Discover Redcliffe and Morton Bay
Redcliffe is an outdoor holiday oasis that boasts breathtaking beaches and scenic foreshore parklands, as well as stunning bay and mountain views.
This cosmopolitan seaside village is ideally situated, with easy access to Brisbane yet offering 22km of magnificent coastline with rocky trademark red headlands.
The new-look Redcliffe Jetty is the gateway to one of the world’s largest sand islands
Moreton Island and the region’s sub-tropical climate lends itself to the outdoors lifestyle. Naturally, its recreation and leisure industry is centred on the water.
One of the more exhilarating experiences is a whale-watching tour in the Cape Moreton and Flinders Reef region, off the north-east tip of Moreton Island, between June and November.
Scuba diving is another major pursuit that Redcliffe offers, with an abundance of marine life to explore in Moreton Bay. The breathtaking offshore reefs around Moreton Island are major fish breeding grounds and home to a myriad of colourful fish.
There are several scuba charters that depart from Newport waterways at Scarborough and the usual destinations are around the Flinders Reef Marine Park which boasts more species of hard and soft corals than any other part of the Great Barrier Reef. Conditions are best in the cooler winter months when divers are likely to see the migrating humpbacks. In the summer there are usually turtles, manta rays and all the tropical fish.
There are also some diveable wrecks in the sheltered parts of Moreton Bay as part of an artificial reef that has been in place since 1968.
Swimming, sailing, wind surfing, kayaking and jet skiing can also be enjoyed in and around Redcliffe.
And for the fishing enthusiast there are plenty of open beaches, rocks and jetties. However, one of the best spots must be the old Hornibrook Highway which crosses water. It is now closed to motorists but is popular for anglers, cyclists and pedestrians.
For sand lovers there are several pristine beaches including Suttons Beach, Margate Beach and Scarborough Beach, while the foreshore landscaped parks such as Pelican Park and Jamieson Park are idyllic areas.
Cycling is one of the best and healthiest modes of transport to see Redcliffe and the city offers 36 km of mainly flat bikeways.
Something far more daring is the skydiving activity from Redcliffe Aerodrome.
It’s here that Redcliffe offers an adrenalin-charged experience for the thrill-seeker who will take a tandem parachute jump from between 10,000 and 14,000 feet.
After tumbling from the Cessna 206 aircraft, skydivers can then enjoy spectacular views from Noosa to the Gold Coast and across Moreton Bay and the Glasshouse Mountains, while the professional guides them towards the landing area at picturesque Suttons Beach.
Redcliffe’s Botanic Gardens in Henzell Street have been transformed into a natural wonderland over the past two decades. Its major features include the Moreton region rainforest, wallum heathland, amphitheatre, Chorizema Spring and a herb garden that is extremely popular with visitors. The gardens are open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 3.30pm and weekends and public holidays from 9am to 4pm. Entry to the gardens is free..
The Settlement Cove Lagoon, at the intersection of Redcliffe Parade and Anzac Avenue, is a superb recreational arena, with a waterfall and swimming lagoons as well as a children’s play area. Barbecue facilities are also available.
Redcliffe has a wealth of restaurants, cafes and takeaway eateries to accommodate all tastes. Of course, this coastal region is renowned for its seafood and one of the favourite family dishes is the traditional fish and chips.
Redcliffe’s premier art venue is the Redcliffe City Art Gallery in Oxley Avenue and features local and touring exhibitions. It’s open from 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday. Call the gallery on 3283 0415. And history buffs can learn about Queensland’s early days of European settlement by visiting the Redcliffe Historical Museum in Anzac Avenue. It’ is situated near the art gallery and is open from 10am-4pm,Tuesday to Sunday. Call the museum on 3883 1898.
The Redcliffe Cultural Centre hosts numerous live shows and concerts throughout the year and the Stage Door Gallery has ever changing exhibitions. Contact the Cultural Centre on 3283 0400 for up coming shows and times.
For all information on attractions and activities in Redcliffe contact the Visitor Information Centres on freecall 1800 659 500 – open 7 days from 9am – 4pm
Or visit www.redcliffetourism.com
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