Get to know Redcliffe Peninsula, the seaside escape from Brisbane City

Craving salty air, sea breeze, coastal charm and fresh-off-the-boat seafood? You’ll find it all – and so much more – on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Located north of Brisbane City, Redcliffe Peninsula sits on the edge of Moreton Bay, graced with sub-tropical temperatures year-round and 22 kilometres of beaches and calm bayside to play from sunrise to sunset. 

Sound enticing? It’s time to get to know Redcliffe Peninsula.

Where is Redcliffe Peninsula?

Not too far from city life, yet feels it – Redcliffe Peninsula is less than an hour’s drive north-east of Brisbane CBD.

The coastal enclave encompasses eight small but endlessly charming suburbs. The most visited include the four towns that meet the eastern shoreline: Redcliffe, Scarborough, Margate and Woody Point – and they’re shouldered by Rothwell, Kippa-Ring, Newport and Clontarf.

In true Queensland style, they’re linked by a coastal pathway: Moreton Bay Cycleway stretches from Scarborough Beach in the north to Ted Smout Memorial Bridge in the south. Uninterrupted by crossings or lights, it gives cyclists (or walkers) front row views of the bay and the opportunity to pit stop at some of the region’s biggest drawcards.

How to get there from Brisbane

Whether you’re a Brisbane local looking for something new to do, or taking advantage of the many sides of our region while visiting on holiday, Redcliffe Peninsula is an easy day trip that settles the soul.

By car

Sitting 40km north-east of Brisbane City, Redcliffe Peninsula is accessed via the Houghton Highway Bridge, which offers the first glimpse out into Moreton Bay. Driving from the M1 Motorway, you can also get here through North Lakes via Anzac Avenue.

By train

Access to Redcliffe Peninsula is easy thanks to the Brisbane Metro train line. From the city, take the Redcliffe Peninsula line to its terminus at Kippa-Ring Station.

By bus

Bus services between Brisbane City and Redcliffe Peninsula are also available (though the train is typically the quickest option). If you’re exploring Redcliffe Peninsula without a vehicle, take advantage of local bus routes that connect the coastal towns. Plan your trip here.  

By boat

Unconventional, but totally possible – Redcliffe Peninsula is a haven for fishing, boating and water sports, with three boat ramps and two marinas.

Get to know: Redcliffe

The epicentre of Redcliffe Peninsula and winner of the 2023 QLD Top Tourism Town Awards, Redcliffe is an unmissable Moreton Bay destination. This is, in part, due to its fascinating history. It is the traditional home of the Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi) and the Ningy Ningy People; was the site of the first European settlement in Queensland in 1824; and would later become famous as the hometown of the Bee Gees –where the Gibb brothers spent their early years before becoming global music sensations.

Visitors can delve into the region’s many sides at the local museum, art gallery, and with a wander down Bee Gees Way, the town’s dedicated walkway filled with murals, history and fun.

But that’s just the beginning of the many things to do in Redcliffe, from whale watching to relaxing on lifeguard-patrolled Suttons Beach on those sunny summer days. Visit on a weekday to soak up the quieter pace, or join the weekend festivities as Brisbane locals flock to peruse the Sunday markets, cool off at Settlement Cove Lagoon, throw a line in, café-hop, cheer on the footy team at Kayo Stadium, or simply wander the foreshore and grab some fish and chips.

Get to know: Scarborough

Occupying the northern end of Redcliffe Peninsula, the seaside village of Scarborough is a lively precinct where there’s always something new to discover – or devour, thanks to local hotspots that take advantage of the water views, such as Sea Salt and Vine, Tempest Seafood, and Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co.

Scarborough Boat Harbour is where many local boat tours and cruises depart (along with Newport Marina, just a stone’s throw away). So if you’re interested in cruising with dolphins at the bow and snorkelling the shipwrecks at Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), this is where you should focus your time on Redcliffe Peninsula.

It’s also where many trawlers drop off their daily catch, making it the perfect spot to grab fish and chips and make use of the sprawling parklands, complete with jumping pillows and all-abilities playground. Wander the coastal pathway, stop for a rest or swim at Scarborough Beach, and if you’ve brought your pup along, a visit to this off-leash dog beach is a must.

Get to know: Margate

Though perhaps a little more under the radar than northern neighbours Redcliffe and Scarborough, Margate is a firm favourite among Brisbane families. This is primarily thanks to the 2km long Margate Beach, which is the largest and most popular of the swimming beaches at Redcliffe Peninsula.

The esplanade’s timber boardwalk is ideal for a stroll or cycle, shaded by the 150-year old Norfolk Pines and lined with benches for moments you want to stop and take in the Moreton Bay views. Scotts Point swimming pavilion (built in 1937) sits at the northern end of the beach, while those up for a longer waterfront wander can head south to Gayundah Coastal Aboretum for a picnic or a photo opp of the HMQS Gayundah Wreck.

Margate holds its own when it comes to dining, too. Tuck into noodles from Thai Hut, grab a coffee and breakfast from Indigo’s Café, fish and chips from Seafood Lovers, or head to the rooftop of The Sebel for a round at Sunny’s – the views get even better up here, especially with a cocktail in hand.

Get to know: Woody Point

On the southern end of Redcliffe Peninsula, charming Woody Point is marked by historic Woody Point Jetty, which juts some 240-metres into Moreton Bay – and there’s nowhere better place to cast a line or catch the sunrise or sunset. Come for the relaxed pace, but stay to taste your way through the cafes, shop for local art, or perhaps sail and paddle the calm waters. Just keep your eye out for the dolphin pods that are regularly spotted doing their own fishing here.

Humpybong Yacht Club is a hive of activity each Sunday for the local yacht races: take a seat by the bay and take it all in. Whether you choose to stroll toward Woody Point Cliffs to check out the iconic HMQS Gayundah shipwreck below, get some exercise on SUP, or have a playground adventure and make use of the BBQ facilities at Crockatt Park, be sure to add sunset drinks at The Belvedere or a cuppa at Letter M Espresso into the day’s activities.

Best time to visit Redcliffe Peninsula

You’ll find warm weather and welcoming locals all year ‘round in Redcliffe Peninsula, but if you want to visit when community spirit is in full swing, time your trip for one of the following:

Redcliffe Markets: Held every Sunday from 8am – 2pm, Redcliffe Parade closes to traffic for endless stalls brimming with locally grown produce, artisan wares and locally made goodies.

Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run: Grab the whole crew for this annual fun run welcoming participants of all ages and abilities, on a course set against the beauty of Moreton Bay.

Redcliffe KiteFest: A festival for kids big and small, incredible kite displays take to the skies of Redcliffe Peninsula, with carnival fun, food and entertainment at ground level.

Moreton Bay Food & Wine: This annual three-day foodie extravaganza takes over town, and there’s no better time to get a taste of the region.

Ready to visit Redcliffe Peninsula? Plan your trip with these incredible things to do.

Feature image credit: @visitmoretonbay