INTRODUCTION TO REDLANDS COAST

Welcome to Redlands Coast

Redlands Coast, stretching from the sparkling waters of Southern Moreton Bay to the Brisbane and Logan border, is your gateway to discovering coastal South East Queensland. Boasting unspoiled bushland and 335 kilometres of stunning coastline – not to mention its islands, including North Stradbroke Island, the world’s second-largest sand island – the area blends natural beauty with urban convenience to the delight of its visitors.

Each Redlands Coast village and island has its own unique personality, inviting exploration and offering adventure. Enjoy fishing or paddle-boarding, have a lazy picnic at the Cleveland Lighthouse or at many of the accessible water’s edge locations. Boutique shopping, relaxed cafes, breathtaking sea views and endless sunsets await you for a charming day out by the water. Explore hinterland trails and visit award-winning Sirromet Winery to enjoy prestigious wines with stunning views.

For a more serene experience, board a ferry and cruise across Moreton Bay to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, where you can explore unspoiled bushland and watch dolphins, dugong and sea turtles at play. The islands also boast a thriving arts scene, featuring studios where artists create unique local artworks. 

Naturally wonderful Redlands Coast is waiting for you to explore!

Nature and Culture

Redlands Coast offers experiences grounded in nature and culture unlike any other, with plenty of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. From gorgeous natural landscapes to its storied Indigenous heritage, the Coast invites visitors to explore its diverse offerings. Launch a boat and fish in some of South East Queensland’s best spots, browse farmers’ and craft markets for unique finds, or simply relax on one of the closest natural s and beaches to Brisbane. Outdoor enthusiasts, meanwhile, can enjoy native botanical gardens, national parks and conservation areas that offer a wealth of walking and cycling trails. Southern Moreton Bay’s crystal-blue waters beckon adventurers as well. A favourite with locals is to walk across the incredible sand bridge to King Island (or Erobin) at Wellington Point.

North Stradbroke Island, or Minjerribah, is home to Cylinder Beach, once named as one of Australia’s top 10 beaches, along with internationally renowned lakes and the iconic North Gorge walk – all teeming with native wildlife. It’s an ideal setting to reconnect with nature, with opportunities for spotting koalas, wallabies and more than 300 bird species, including migratory shorebirds in Moreton Bay’s Ramsar wetlands. Marine life enthusiasts can catch sight of dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles, and enjoy one of Australia’s best land-based whale-watching sites from North Stradbroke Island’s Point Lookout or Mooloomba. 

Steeped in Indigenous culture, Redlands Coast is situated on Quandamooka Country, where the Nunukul, Nughi and Goenpul peoples have lived in harmony with the land and sea for over 21,000 years. Explore this ancient culture by joining a Quandamooka guide on a tour to learn about bush tucker, visit art studios, or discover the region’s spiritual connection to the land through storytelling, dance and song at the annual Quandamooka Festival. A warm yura (which means “hello” in the Jandai language) awaits as the Quandamooka people share their traditions and insights into their connection with the natural world.

Adventure

Redlands Coast is an adventure lover’s paradise with plenty of chances to connect with its natural beauty and robust outdoor culture. Just 30 minutes’ drive from Brisbane city, this coastal enclave invites you to kayak Southern Moreton Bay’s calm waters, explore tracks and trails, or join in the excitement of local events and festivals, including world-class triathlons. To enjoy a taste of the coast in a day, kick off your journey in the charming hinterland village of Mount Cotton and pop into quaint cafes and eateries with breathtaking views while navigating the Southern Moreton Bay Tourist Drive.

North Stradbroke Island is a mecca for adventure seekers, with activities ranging from camping and hiking in the national parks, to beach fishing, surfing and scuba diving at Manta Bommie, one of the top 10 dive sites in Australia. There are endless ways to explore its sandy shores and crystal-clear waters! After a day filled with excitement, recharge at one of the island’s restaurants with breathtaking ocean views or relax at a holiday resort.

From June to November, Point Lookout becomes one of Australia’s best land-based whale-watching sites as majestic humpback whales migrate north. The Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk offers several viewing points to observe these magnificent creatures as they breach and spout in an awe-inspiring display against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

With an array of outdoor adventures ranging from four-wheel drive tours to sandboarding and cultural experiences, Redlands Coast is a playground for all ages and caters to all tastes. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of activity or quiet beachside moments, the area’s wealth of unforgettable experiences make it the perfect destination for adventure and relaxation alike. Bring your family, ready your camera, and discover the adventures that await on Redlands Coast!

Food and Drink

Redlands Coast attracts food lovers of all types with a bustling dining scene to please every palate. Whether you’re sipping award-winning wines, enjoying fresh seafood by the water or sampling craft beers at a local brewery, you’ll enjoy a culinary adventure like no other. From harbourside and lakeside dining options to cosy cafes and dedicated dining hubs, the region offers up an impressive array of the freshest local produce and seafood.

