The Ultimate Girls Weekend Guide

Girls just wanna have fun. But things like work, bills, families and life-admin usually has a nasty habit of getting in the way. Amiright?!

Isn't it about time you got your gal pals together and planned a fun filled girls weekend?

Shop up a storm in quirky cool boutiques, eat (and sip) your way around some of the coolest cafes and bars in north Brisbane, indulge in some much-needed pampering and make time to reconnect with your friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your girl gang and follow our Ultimate Girls Weekend Guide to Moreton Bay Region.

#1

Friday - Let's get this weekend started!

DAY 1

8AM

To make the most of your girls weekend, it's only fair that you squeeze an extra day into the weekend. So, make sure you've asked your boss for the day off (in advance) - it's called having a work, life balance. Your boss will thank you for it later.

Round up the girls, pack the car with the essentials (helpful reminder: there's no pesky baggage weight limits on this road trip) and point your steering wheel towards Samford. You're starting your weekend off the right way - with a delicious brunch and coffee from any one of the many cafes in the adorable Samford Village.

At the forefront of the "brunch culture" the small town is known for its delicious and fresh local produce. You'll be spoilt for choice but here's just SOME of the amazing spots we recommend: Little Tree Bake & Brew House, Long Yard Larder, Canter & Colt, and Cafe Lagarto

#2

It's wine time!

11AM

Saying goodbye to Samford, its time to jump back in the car and head towards Ocean View Estates - it's officially wine time.

Pulling up to Ocean View by 10.45am, you're just in time for your 11am "Behind the Scenes" tour of the vineyard and winery. You'll discover the passion behind every bottle at Ocean View Estates and will get to taste their handcrafted wines and graze on a fine selection of tastes from the kitchen as you go.

You'll continue your experience for lunch over in the Restaurant overlooking the lake.

We recommend you try the delicious succulent whole duck to share and finish the signature dessert - a decadent blueberry and salted caramel tart. Seriously, you'll thank us later.

Popping open another bottle of sparkling over lunch wouldn't be amiss either!

Don't feel like driving?

If you think that your group might indulge a little too much wine at lunch, then plan ahead and make sure you book in advance to secure the onsite 5-bedroom Winemakers Cottage, sleeping up to 10 people, with a gorgeous inside fireplace, the perfect spot to enjoy a wine (or two).

#3

Afternoon of pampering

2.30PM

Leaving Ocean View Estates behind with a full belly and a bunch of insta-worthy photos ready you don't even need to bother editing, it's time to head down the mountain for an afternoon of pure relaxation and pampering at Stephanie's Mountain Spa located at Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa & Vineyard.

For the ultimate indulgent experience, why not book a Spa Package (we suggest package one which will set you back $195 per person, minimum 3 people), where you'll receive 90 minutes of pure bliss including:

  • Scalp therapy
  • 60 minute massage or facial
  • Glass of sparking
  • Take home spa gift

You'll also get an endless supply of herbal tea and access to the tranquil lounge. Ahhhh, feeling relaxed yet?

Once more, it's time to get this show on the road as you make your way to Redcliffe.

#4

Dinner and drinks

5PM

It's time to check in to your seaside accommodation and offload your bags in your room.

If your girl group wants to stick close together, we suggest grabbing yourself an three-bedroom apartment at La Vida on Anzac. There's plenty of room and everything you need is just in walking distance from the Redcliffe Seaside Village. Tick, tick, tick.

The bags are now in the room, it's time to get ready and go looking for somewhere to enjoy some dinner (and maybe some more drinks).

Tempest Seafood Restaurant & Teppanyaki Grill is only an 8 minute Uber ride and is a great place to grab a fun filled dinner on a Friday evening, with plenty of atmosphere and delicious drinks.

If you feel like taking it a bit easy on your first night, there's plenty of casual dining options within minutes along Redcliffe Parade.

#5

SATURDAY - Brunch, the perfect start to your Saturday

DAY 2

8AM

Good morning, we hope the head isn't feeling too sore from the night before.

