Situated between Scarborough Point and Oyster Point at the northern end of the Redcliffe Peninsula: Jamieson Park, Reef Point, gently rolls onto a small sandy beach covered with interesting red pebbles formed from volcanic rock 25 million years ago! This picture perfect haven is ideal for dolphin watching and whale watching Moreton Bay’s pristine waters. At low tide, take a walk out onto the sandy reef to really appreciate the incredible ‘middle of nowhere’ feeling while scanning the water to look for dolphins that often come out to play and whale watch. Keep an eye on the tide as well otherwise you’ll need to hitch a ride back to shore on a dolphin!
Its shallows also make it a popular location for fishing, beach combing, paddling and having a splash around with the family dog, throwing and chasing sticks. Yes, this is yet another dog friendly area on the Redcliffe Peninsula complete with dog waste bags available from posts along the park path. The reef is also one of the very popular Redcliffe fishing spots for shore fishermen as it offers up to 60 species of fish just waiting to be caught, flathead and whiting are generally the most prolific catch of the day.
Children of varying ages will be delighted with the party shaded playground equipment at the park that includes spring riders, monkey bars, flying fox and a rope climbing structure. There is also a wheelchair carousel located under a large shady tree next to the play area. The park is appealing not only to children, but to marine life and/or boating devotees who can sit back and lazily gaze at the spectacle of passing yachts and fishing crafts, as well as engaging in whale watching Moreton Bay spotting fun. With the Bay being the main gateway to Moreton Island the water traffic is always busy in this location, particularly on weekends providing lots of “yacht spotting” opportunities.
Take the time to look slightly to the north from the beachfront park and appreciate the majestic Glasshouse Mountains in the distance first sighted and named by James Cook in 1770, because they reminded him of glass furnaces in his home county of Yorkshire, England! Saturday mornings sees the excitement level rise at Jamieson Park as there is the chance to see many skydivers make their dramatic landings right on the adjacent beach (depending on the wind gusts). What a breathtaking sight it is to witness these massive colourful parachutes being controlled to land on an exact predetermined spot.
You can even arrange to get married in this picture perfect dolphin watching location! There is a quiet shady location at the northern end of the park that overlooks the water making it perfect for photographs prior to and after small ceremonies. (Contact www.moretonbay.qld.gov.aufor more information). With views facing west, Reef Point makes a stunning place for romantic sunsets.
Cycling enthusiasts are also covered as the Moreton Bay Cycle Way borders the park. This makes a water bubbler stop and opportunity to soak in the expansive view and do some dolphin watching a tempting idea, before heading to the final destination – often located somewhere over the Ted Smout Bridge, within the northern suburbs of Brisbane – just a stone’s throw away from the Redcliffe Peninsula on a speedy road bike!
If you want more than a bayside whaley experience, be sure to book a tour with Brisbane Whale Watching. Considered one of Queensland’s BEST whale watching tours, Captain Kerry and her crew run whale watching cruises from Redcliffe Jetty from June till October annually. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to get up close to the 18,000 plus humpback whales that pass our coastline each year!
Facilities at Jamieson Park, Reef Point, Scarborough;
Made in conjunction with Stockland Newport and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, Spinnaker Park is an all-abilities playground in north Brisbane that ensures children of all abilities can play together, including those with physical disabilities and spectrum disorders such as autism.
Located in Clontarf, stage one of the Hays Inlet Eco Path has recently opened to the public. This path was made available in August 2019 for all members of the public to observe and become aware of the natural value of this remaining wetland.
Deception Bay has a rich history, from The Gubbi Gubbi – the traditional owners of the area to the establishment of a Moreton Bay penal colony. The Deception Bay Heritage Trail covers about four kilometres and can be completed in a 90-minute stroll.
In the lower reaches of Saltwater Creek off Bramble Bay, Hays Inlet is bordered by Anzac Avenue to the north, Houghton Highway to the east, Dohles Rocks to the south and the Bruce Highway to the west. This convenient location allows for simple access from any direction.
For things to do in Redcliffe head to Woody Point Jetty. With spectacular views and great fishing spots it's a day out the whole family can enjoy.