Redlands Coast on show for Ekka Show holiday

The postponed Ekka long weekend is set to pump millions into the Redlands Coast economy thanks to a successful Redland City Council tourism campaign.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the “Getaway closer” campaign had resulted in an 80-95 per cent occupancy rate for local accommodation providers.

“The tourism sector has been doing it tough during COVID, which is why Council invested in this campaign to help support local jobs,” Cr Williams said.

“The campaign has yielded a great response with near capacity bookings set to pump more than $4 million into the Redlands Coast visitor economy.”

Cr Williams said that while Redlands Coast had its Ekka public holiday on August 9, a public holiday for Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim on Friday October 29, presented a great opportunity to promote the naturally wonderful destinations of Redlands Coast.

“While the need to postpone the Brisbane Ekka long weekend at short notice meant Redlands Coast and other places had already had their holiday, it gives some of our neighbours the chance to experience the beautiful Redlands Coast,” she said. “We’re just up the road, but a world away, and the ‘Getaway closer’ campaign is reminding the region that Redlands Coast is the perfect spot for an extended weekend getaway – all within a short 35 minute drive from the Brisbane CBD.

“Tourism is one of our most important industries, with more than 1.2 million visitors injecting more than $228 million into our economy each year and supporting more than 2,120 tourism jobs.”

Cr Williams said while occupancy rates were strong, there were still rooms available, as well as some great day trips.

“Council has been working with local tourism operators and businesses to ensure there are a range of exceptional COVID-safe experiences on offer for the long weekend and beyond,” she said.

“Redlands Coast is a ‘must visit’ destination brimming with naturally wonderful experiences worthy of anyone’s bucket list.

“We have 335km of stunning coastline which includes the world-renowned beaches, pristine islands, natural attractions, abundance of marine and wildlife, immersive Aboriginal Quandamooka cultural tours and galleries, and home to earth’s second largest sand island Minjerribah.

“Whether it is water-based activities, bush walks and mountain biking in our conservation areas, historic trails, gourmet food-based adventures or romantic escapes, there is something for everyone here.

“And complementing all this is a diverse range of accommodation options, from the luxurious to the boutique to the budget-conscious. There are waterfront cottages, beachfront resorts, hotels, apartments, camping and glamping.”

Find out more about Redlands Coast getaways by calling the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or by going to visitredlandscoast.com.au

SIX QUICK PICK IDEAS

If you’re still thinking about what to do this Ekka long weekend – think no more. We’ve got you covered with a range of must-see experiences on Redlands Coast. There’s so much to explore and it’s right next door – no lengthy travel or traffic jams required! Here’s our pick of the top 6:

Wind your way along inspiring coastline and bushland tracks, exhilarating mountain biking terrain, dedicated horse riding trails and walking and cycle ways that navigate their way throughout the region. Our naturally wonderful tracks and trails offer the perfect outdoor adventures for families and fur-babies too, explore Bayview Conservation Area, Redlands Track Park, Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area, Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area and more. You will love discovering the natural wonders of Redlands Coast. Plan a trip, put on your boots, and explore the outdoors next door.

Spend a day exploring the sparkling waters of southern Moreton Bay by boat with Aria Cruises or Brisbane Yacht Charters – go kayaking and stand up paddle boarding with Bay Island Water Sports, snorkelling and diving with Manta Lodge or catch a wave with North Stradbroke Island Surf School.

Leave your mainland cares behind and head off across the waters of southern Moreton Bay for a Redlands Coast island escape. Stand on the shores of the earth’s second largest sand island North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), take a short ferry ride to Coochiemudlo Island (Goochie Mudlo) or head further south and depart Redland Bay for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands – Macleay (Jencoomercha), Russell (Canaipa), Lamb (Ngudooroo) and Karragarra. Spend your days enjoying beach picnics, going fishing, discovering diverse wildlife and stunning panoramas, exploring art galleries, bush walking or simply enjoying the peace and tranquillity of island life and the range of accommodation options available.

Nature lovers relish the natural environmental experiences of Redlands Coast, including whale watching from Point Lookout (Mulumba) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), which has some of Australia’s best land-based vantage points for viewing these magnificent, migratory creatures. Among the Coast’s other marine wildlife are dolphins, manta ray, dugong and sea turtles. On land, see wallabies, koalas, possums and other native animals in their natural habitats. Redlands Coast also teems with more than 350 species of birdlife, much of which is of national and international significance. So plan your trip and come say hello to all our wild locals.

Pack that picnic basket for Redlands Coast, the region is spoilt for choice when it comes to idyllic views, picture-perfect beaches, and lush bushland areas. Throw down your rug beneath the historic wooden lighthouse at Cleveland Point and enjoy the winter sun; travel to Coochiemudlo Island and make the most of the beachside barbeques; climb to the summit of Mount Cotton and picnic with elevated views across the region and out to Brisbane City; enjoy a gourmet hamper on Sirromet’s Lavender Hill overlooking a sea of purple flowers; or visit Wellington Point for sunset by the ocean with some good old-fashioned fish and chips. There are plenty of picnic perfect places on Redlands Coast to really let family time shine.

The Quandamooka people having cared for these lands and waters for more than 21,000 years, the Quandamooka spirit flows strongly through the villages and islands of Redlands Coast and deep into our waters. Gain fascinating insights into the oldest surviving culture in the world while tasting regional bush tucker on a guided cultural walk with Yura Tours; enjoy artefact demonstrations with Matt Burns; experience world class land-based whale (yalingbilla) watching with Quandamooka Coast; and browse local wares and artwork by Aboriginal artists at Delvene Cockatoo-Collins Studio, Salt Water Murris’ Quandamooka Aboriginal Art Gallery and the Island Arts Gallery. Plan your trip and discover Quandamooka culture right on your doorstep.