Imagine getting started on that bucket list you've always wanted to make! It doesn't matter if it's winter or not (because we've considered this ahead of time for you) so why not start here in Moreton Bay by checking off the items on this epic winter bucket list?
This otherworldly place is on display this winter, with everything from the region's best eateries to unbelievable experiences and unforgettable wildlife encounters, there's something for everyone to check off their bucket list this winter!
Start with these incredible 26 things to get you warmed up...
Say Welcome to the Whales and Visit Brisbane Whale Watching this winter to make your dream of seeing these friendly ocean giants a reality! During the winter season (From June to November), is the only whale viewing excursion near Brisbane in the Moreton Bay Region, departing from Redcliffe.
Moreton Bay Whale watching has gained in popularity in recent years, with many tourists flocking to the milder temperatures of Southern Queensland during the winter months in search of a one-of-a-kind experience. As they move through Moreton Bay at this time of year, whales like pausing to play in the waters, and Brisbane Whale Watching can get you up close and personal with them.
Brisbane Whale Watching has a special offer for all of you conquering your winter bucket list!
Tick off your list, the ability to witness one of the largest winter bonfire event, Sandstone Point Hotel's Bonfire Night is returning in 2023! This is sure to warm your cold night on Saturday, July 8! Get ready for an incredible night of family fun!
A heads up! For the past four years, Bonfire Night has sold out, and it's no surprise why. The family will enjoy rides, live music, entertainment, food and, dessert trucks, with the winter comfort cuisine available from 3 p.m. Of course the chocolate-coated s'mores will be available, as well as wonderful wood-fired pizzas and rotisserie meats!
Prepare for an action-packed night of bonfires, flame shows, fireworks, pyrotechnics, fire twirlers, and fire combat artists! Oh and some special surprises on the night.
If you're not sure where to start your adventurous bucket list tour, let Brisbane Nature Tours handle that. Specilaising in guiding small groups, they will drive you from the rugged hinterland to the sandy shore, allowing you to take in the scenery without missing a thing from the luxury of the passenger seat.
There's even a chance you'll stop in at one of our famed vineyards for a sneaky beverage! Maybe you're a control freak? There's always one, they have options for you to create your own custom outdoor adventure experience too.
Ocean View Estate is the perfect place to unwind and be pampered. With fine dining cuisine prepared by Head Chef Joel Grudnoff at the a la carte restaurant, paired with wine crafted with passion by their father-daughter winemaking duo, Thomas Honnef and Hannah Hathway.
After (over) indulging in the wine, stay the night in one of three vineyard cottages with spas and fireplaces, then visit the vineyards and wineries up close and personal where you can sample directly from the vats.
This bucket list item is a one-of-a-kind experience for all children young and old!
The Store of Requirement is your one-stop-shop for all things Harry Potter. Selling all the officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise to suit every Potterhead's' fantasies in the Moreton Bay region and beyond. This hidden gem offers a real Harry Potter experience, housed in a historic brick church that exudes the ambiance that fans crave.
Does your ideal winter bucket list include looking for a more settled stay in Moreton Bay? Travel your way this winter, whether that be via caravan, boats, or staying in one of the luxury accommodation offerings along the Redcliffe esplanade. Check out the abundance of accommodation offerings available within the region and settle in for the winter in Moreton Bay!
This item is for the whole family and the lovers of history! The Moreton Bay Region has a commemorative past with locomotives. With artifacts, informative exhibits, and the opportunity to ride a genuine train, the Woodford Railway brings history to life. In the tranquil village of Woodford, it's a delightful day out for everyone from train lovers to railway beginners.
The Samford Arts Trail is devoted to all things creative and exhibits the ever-growing skill of artists and craftspeople who make Samford and its neighboring suburbs home. These pop-up art galleries may be found all across the city, from Dayboro to Samford Valley, and everywhere in between. Local residents and tourists will be able to visit artists in their studios and shared spaces, meet the creators, hear about their stories and processes, ask questions, and enjoy some amazing work, all while taking in the natural beauty of the region.
Get friendly with the local fauna this winter! Moreton Bay's gorgeous blue waters are home to playful dolphins, shy dugongs, curious turtles, and hundreds of colourful fish. There's a good possibility you'll also see some beautiful humpback whales breaching in the open ocean this winter.
Climb aboard Dolphin Wild Island Cruises and the friendly crew will assist you in spotting marine life and provide a full day of excitement, including snorkeling (if you're brave enough) at the famed Tangalooma Wrecks and fish feeding.
What about a river cruise? Yes, Please!
River to Bay departs from Spinnaker Sound Marina and takes you directly to Tangalooma Wrecks. River to Bay's boats takes a quick 45-minute cruise across Moreton Bay waters before jumping in the brisk waters for a snorkel and chat with the local turtles.
Undersea Putt & Play is continuing on their adventure putt-putt with 6 to 18 tough mini-golf courses, an arcade (somewhat addictive one at that), a café, and a bar.
Make it a point to relax more in different places this winter by adding them to your bucket list!
The Maiala Park Lodge cottages are ideal for individuals who want to unwind, refuel, and reconnect while being surrounded by nature. Choose from self-contained cottages or suites with views of the region, as well as suites nestled amid the trees and beneath canopies. You may never want to leave Mount Glorious, which is conveniently placed among rainforest treks, 4WD routes, restaurants, cafés, and gorgeous lookouts. The pool, tennis court, pillow menu, and the beautiful main lodge living, dining, and verandahs are all available to all guests.
Put learning more about animals and environmental sustainability on your bucket list! The Moreton Bay region is home to a diverse range of animals, and even if you're not up for a long bushwalk, you can still get up close and personal with some of its local treasures.
Look no further than Osprey House Environmental Centre for a free day of learning with the family or to brush up on your photography skills with your camera.
