just have to give it a go.

#8

#8 Play a round of golf on one of our lush greens

Star Aussie golfer Cameron Smith still calls Wantima Country Club at Brendale ‘his club’, after learning to play the game there as a boy. It’s just one of the quality courses you’ll find across the Moreton Bay Region, with options also at Bribie, Redcliffe, Caboolture, Woodford and more. Check out our blog for inspiration.

#9

#9 Visit an art gallery

You might need to set aside a few weekends to check out the huge number of art galleries across the Moreton Bay Region including Redcliffe Art Gallery, Good Egg Gallery, Woodford Museum and Art Gallery, Pine Rivers Art Gallery, Caboolture Regional Art Gallery, The Slab Hut Art and Craft Gallery, Red Poppy Art Collective, Dayboro Art Gallery and The Old Fire Station Gallery at Redcliffe. There are plenty more you’ll discover once you get started. Make a list, look out for feature exhibitions and hit the road!

#10

#10 Take a Llama for a walk

Discover the beauty of Bribie Island only 40 minutes drive north of Brisbane and take a walk with a friendly llama as your companion with Ottaba Llamas! You will have the opportunity to meet, pat and chat with the cutest employees before snapping that #llamaselfie and talking them on a stroll.

#11

#11 Make new furry and feathered friends at one of our animal and wildlife sanctuaries

Who doesn’t love a llama, camel, deer, goat, sheep, osprey or even a butterfly. You can enjoy a memorable encounter with all of the above at animal and wildlife sanctuaries in the Moreton Bay Region. If sea-loving creatures are more your thing, Moreton Bay is the place to see dolphins, turtles, dugongs, migrating whales and much more.

#12

#12 Go on a G’Day Adventure Tours adventure

Head to one of the world’s biggest sand islands and take your pick of adventures ranging from 4x4 beach tours, an eco-cruise on Pumicestone Passage, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding with G'Day Adventure Tours. There are options to thrill all ages and varying senses of adventure. While you’re there, you can see Australian wildlife up close or take a swim in the tea tree-stained lagoons.

#13

#13 Visit the Redcliffe Markets

Pick a Sunday, any Sunday … and head to the Redcliffe foreshore for these markets with a difference. Held each week from 7am-1pm, the Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets are a drawcard for those who enjoy meandering among the market stalls, but also those who just appreciate a morning by the seaside. You’ll find fresh farm-direct produce and meats, artisan goods, trawler-direct seafood, fresh baked breads, gourmet food and provisions, handmade wares, arts and crafts and so much more.

#14

#14 Wander through Old Petrie Town

Explore the special collection of historic buildings in this pre 1930s ‘town’, and the eclectic assortment of businesses that operate within them. Old Petrie Town offers a genuine insight into the past with four museums onsite, traditional trades and artefacts. Take a moment to stop and Experience the atmosphere of this special place, and the vast array of creatures that inhabit the natural environment. There are markets on Sunday from 7am-1pm and other events throughout the year.

#15

#15 Visit Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Abbey Museum is a treasure trove of world history that captures the imaginations of young and old. Take a journey through the centuries, from the world of prehistoric hunters to the time of the Industrial Revolution and the rise of imperialism. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in history through an international collection like no other. The museum host events throughout the year, including the Abbey Medieval Festival in July.

#16

#16 Enjoy a picnic at Lake Samsonvale

This picturesque spot is one of the best locations for a picnic or barbecue lunch in Moreton Bay Region. All designated picnic and barbecue areas have a range of facilities including fresh water, toilets, tables and easy parking. Designated picnic areas can be found at Bullocky Rest, McGavin View, Forgan Park, Forgan Cove and Kobble Creek.

#17

#17 Float along Pumicestone Passage on the Bribie Island Gondola

Can’t get to Venice right now? You can still experience venetian romance, complete with magical sunsets, fine food and even the occasional dolphin, turtle or dugong. Bribie Island Gondola offers a range of experiences for couples and small groups (up to six). Guests can enjoy spectacular scenery, panoramic views of the Glasshouse Mountains and the pristine waters of the Pumicestone Passage in a comfortable and luxurious setting.

#18

# 18 Enjoy a Dolphin Wild Island Cruise

Here’s your chance to snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Moreton Bay, among the wrecks, and enjoy pristine sandy beaches and see an abundance of marine life such as dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Dolphin Wild Island Cruises offers a range of tours and experiencing including boom netting. You can be as sedate or as adventurous as you dare.

#19

#19 See the whales with Brisbane Whale Watching

With about 25,000 humpback whales passing through Moreton Bay each year on their migration to and from Antarctica, it is the perfect place to see them as they rest, play and interact with each other, and it's recognised as one of the world’s best whale watching destinations. Brisbane Whale Watching runs tours from June to October, which are guaranteed to put a smile on your dial and teach you a bit about these majestic creatures.

