There’s more to explore next door on your winter holiday

Redland City Council’s new tourism campaign is set to promote Redlands Coast as an ideal winter holiday destination for the Queensland domestic market.

Mayor Karen Williams said the campaign would highlight some of the major attractions sitting right next door to the rest of southeast Queensland.

“Visitors can experience more with a getaway to Redlands Coast this winter,” Cr Williams said.

“We want the rest of southeast Queensland to know that there’s more to explore – and it’s right next door!”

Cr Williams said Redlands Coast offered whale watching, glamping and camping options, coastal adventures and island escapes.

“Whales have just started their migration, and Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) offers some of the best land-based whale watching vantage points in the Southern Hemisphere,” Cr Williams said.

“While on Minjerribah, visitors can also take an Aboriginal Cultural Walk with a Quandamooka guide and hear sacred stories dating back more than 21,000 years.”

The hour-long tours explore local bush tucker and medicinal bush plants. But you are also likely to spot some of the island’s native wildlife – from garumun (kangaroos) and Buangan (dolphins) to bunbiya (turtles), mirigingah-banggau (eagle rays) and miringinpah (sea eagles) – depending on which tour you take.

“Redlands Coast is the place to visit if you are after an island escape,” Cr Williams said.

“Why not try a family beach holiday on Coochiemudlo Island or step out for some barefoot bowls on Macleay Island?

“We are lucky enough to have an amazing 335km of coastline and, with fast ferry services available to all our islands, it’s a definitely a destination worth exploring.”

Cr Williams said visitors could also indulge their culinary senses by checking out the thriving local food scene – from hidden bars and micro-breweries to gluten-free delights, breakfast hotspots and dinner options.

“From fish and chips on the waterfront to tasty curries, wood-fired pizzas, relaxed cellar door meals, Italian pasta and fine restaurant dining, Redlands Coast has something to satisfy your tastebuds,” she said.

“The Redlands Coast online food trail directory is a great place to begin your culinary journey.” For art lovers, there are a number of galleries to explore along the Redlands Coast art trails.

“Redland Art Gallery holds multiple exhibitions at Cleveland and Capalaba, showcasing innovative and culturally diverse exhibitions,” Cr Williams said.

“At Cleveland you can visit The Old Schoolhouse Gallery, run by local artists and offering plenty of artwork to purchase, while the volunteer-run Redland Yurara Art Society holds monthly rotating exhibitions from its Thornlands studio and gallery.

“Minjerribah reveals its rich Quandamooka history and culture through art and place marking, and several galleries feature work by local artists, while the four Southern Moreton Bay Islands are a haven for artists and creatives.

“As well as being home to hundreds of talented resident artists, the islands of Macleay (Jencommercha), Karragarra, Lamb (Ngudooroo) and Russell (Canaipa) feature private art collections, galleries and public art installations.”

If you are after a chance to reconnect with nature, then there are plenty of options – from guided eco-education tours by Ranger Stacey at the IndigiScapes Centre, to a sunset picnic at Wellington Point or bushwalking through many of the nature reserves.

“For the more adventurous, check out the hinterland mountain bike, hiking and horse riding trails,” Cr Williams said.

“There are more than 60km of tracks in the Bayview Conservation Area which is home to koalas, goannas, glossy black cockatoos, wallabies and powerful owls.

“Other options include the 239ha of natural conservation bushland at Redlands Track Park, along with the many kilometres of off-road cycling routes across the Redlands Coast.

“For coastal adventures on the water, there are a number of canoe and kayak launching pontoons if you have your own water craft. Or check out the waters of Moreton Bay by hiring a standup paddleboard, canoe or kayak from one of the local waterfront businesses.”

Cr Williams said that for visitors wishing to stay a little longer than a day trip, Redlands Coast offered a multitude of accommodation options.

“From coastal cottages on the waterfront on Macleay Island, to glamping at Sirromet winery and beachfront resorts on Minjerribah there is something to suit everyone,” she said.

For more ideas on naturally wonderful places to visit on Redlands Coast, go to https://www.redlandscoast.com.au/