Enjoy the sunshine while selecting strawberries amid the region's fresh produce. Did you know that Queensland produces the majority of Australia's strawberries? In the Moreton Bay region, you will find that we produce two-thirds of Australia's strawberry crop, and you can get your hands on freshly harvested strawberries right here this winter!
Alternatively, get back to the fundamentals and pick your own on this strawb-licious path with Luvaberry and Rolin Farms!
Is it on your bucket list to experience the entire day from dawn to dusk? Are you hoping to become a morning person who enjoys enjoying the first rays of a new day? Or would you rather be serenaded by the wonderful colours of orange, blue, red, and pink light streaming across a stunning natural backdrop as you unwind at the end of the day?
Check out our comprehensive list of Must-See Sunrises and Sunsets in Moreton Bay.
Feeling adventurous? but don't want the hassle of the planning side of this bucket list trip item? Then this is the one for you!
For the ultimate 4WD tour G’day Adventure Tours has you covered, with fully guided tour packages on offer to suit all of your family's needs. With over 15 years of local knowledge and experience, you can rest assured you won’t miss out on any Bribie Island highlights.
Winter is bug season, Moreton Bay Bugs that is! So, let's add dining on the region's delicacy to your bucket list.
The Moreton Bay region is home to the best Bugs in Australia (self-confessed of course), and we've got the hotspots for you, all of which serve only the freshest (locally caught) cuisine.
With options to eat in or take out, we have compiled a list of what's on offer and where to find some of South East Queensland's finest seafood you NEED to try!
The word on the street is, that it's going to be seriously cold this winter. That shouldn't stop you from enjoying all that nature has to offer within the region! Bribie Island and its magnificent beaches are hard to beat if you want to add some adventure to your trip and get away from the city for a relaxing getaway.
You'll find yourself switching from one life to another roughly 45 minutes after leaving home, which is faster than the Gold or Sunshine Coast beaches. Bribie Island is separated from the mainland by the Pumicestone Passage. As soon as you cross the the Bribie Island bridge, you'll feel at ease.
So, gather the family, togs, bucket, and shovel, and let's go exploring around Bribie Island's beaches.
Check out this swimmingly awesome beach hopping list here!
Indulge your senses this winter at Bite Markets at North Harbour, the northside's largest gourmet experience. This food market, which features over 40 permanent flavour manufacturers, is guaranteed to satisfy all of your sweet, spicy, and savoury cravings! Bite Markets is a vibrant eating hotspot for individuals on a tight budget, with no meal costing more than $15!
Open every Friday and Saturday evening, you can chow down on flavours from around the world, take a seat on their faux-grass, pallet-style arrangements or take up a bench beneath the shimmering fairy lights.
If immersing yourself in history and culture is on your bucket list then look no further than the Moreton Bay region!
The region hosts six Gallery and Museum spaces which are managed by the Moreton Bay Regional Council and free to visit. You may even be able to buy from local artisan items such as bespoke handcrafted homewares and jewelry, historical books and posters, unique children's presents, and quirky souvenirs!
Look no further than this cultural guide here!
Even in winter, your Instagram feed shouldn't go into hibernation! There is no better time to share the top spots to catch up with the crew or gather the family and freshen up the gram feed with outdoor content (Don't forget to grab some warm clothes or a blanket). Get ready to explore and chase more adventures, more experiences, more sunsets, and more tasty eats this winter!
Check out our exclusive list of the region's most instagrammable places here!
If "Try more exotic food!" isn't on your bucket list then you are sorely missing out. Never fear, we've prepared a list of the region's most popular fine dining restaurant experiences in the hinterland of the Moreton Bay Region. These modest eating jewels around Brisbane provide a variety of flavours to satisfy everyone's preferences, from real Italian cuisine to wine fresh from the vineyard just outside the restaurant!
If your winter plans are to disconnect, unwind, and explore the wonders of the hinterland this bucket list item is for you! Time to travel inland to our region's national parks, bushy treks, breathtaking lookouts, small towns, and lovely hospitality. Despite being mere minutes away, the hinterland may make you feel like you're in another universe.
Okay, so your first reaction may not be to walk in the cold through our national parks in the winter, but if your gram feed is due for an update we recommend hiking during the cooler months when the popular sites aren't as crowded. They're also a nice location to relax, read a book, have a picnic, and explore in the winter sun.
We've listed some of the region's best here for you!
Take on the ultimate foodie adventure this winter! It's a place where farmers, bakers, and artisans are treasured and treated as friends, and where fresh, local foods are revered. Use this curated itinerary as a helpful guide and munch your way through Moreton Bay.
The restaurants, cafés, breweries, and pubs are matched with gorgeous surroundings and famous sights tucked away in some of the most beautiful bayside and hinterland spots.
In 72 hours you can stretch to the bayside, eat fresh food from the trawler, then into the hinterland for a gorgeous drive and a visit to several award-winning eateries.
Is winter a time you challenge your physical self and feel more than adventurous? It's time to put your hiking boots on, apply sunscreen, and fill up your water bottle because the Moreton Bay Region has the ultimate task for you. Take on these 10km+ hiking trails in Brisbane to test your endurance and set personal records.
Check out the ultimate hiking trail list that is bound to motivate your bucket list decisions!
Was it on your bucket list to learn something new? Or perhaps to experience the sense of flight? There's so much to learn, experience, and feel right here in Moreton Bay.
Fly around the Bribie Island Butterfly House and look through the enormous glass windows at the Breeding Laboratory. Listen to the "flight attendant" discuss a butterfly's remarkable life cycle. Or pass through the one-of-a-kind gateway into the butterfly enclosure to marvel at the hundreds of fluttering butterflies.
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 #thatsdeliciouslymoreton and tagging us at @visitmoretonbayregion.