By now your tummy is probably rumbling and you're in need of a caffine-fix, stat! Wander down Redcliffe Parade where you'll find no shortage of cafes to stop into for some coffee and insta-worthy brunch.

After brunch, take a wander the street and browse through some of the seaside boutiques and home-wares along the waterfront.

#6

Retail therapy

10AM

It's time to treat yo'self and sneak in some retail therapy in North Lakes, the region's shopping mecca.

Westfield North Lakes is north Brisbane's premier shopping paradise. The huge shopping hub is home to all the biggest major brands, mini-majors and beloved Aussie specialty shops.

Need to stock up on home supplies (as well as the new outfits you just scored for yourself)? You're in luck because North Lakes is also home to IKEA and Costco.

#7

Lunch by the lake

1PM

You've shopped up an appetite - it's time to head out in search of lunch, and we know just the spot.

The Boardwalk Restaurant is just a 5 minute drive from the shopping precinct and is located on the ground floor of the North Lakes Hotel. Offering spectacular lakefront views along with delicious food and drinks, it's the ultimate Saturday spot to enjoy lunch (with a sneaky glass of wine - you're on holidays after all).

#8

Rooftop drinks

3PM

After lunch it's time to head back to the room and get ready your Saturday afternoon (and evening) of fun.

While the sun is still shining, make the most of the beautiful winter blue skies and pop to Sunny's Margate Beach for a drink (or two) on their rooftop terrace.

HINT: Be sure to check in advance that the rooftop is open as weather and functions can impact availability and opening hours.

#9

Watch the sunset

5PM

PLEASE NOTE: The Belvedere has re-opened the bistro side of their venue as at September 25, 2023. The remainder of the renovations will be complete in a couple of months.

You're had a couple of wines and you're feeling fine - it's time to head to The Belvedere to catch one of the most spectacular sunsets you'll manage to find in south east Queensland.

Try and secure yourself a table on the deck to make the most of the incredible views.

The Belvedere is one of the locals favourite watering hole and its not hard to see why with their delicious menu and extensive drinks menu, including cocktail balloons, beer towers and premium wine on tap.

Don't forget to try their delicious menu and grab dinner while you're here. We suggest digging into some fresh, local seafood.

#10

Sunday is the fun day for a reason

DAY 3

7AM

Good morning, sunshine. It's your last day in Moreton Bay, so it's time to get up, check out and seize the day.

Start your Sunday off by strolling through the Redcliffe Farmers and Artisans Markets, with the picturesque Moreton Bay in the background. Grab yourself a coffee (or juice) and something to eat from one of the delicious food vendors.

Now that you're fueled and ready to go, it's time to get ready to spend a day on the bay.

#11

Enjoy the bay

Whales

If your trip happens to fall in between July and October then you're in luck - because it's officially whale watching season.

Join Captain Kerry on board on board Brisbane Whale Watching which leaves from the Redcliffe Jetty at 10AM (bookings essential).

To make the most of your trip (you are on holidays after all), why not upgrade your ticket (for only $30 extra) and be treated like a VIP which includes:

  • Access to the exclusive VIP Lounge situated on the elevated mid-deck level located directly behind the Captain’s Wheelhouse
  • An exclusive hostess to look after you
  • Priority boarding
  • Priority lunch (grommet picnic lunchbox)
  • Complimentary beverage

Sightings are 100% guaranteed, so make sure you have the camera ready to capture the whales jumping and playing in their natural habitat.

Dolphin Wild Island Cruises

If you miss the whales or want to experience the best of Moreton Island - then Dolphin Wild Island Cruises is for you, running all year round. Enjoy seeing dugongs, dolphins, and other Moreton Bay sea life.

Feeling adventurous? Dolphin Wild offers boom netting experiences as well as "Snorkel the Shipwrecks at Moreton Island" options. Booking essential.

We hope you enjoy your time exploring all that our wonderful region has to offer.

Share your journey with us on socials @visitmoretonbay 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.