Like its inner-city cousin South Bank, Redcliffe boasts a man-made lagoon that is particularly popular with kids. Flanked by fig trees on one side, and iconic Moreton Bay on the other, the public pool is home to a scattering of tables, shade, and barbecues throughout, making it an ideal destination for family get togethers and one of the most popular things to do in Redcliffe.

2. Throw in a line

Fishing is one of the best things to do in Redcliffe. There are a series of different bait supply shops lining the main drag of Redcliffe Parade to tempt budding fishermen; arm yourself with the necessary equipment before making your way to Redcliffe Jetty, Hornibrook Bridge or Scarborough Marina to throw in a line.

3. Shop local at the markets

Venture to Redcliffe Parade on Sundays where the weekly Redcliffe Markets take place between 8am - 2pm. Pack a basket so that you can make the most of the produce vendors which line the streets alongside local artisans selling wares. Arrive hungry; there’s plenty of food stalls to indulge in along the way.

4. Play in the park

Little ones in tow? Redcliffe Peninsula is home to a collection of playgrounds and parks, many of which are themed - to the delight of kids everywhere. The most well-regarded are Pirate Place and Railway Place at Scarborough Beach Park, where playground equipment intertwines with large cottonwood trees for climbing. Railway Place offers many all-abilities features too. 

5. Paddle around the bay

Spend your day on the water; hire a paddleboard or kayak and float your way around the natural wonder of surrounding Moreton Bay. There are a bounty of water sport rental specialists which reside on Flinders Parade in Scarborough or the Redcliffe Jetty. Those who aren’t confident to travel solo can join one of the many group lessons available instead.

This area, particularly Scotts Point, is also a popular wind surfing destination: a great place to learn, or sit back on the sand and watch the action. 

6. Take a dip at Suttons Beach

Cool off with a swim at Suttons Beach, which remains the only patrolled beach in Redcliffe. Unlike the coastal beaches to the north and south of Brisbane City, parking here is conveniently abundant, and the stretch of sand comes accompanied by an array of space for hosting picnics and barbecues.

Bringing the pup? Queens North Beach is your go-to for an off-leash frolic. 

7. Wander Bee Gees Way

Acquaint yourself with the story of local heroes and musical sensation the Bee Gees with a stroll down the 70-metre-long Bee Gees Way. The walkway that connects Redcliffe Parade with Sutton Street acts as a museum of sorts (complete with daily light display), which chronicles the band’s rise to fame, which began back in 1959.

8. A day on the water

Take to the seas of Moreton Bay Marine Park with Dolphin Wild Island Cruises, as you explore the sapphire waters that dolphins, whales, and turtles call home. Ride in the boom net on the back of the boat, snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks, then soak up relaxation time on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) before heading back to the mainland.

9. Stroll or cycle the coastal walk

Soak up the local scenery with a power stroll or easy cycle along Redcliffe Peninsula's stretch of the Moreton Bay Cycleway. Part of 150km of cycle paths and routes, the track starting from Pelican Point in Clontarf wraps its way around Woody Point in the south to Scarborough on the northern tip (and then into Newport and the marina for an extension) is perhaps the prettiest of the lot. 

Whether you explore for a few hours or a short stroll, it's an unforgettable way to see the sights. 

10. Taste your way through the cafe scene

A growing collective of breakfast haunts now call Redcliffe home. What better way to get to know the neighbourhood then to stop in at one of its many cafes for a bite to eat. 73 & Baker and Cafe Diversity are two of the area’s stand-outs for a creative meal and a decent coffee.

Salt Shop & Cafe combines a great cuppa with the opportunity to shop handmade goods, and as a not-for-profit all proceeds support community sports initiative Salt No Limits Inc., which places disadvantaged youth into innovative sporting programs. You'll also find more than coffee and treats at The Boneyard Espresso, the local's spot to hunt for vintage finds and vinyls, especially on the last Sunday of each month when the carpark turns into a funky collectors market.

11. Admire the historic Redcliffe Jetty

Walk your way along the peninsula’s oldest resident and sunset viewing point, the Redcliffe Jetty. Built in 1885, the historic landmark was first built as a landing area for visitors to the bay. While it is not the original structure, the new jetty built in 1995 is an exact replica, though water fountains, fish cleaning stations, and seating has been introduced for the comfort of visitors.

12. Watch the pelican-feeding

Animals lovers would agree that one of the best things to do in Redcliffe is to get up close and personal with the local pelican population. Pelican Park is where the marine birds tend to gather; this is where volunteers meet at 10.00am daily to treat the pelicans to buckets of flathead, whiting and bream, and check the birds for injuries.

13. Look out for whales

Keep an eye out for the giants of the deep during whale migration season which runs from June through October. Join the crew at Brisbane Whale Watching for a tour which departs daily from the Redcliffe Jetty and cruises through Moreton Bay, one of the best Brisbane locations to see the whales at play.

14. Tuck into fish and chips

The bayside’s proximity to the sea means that gorging on some fish and chips whilst here is a non-negotiable. While Yabbey Road, Seafood Lovers Cafe, and The Boat Shed are a trio of the bayside’s best, there are a bounty of seafood specialists to choose from.

15. Challenge the crew to a round of putt-putt

Laughter will be nonstop once you enter the enchanting realm of UnderSea Putt & Play, a family favourite that combines an 18-hole underwater adventure themed mini golf course with one of the largest arcades on Redcliffe Peninsula. 

16. Window shop at Scarborough Marina

Considering your proximity to Moreton Bay it’s no surprise boats are big business here. Scarborough's marina is home to a treasure trove of boats, from trawlers through yachts, that are well worth a gander, no matter whether you’re actually in the market or just browsing.

17. Visit Redcliffe Art Gallery

One of Brisbane's most vibrant regional galleries, Redcliffe Art Gallery is the place to peruse new exhibitions, join an artist-led workshop, or sign the kids up for entertaining school holiday activities. Free to explore, there's always something new to discover and be inspired by. Plus, if you're looking for a unique gift, the gallery store offers a carefully curated selection of ceramics, jewellery, and books. 

Looking for more fun day trips from Brisbane? Head here.