Sirromet Winery – located in the scenic hinterland village of Mount Cotton – is a wine enthusiast must-do. As Queensland’s largest and most lauded winery, Sirromet offers an array of dining experiences ranging from relaxed al fresco meals to exquisite fine dining. The winery’s celebrated wines, which have earned more than 900 domestic and international accolades, pair beautifully with stunning Southern Moreton Bay views. Visitors can enjoy winery tours, onsite eco-glamping and a lively calendar of events.

Redlands Coast’s agricultural roots and oceanside environs mean fresh, local ingredients are always on the menu. Seafood lovers can indulge in platters of prawns, crabs and fish—especially on North Stradbroke Island – as they watch local trawlers bring in the day’s catch. Discover Wellington Point Farmhouse, one of the last working farms in Redlands Coast, serving dishes that capitalise on the flavours of locally harvested produce.

Craft beer aficionados, meanwhile, will appreciate that Redlands Coast is home to a unique microbrewery, Straddie Brewing Company on North Stradbroke Island, offering a taste of the region with beer crafted using the pure, sand-filtered water that flows from North Stradbroke Island’s ancient aquifer.

Stories and Heritage

Redlands Coast is known for its fascinating narratives and heritage experiences as a unique South East Queensland destination. At the heart of this region’s cultural identity is the award-winning Redland Museum in Cleveland, where you can explore the Coast’s historical significance as “Brisbane’s salad bowl”. Its heritage extends far beyond agriculture, however, as you follow the footsteps of European explorer Matthew Flinders, who first came ashore at Coochiemudlo in 1799, or learn about Tim O’Shea, an escaped convict who survived alone on Macleay Island for 14 years. 

Stories told by the Quandamooka people, whose connection to the land spans thousands of years, deepen the cultural experience. The Redlands Coast is committed to preserving its cultural and artistic legacy, with museums and galleries spread across the mainland and islands showcasing more than 20,000 years of local history and artistic talent. Key venues include North Stradbroke Island’s museum, , Cleveland’s Redland Art Gallery and Redlands Performing Arts Centre, the region’s premier event space designed to reflect the coastal landscape. Or you could enjoy a workshop hosted monthly by Delvene Cockatoo Collins for a more personal, intimate introduction to the region’s Indigenous cultural heritage. Whether you want to explore art, history or natural beauty, you can visit Redlands Coast knowing a unique blend of past and present awaits as part of an immersive experience.

Accessibility

Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre, located in Cleveland, is wheelchair accessible and has staff trained to welcome people with disabilities. They are happy to assist visitors with creating and booking accessible itineraries to get the most out of Redlands Coast’s natural wonderland. As well as visitor information, the centre offers local maps, WIFI, device charging and a range of locally produced wares, perfect for travellers wanting to take a small piece of Redlands Coast home with them.

Getting There and Around

Redlands Coast is located on the Cleveland line, with frequent trains running from Brisbane to Cleveland, taking about an hour. There are five train stations located on Redlands Coast, each with accessibility features, including designated staffed hours, accessible parking, access ramps, accessible toilets (all except Ormiston and Wellington Point), assisted boarding points and tactile ground surface indicators (all except Thorneside). Further details on access features can be found on the Queensland Rail website at queenslandrail.com.au by searching for “your station”.

Translink operates regular bus services between Brisbane Transit Centre and Redlands Coast, and also between local villages. Most buses on the Translink network have low-floor entry, a ramp and allocated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Busway stations are equipped with lifts, ramps, pathways and tactile ground surface indicators. Hearing loops are available at busway stations during emergencies.

All ferries to Redlands Coast islands are accessible. 

Bay Island Lifestyle’s Aqua Accessibility Program

Operating out of the Raby Bay Foreshore Park to the north of Cleveland, Bay Island Lifestyle’s Aqua Accessibility program offers accessible activities that celebrate the beauty of Moreton Bay. They have staff who are trained to assist guests with disabilities and a wide selection of watercraft to suit all preferences and skill levels. From stand-up and sit-on paddle boards to single, double and pedal-powered kayaks; and from amphibious beach wheelchairs and four-seater quad water bikes to the unique Hobie Steppers – a stand-up paddle board equipped with handlebars – whatever your needs, Aqua Accessibility has you covered. Book an accessible water tour to explore the local mangroves, creeks, canals and the historic lighthouse at Cleveland Point or hire accessible equipment for your own private adventure. If you feel the need to gain confidence, you can take private lessons tailored to people with disability and enjoy personalised guidance from certified instructors in small group sessions.

Public Libraries

Visitors with sensory sensitivities will be interested to know that several libraries in the region have designated quiet times, as follows:

• Victoria Point: Fridays 1–2pm

• Cleveland: Fridays 2–3pm

• Capalaba: Mondays 2–3pm

Facilities at the libraries include free Wi-Fi, public computers with Internet access, scanning facilities and other amenities.

Visitors are encouraged to contact individual operators for specific accessibility information.