Nine of the Coolest Winter Activities to Experience in Moreton Bay

With great weather all year round, Queensland is fortunate enough to be spared from the freezing cold snaps and sweater weather that leaves our southern neighbours shivering for months.

While it can get a little crisp here, it’s not enough to prevent you from getting out and exploring - so it's an ideal time to plan a getaway!

Here in Moreton Bay, winter brings crisp mornings, sunny days and a whole new range of exciting experiences.

Instead of bunkering down and hibernating, here are six incredible outdoor experiences to enjoy in the Moreton Bay region over the next few months.

#1

Walk a Llama on the Beach

Create lasting memories for the whole family with Ottaba Llamas, walking llamas on the beach of Bribie Island!

Choose a 20-minute, or a 40-minutes walk with your new furry friend with ample opportunities to snap some cute pics for your Instagram page, or photo album.

The adorable, cute, cuddly creatures lover your company, and are extremely happy to soak up the sunshine while being taken for a stroll along the waterfront at Banksia Beach.

Top off your unique experience with an optional wine tasting, morning tea or cheese platter.

Psssst, you can also take llamas for a picnic in the winery at Ocean View Estates in the hinterland!

#2

A Sweet Day out Strawberry Picking

Did you know that 33% of Australia's strawberries come from Queensland?

Moreton Bay’s climate is perfect for growing succulent and delicious berries, with one of our strawberry farms being Rolin Strawberry Farm in Elimbah.

Also known as Moreton Bay's home of the "big strawberry", here you can enjoy a day out in winter sun and fill a basket of 1kg strawberries with a pick your own strawberry experience on the weekends.

The only problem you will have upon leaving is deciding what to make when you get home – strawberry jam or strawberry shortcake come to mind!

It’s a delightful activity for families and a perfect way to savour the taste of fresh, seasonal, local produce.

#3

Admire Majestic Humpback Whales

From June to October, the waters surrounding Moreton Bay turn into a playground for close to 18,0000 humpback whales on their yearly migration to and from Antarctica.

One of the best ways to see these gentle giants frolicking in the water is by taking a boat ride with the team from Brisbane Whale Watching, who can get you up close and personal to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Fun fact: Captain Kerry Lopez can identify at least four particular whales by sight just by looking for their unique markings!

Read more about The Amazing Humpback Whale Migration HERE.

#4

Attend one of our Major Events and Festivals

Winter in Moreton Bay also comes alive with a range of major events and festivals.

Indulge at the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival, a celebration of the region’s culinary scene. Savour delicious food, sample award-winning wines and beverages.

Embrace inclusivity and celebrate diversity at PrideFest, a vibrant festival showcasing the LGBTQIA+ community.

Lace up your shows for the Jetty 2 Jetty Half Marathon and Fun Run, Queensland’s longest running fun run. Choose your challenge, from a half marathon to a leisurely 3km walk or run on the scenic Redcliffe Peninsula.

#5

Get Back to Nature with a Hike

Winter is one of the best times to get out and explore nature, as it’s not too hot or too cold – it’s extremely comfortable.

If you’re a nature lover, Maiala National Park at Mount Glorious is a true gem among southeast Queensland rainforests.

There are five different walking tracks to choose from, including the Rainforest Circuit, Cypress Grove, Western Window, Greenes Falls and Westside Track, all featuring beautiful plants and natural wildlife.

But this isn't our only hiking trail... enjoy scenic lake views at Lake Samsonvale, more mountainous views at Mount Nebo, or go on a historical journey on the The Somerset Trail.

#6

Soak Up Some Rays on an Island Oasis

With stunning coastal scenery, lots of boating and fishing areas, 4WD tracks, and an abundance of cafes and eateries to pop into, Bribie Island is a tropical oasis just waiting to be discovered.

As soon as you start making your way over the bridge, past the stunning Bribie Island Welcome Mural at Sandstone Point Hotel, you will instantly feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby cities.

With our year-round sunshine, Bribie Island gives off those perfect winter vibes as you can get nice and toasty on the sand (or on a stand up paddle board on the water from Bribie Beach Shack), and even take a dip and then dry off in no time.

It’s also a perfect spot to catch a truly spectacular sunrise, that is if you don’t mind setting your alarm for an early start - followed by a warm hearty breakfast from Annie Lane Cafe.

#7

More amazing Marine Encounters

More marine creatures, such as dolphins, turtles, dugongs and more can also be found when booking a Moreton Island Eco Tour day trip or a Sunset Cruise with Dolphin Wild Island Cruises.

Departing from Newport Marina, the day tour will take you to the world-famous Tangalooma wrecks where you'll be guided on a snorkelling and fish feeding tour.

The sunset cruise, held on Fridays, also makes the most of the Moreton Bay Marine Park's natural beauty offering a chance to spot our abundant marine life against a stunning backdrop.

Enjoy all of this from the three wildlife viewing decks (front deck, back deck and top deck)!

#8

Look up to the Heavens

With little to no light pollution, there are plenty of epic spots across Moreton Bay where you can see the night sky lit up by billions of stars.

Stargazing is a classic, romantic and inexpensive date idea for couples, so if you're looking to make your partner's eyes twinkle, you have come to the right place.

It's also a great opportunity to take the kids out and teach them about astronomy, spot the milky way or southern cross.

Some of the best locations include Settlement Cove Park in Redcliffe, Poverty Creek on Bribie Island, Dahmongah Lookout Park at Mount Mee and Running Creek Parklands in Highvale.

Don't forget to bring a warm blanket to snuggle under, a beanie to keep your head warm, and a thermos filled with rich, velvety hot chocolate to sip on.

#9

Experience a Warm Romantic Stay

Take the romance up a notch and check out some of our stunning hinterland accommodation for the perfect romantic winter getaway.

Fill the outdoor spa bath with rose petals, bubbles and warm water at Ocean View Estates Accommodation before heading to a picnic in the vineyard.

Relax with a glass of wine in hand in front of the pot belly stove at Maiala Park Lodge.

Or get rejuvenated with stunning views over the valley at Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge.

We hope that you enjoy your time in our wonderful Moreton Bay Region.

Make sure you share your adventures with us on social media, using #visitmoretonbayregion and tagging us at @visitmoretonbayregion.

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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.