If you’re like us, this winter we’re craving an escape from the river city that's still packed with adventure. Right on our doorsteps (literally), Redlands Coast is stacked with experiences and ready to impress this season.
Whether it’s immersing yourself in the area’s rich culture, making the most of whale-watching season, wining and dining like a local, exploring the natural terrain, or taking a day trip to Straddie—a quick trip to Redland’s Coast is never a bad idea.
Stretching from the coastal villages to the unspoilt bushland on the mainland and crystal blue waters of southern Moreton Bay—the options to stay and play along this sandy coast are far from limited and an easy drive from Brisbane. All that you need to do is load up your car and allow the weight from life in the hustle and bustle to drift to a place far, far away.
Feel The Spirit Of Quandamooka Country
Traditional custodians of the Redlands Coast, collectively known as the Quandamooka People, have lived in careful balance with the region’s natural wonders for over 21,000 years.
What better way to kick off your Redlands adventure than by learnings about the incredible traditions and creative practices of the world's oldest surviving culture? Whether it's tasting some regional bush tucker, browsing a local art studio, or embarking on a guided tour, there are plenty of ways you can experience the power of this ageless connection around Redlands Coast.
Check out the Quandamooka Festival for more on how you can discover the Quandamooka People’s unique spiritual connection with the colder seasons as well as the lands, seas, and wildlife of Redlands Coast.
Wave Hello To The Whales
Winter on the coast is the prime time to catch a glimpse of the most majestic of mammals as they stop to say hello on their annual migration from Antarctica to the top of far north Queensland.
For the best shot at getting your eyes on this year's pod of humpbacks, we recommend booking with Yura Tours for a guided whale gazing phenomenon. If this doesn’t suit your agenda, you can check them out for yourself by heading to the infamous Straddie Point Lookout.
From here, head for a stroll along the Whale Track where you'll find a range of spots to stop and admire these magical creatures as they splash about the area's crystal-clear waters.
Test The Trails
No matter your mode of exploration, there's no shortage of incredible trails for all in and among the Redlands Coast. For some of the best bushwalks, mountain biking trails, and horseback adventures Australia has on offer, visit Bayview Conservation Area, Redlands Track Park, and Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area and prepare to unleash your inner adventurer.
Explore Top-Notch Drops Along The Coast
In our opinion, no holiday is complete without testing out the local produce. If grapes are one of the fruits in question, Redlands Coast can most certainly deliver.
Head to Sirromet Winery for all things top-notch drops. Perched atop Mt Cotton, you'll struggle to remember a more scenic beverage.
When that holiday hunger begins to hit, head to the onsite Tuscan Terrace for a range of seasonal culinary delights, enticing sharing plates, and of course more beautifully paired wine.
For an experience away from the vines but still just as tasty, head over to Redlands Coast Distillery for botanical gin guaranteed to knock your socks off. We recommend stopping by for Jazz In July where you can sip inventive spirits and cocktails while jazz bands serenade you into the early evening.
For something a bit more intimate, book yourself one of the winery’s Fiery Winter Warmer experiences. Picture a gourmet hamper, a bottle of your chosen drop, a firepit all to yourself and a scenic spot among the vines. Now that's what we call romantic.
Enjoy The Best Of Local Eats
From unmatched coastal cafe culture and a range of restaurants serving up flavour-packed goodness, you can rest assured that a trip to Redland’s Coast will leave both your soul and stomach satisfied.
For one of the best alt. milk flatties on the coast, head to Coconut Coffee House. Back that up with coffee number two and the most epic pastry from La Bouche. Think buttery, flaky layers and all things glazed, filled, and iced. Trust us when we say this cabinet will live rent-free in your dreams for a while to come.
For all day brunching a table at Wellington Point Farm House is a must. We recommend ordering a serve of their braised beef cheeks and a picnic hamper of pastries and gourmet treats for the road.
For the beer lovers of this world you'll be stoked with the schooners on offer at Bacchus Brewing Co. From desert-inspired beers—think a chocolate Toblerone and a Rocky Road-like Rocknrolla—to a cold and crisp classic, a sip alongside something deep fried in their sun-soaked courtyard is bound to taste pretty damn good.
For a more intimate vibe with your special someone, be sure to visit Citron Bayside. The coastal restaurant offers Mediterranean lunch or breakfast dining with a side of bayside views. We reccomend stopping by on their Sprtizy Saturday's to enjoy a $12 Aperol spritz with their foccacia sandwich with basil pesto, vine ripe tomatoes, bocconcini, prosciutto and chips.
End your nights with a nightcap with your special someone at Old Bill’s. This special little whisky bar sits inside Wellington Point’s Hogan Hotel. Sat by a heat-bearing fireplace you'll find yourself sipping on an old fashioned while devouring the most delicious dish of baked camembert.
Scoot Over To Straddie
A trip over to North Stradbroke Island is always the perfect way to make the most of the weekend. This second largest sand island in the world is a slice of sundrenched beachy paradise that puts our mainland hotspots to shame. Where else can you experience giant sea mammals and go on epic island adventures close to home?
There's no shortage of a-level outdoor entertainment to choose from on Straddie. Whether it's racing with the kids down the dunes, basking on Cylinder Beach—one of the top ten beaches in Australia, greeting the dolphins at Amity Point Jetty, getting your bowl on at the Point Lookout Bowls Club, or learning the scuba skills you need to befriend the fish at Manta Lodge.
If you decide to spend your day on the island, top it off with a loaded prawn roll on freshly baked bread at The Prawn Shack before picking up a premiuim local vino for home at St. Stradbroke.
Want to know the many other ways you can make the most of a trip to Redland’s Coast this winter? Check out Visit Redlands Coast for the best stays and experiences near you.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Visit Redlands Coast and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Redlands Coast via Instagram, Urban List