Places to visit in Moreton Bay

To chat face-to-face to a local about all the best things to see and do in Moreton Bay, step into a Visitor Information Centre. 

Redcliffe and its beach towns 

One of the earliest settlements in the Brisbane area, Redcliffe and the surrounding beach towns are home to golden sand beaches, historical buildings and trails, Sunday markets and a smorgasbord of culinary delights, not to mention Bee Gees Way, a commemorative walkway honouring three of Redcliffe's most famous residents. With its prime location on the shores of Moreton Bay, Redcliffe is also known for its whale watching season which runs annually from June to October. 

Easily accessible with free parking and barbecues, plenty of picnicking areas and a stunning backdrop of Moreton Island, Suttons Beach is a patrolled swimming beach and one of the best spots for a paddle on the Redcliffe Peninsula. And there are plenty more sandy shorelines nearby, with Redcliffe Beach to the north and Margate Beach the south, which connect via the Moreton Bay Cycleway along the coastline of the peninsula right down to Woody Point and Clontarf Beach, a favourite destination for sunset seekers. 

Cafes and restaurants, local farms and markets

As a seaside town with an abundance of fresh seafood options, Redcliffe is a popular choice for restaurants and cafes in the Moreton Bay region, but dig a little deeper – and you won’t have to dig deep at all – and you’ll find this bustling region on Brisbane’s doorstep offers more than a few options.

Iin terms of casual and sophisticated dining, Redcliffe, Scarborough, Margate and Woody Point tick a lot of boxes, and you’ll find plenty more on offer inland, with charming semi-rural destinations like Samford and Dayboro offering culinary treats in abundance.  

These destinations are also home to a variety of local markets, with the weekly Redcliffe, Petrie Town and Caboolture Markets, and the monthly Samford Valley, Dayboro and Woodford Country Markets among the most popular in the region.  

When it comes to farm gate and local produce, Moreton Bay is a heavyweight, with plenty of fresh, straight-from-the-farm produce providing plenty of opportunities to stop and savour the best the region has to offer. From the strawberry farms of Caboolture to the dairies at Mount Mee and Dayboro and the vineyards at Ocean View, if it’s farm-fresh produce that you have a craving for, you’ll satisfy your taste buds here. 

Bribie Island

The only island in Queensland connected to the mainland by a bridge, Bribie Island is an ideal destination for day trips from Brisbane, weekend getaways and longer stays, as well as beach camping in Bribie Island National Park. Showcasing the amazing natural beauty that the Moreton Bay Region offers, it’s easy to see why Bribie Island is such a popular destination.  

From Pumicestone Passage with its myriad marine life, including dolphins, dugongs and turtles, to the scenic foreshore of Bongaree and the popular swimming sport Woorim Beach with its soft white sand and amazing views of Moreton Island, Bribie Island has something for all day trippers and holiday makers. 

Samford and Dayboro

With their country charm, the sleepy towns of Samford and Dayboro are among the most favoured day trips from Brisbane and with landscapes defined by lush forests and rolling hills, it’s clear that there’s more than proximity to Brisbane City that’s driving their popularity.  

The closer of the two towns, Samford lies around 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD and is a popular stop for day trippers exploring nearby Mount Glorious, the Maiala Rainforest Circuit and Jollys Lookout, along with the refreshing swimming spot, Cedar Creek Falls.  

Be sure to allow time to explore Samford Village, filled with bakeries, boutiques and cafes, as well as opportunities to experience bygone eras with 13 sites to visit along the Samford Valley Heritage Trail.  

20 minutes from Samford, Dayboro Village is a charming little town that offers a variety of cafes, shops, a pub and several boutiques, including unique craft and gift shops, and is a popular place to stop among those travelling to D’Aguilar National Park attractions, including The Gantry, Piccabeen Walk and Dahmongah Lookout. The village boasts a thriving arts scene, and with its beautifully preserved historical buildings and stunning natural surroundings, is deserving of a visit whether you’re passing through or looking for somewhere unique to visit on a day trip from Brisbane.  

Woodford

Home to the renowned Woodford Folk Festival (held annually from 27 December to 1 January), Woodford and its surrounds are steeped in rich cultural history. The varied landscapes of Bellthorpe National Park and D'Aguilar National Park provide ample opportunities to connect with nature and there are many private and national park camping options across the region if you’re looking to stay a night or two. 

Freshwater swimming is a favourite pastime around here and with popular swimming holes like the boulder hopping paradise of Stony Creek, lush Neurum Creek and the gorgeous natural swimming hole, Rocky Hole, it’s little wonder why the stunning natural settings of the Woodford region see visitors returning time and time again