#20

#20 Take a scenic drive through the hinterland

Fuel up the car, pack a picnic and head west for a scenic drive through the Moreton Region’s picturesque hinterland. Follow our 72-hour itinerary, or make up your own, as you discover everything Mt Glorious, Mt Mee, Dayboro, Samford, Ocean View, Mt Nebo and Woodford have to offer. There are also delightful spots in between, and plenty of amazing cafes, restaurants and wineries to discover. Check out our blog for inspiration.

#21

#21 Explore the Deception Bay Heritage Trail

Check out unique heritage sites along the Deception Bay Heritage Trail, which covers about 4km and can be completed in a 90-minute stroll. There are more than 10 sculptural markers, made from brushed and painted aluminium on structural aluminium pipe, which identify each heritage location. The trail begins at the intersection of Beach Rd and Joseph Crescent, following Captain Cook Pde, down to the Southern end of The Esplanade.

#22

#22 Sink a beer at a local bar

Lovers of craft beer, beer towers or typical schooners are spoilt for choice when it comes to venues to wet the whistle in the Moreton Bay Region. You can take in a bayside view from ground level or a rooftop, head to the hinterland or combine it with a game of pool. Name a suburb, and there’s sure to be an option for you. If you’re keen to experience something new, check out our blog for inspiration.

#23

#23 Take a scenic flight to Ocean View

Want to head to Ocean View Estates Winery, but want to arrive in style? You can drop in like an A-lister via helicopter with Oceanview Helicopters! Once your feet are back on the ground, you can dine in the winery’s beautiful restaurant overlooking the lake. Enjoy a glass of wine and a special banquet prepared by chef Joel Grudnoff. Packages are $90 per person, including glass or wine and banquet.

#24

#24 Get adrenaline pumping with Moreton Bay Jet Ski & Hire

Embrace your sense of adventure and get the adrenaline pumping on Pumicestone Passage, with views of beautiful Bribie Island and the Glasshouse Mountains with Moreton Bay Jet Ski Hire & Ride. You will also have the chance to see the array of marine life that call this pristine waterway home. Tours leave from Spinnaker Sound Marina, Sandstone Point.

#25

#25 Take a dip at Rocky Hole

Voted as one of the top attractions to visit near Brisbane, Rocky Hole is a stunning swimming hole etched into the natural contours of Mount Mee’s granite-filled gullies. Surrounded by open eucalypt forest, it is a picturesque location to take a dip on a hot summer day. So, pack a picnic and your swimmers and head west for a dip to remember. For tips on how to get there, check out our blog.

#26

#26 Experience the magic Store of Requirement, Samford

Board the train at Platform 9 ¾ and visit Moreton Bay Region’s very own mini Potter World located in the heart of Samford. Visit the Store of Requirement and enjoy a delicious Butter Brew while you browse the extensive range of licensed memorabilia and collectibles including broomsticks, cauldrons and an array of trinkets.

#27

#27 Eat your way through Bite Markets

Step foot inside this food lovers paradise and sink you teeth into something decadent and memorable at Bite Markets. Choose from fresh oysters, boa, wings, dumplings, gelato and world famous funnel cakes! Open every Friday and Saturday from 4pm.

#28

#28 Dust off your apron for a cooking class with Pause

If you harbor a love for Italian cuisine and want to channel your inner MasterChef, a cooking class with Pause Samford is exactly what you need! Learn some new skills and taste your delicious creations which we’re sure will inspire you to turn your kitchen into a little Italy. Join Head Chef, Rino Avellini, as you sift through a curriculum of Italian Classics from Rino’s Mamma’s recipes.

#29

#29 Saddle Up for a Horseback Winery Tour with Slickers Horse Riding

Saddle up and enjoy a guided trail ride with Slickers Horse Riding. From rainforest, through valleys and creeks up to mountain tops adventure across their gorgeous hinterland property. Whether you are an avid rider or have never ridden before, the team at Slickers have a horse to suit all abilities.

#30

#30 Snorkel the wrecks with River to Bay

Escape the mainland for a day with River to Bay’s Moreton Island Cruise. Leaving from Sandstone Point Hotel or Spinnaker Sound Marina, River to Bay will take you across Moreton Bay to Queensland’s beautiful Moreton Island for a day of relaxation and jam-packed fun and adventure.

When you find yourself looking for bucket list worthy experiences we hope you find some inspiration in this list. Be sure to share your adventures with us on social media, using #visitmoretonbay and tagging us at @visitmoretonbayregion.

Want to add even more adventures and experiences to your bucket list? Here are some more ideas:

Dine with a view at these 7 restaurants

The Moreton Bay Family Bucket List

Stony Creek Swimming Hole | Woodford

Fish and Chips in Redcliffe

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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.