Think you know Redlands Coast and all it has to offer? Well, you may be surprised to know that there are some hidden treasures in the area just waiting to be discovered. This stunning coastal region is defined as much by the bay waters as it is by the mainland. From shore, the coastal villages are scattered with cute cafes, seaside fun and an abundance of nature to explore, while the many islands dotting southern Moreton Bay operate on their own island time with plenty of adventures to be had.
Here are some of our favourite hidden treasures to explore on Redlands Coast.
STAY: Glamping at Sanctuary at Sirromet Winery
Nestled in picturesque Mount Cotton (Jungalpin/Tungipin) is Sirromet Winery and their luxury glamping pavilions at Sanctuary by Sirromet. Why just visit the Cellar Door when you can stay longer and enjoy the 560-acre property that captures amazing views across Moreton Bay and is home to wallabies who graze freely around the area? This tranquil vineyard glamping retreat allows you to indulge your senses and reconnect with nature during a stay amid the Australian bush. The luxurious tented suites and pavilions are decked out with a seating area, large comfortable bed, mini bar (to keep the wine cool of course), tea & coffee making facilities and a spacious bathroom with rain shower. Visit the winery and do a tasting by day, dine in the Terrace at night and end your evening with a glass of wine sat on the private deck off your pavilion and watch the sun go down and wallabies graze nearby. Sanctuary by Sirromet recently took out the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2021 award.
To book please call (07) 3206 2999 or visit https://sanctuarybysirromet.com
STAY: Warra Warra
Warra Warra is a brand-new luxury BNB located in Victoria Point (Warrer Warrer). It is where cool coast boho style meets a funky tropical vibe and from the moment you arrive you will be overwhelmed by the attention to detail in every fixture and furnishing. It features local history and art from the Quandamooka Aboriginal People. You will also notice there is a bit of a pineapple theme and that is because it is situated on what was the Wilson Family’s 1920’s Pineapple farm in Victoria Point. From the magnesium plunge pool to the refreshing coastal breezes, Warra Warra is your perfect oasis in summer. Top off your stay with luxurious travertine bathroom and master suite with supreme four-poster king-size bed, Warra Warra has it all. The bedding configuration is 1 x large king size four poster bed, 1 x king single set of bunks, 1 x trundle rollaway single bed, so there is plenty of room for the whole family. There is even a gas BBQ and gas pizza oven to top off your summer experience.
To book please visit www.warrawarra.com/accommodation
Image credit: Warra Warra BNB
STAY: Moreton Bay Beach Lodge
Moreton Bay Beach Lodge is a place where you can unwind in luxury, then indulge in discovery. Located on the waterfront at Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie), Moreton Bay Beach Lodge is the perfect place to base yourself and explore all Redlands Coast has to offer. This two-bedroom, self-contained waterfront villa offers idyllic views that capture all the luxury and beauty of Moreton Bay and Redlands Coast. It boasts a waterfront pool with private and extravagant open living areas that overlook the ocean to Peel and North Stradbroke islands. Inside, you will love the large open-plan living space, with an inviting dining area that includes a table for eight. The exquisite master bedroom provides a king-sized bed, while the second bedroom comfortably accommodates four; with two single bunks and a double bed. So there is plenty of room for everyone. You can even bring your fur baby as the property is pet friendly.
To book please call 0419 327 484 or visit www.moretonbaybeachlodge.com
Image credit: Moreton Bay Beach Lodge
EAT: Warra Warra Café
Just like the Warra WarraBNB, Warra Warra Café is fairly new to open. The café is also located in Victoria Point (Warrer Warrer) and continues on the theme of coastal boho with a twist of funky tropical vibe. It serves up coffee from Single O and unpretentious casual dining inspired by local and First Nations flavours. Drop in for a coffee and cake or stay a little longer and make a morning of it. There are even some cute homewares for sale.
Where: 4/119 Colburn Avenue, Victoria Point
EAT: Louie’s Coffee & Bodega
Now this is a place that has all the fun wrapped up in a very pink Bodega. What is a Bodega you ask? It is a small owner-operated convenience store found in Victoria Point (Warrer Warrer), they are renowned for their convivial culture and colourful character. And Louie’s definitely has character. While you can pop in daily for a coffee or bite to eat during the day (the Ruben Sandwich is highly recommended), Louie’s Coffee & Bodega is also open Thursday to Saturday for dinner. They claim to have the best damn bean juice around, while Vivo roasts their beans. You will find it hard to leave without a baked treat which is made on site or something funky from the store.
Where: 349-369 Colburn Avenue, Victoria Point
EAT: Sula Juice Bar
Nothing beats a cold fresh juice or Acai Bowl on a hot day, and this is the specialty at Sula Juice Bar. Perched on the main strip at Wellington Point (Cullen-Cullen), Sula sits pretty in pink so you can’t miss it. The drinks, treats and bowls that come out of Sula are just as pretty. With design-your-own Acai bowls, coffee, baked sweets, juices, smoothies and other yummy treats, the hardest part will be choosing what to have. This one is definitely an Instagrammer’s delight, with gorgeous tropical flamingo painted murals on the wall and coastal chic design. Oh, and you can even pick up a bunch of fresh flowers here too.
Where: 3/354 Main Rd, Wellington Point
DRINK: Thistle Espresso
Drive past too fast in Thornlands (Nandeebie/Indillie) and you may miss Thistle Espresso. It is tucked away on the corner of South St and Panorama Dr. Their specialty is serving ethically sourced Gun Cotton Coffee, roasted locally on the Sunny Coast, making it the place to go on Redlands Coast to get your caffeine hit. There is also a selection of specialty cold drinks like smoothies, kombucha and juices. If you are hungry for a bite to eat, Thistle Espresso also makes gourmet deli sandwiches inspired by their favourites from around the world and a selection of bakery treats.
Where: 4/2 Panorama Drive, Thornlands
DRINK: Grand View Hotel
Ok, so the Grand View Hotel may not be so much a “hidden” treasure, but we still think it is a gem. Staking claim to be Queensland’s oldest licenced hotel, the heritage listed Grand View (or GV to the locals) located at Cleveland Point (Nandeebie/Indillie) was built in 1851 and has a lot of history to it. It overlooks beautiful Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and is so much more than a hotel. The Grand View offers alfresco dining, superb function facilities and a wide range of craft beers. Boasting Queensland’s favourite beer garden with the freshest seafood and mouth-watering steaks, the Grand View is the place to stop in for a drink when visiting Redlands Coast. More often than not, they will have some live music to keep you entertained too.
Where: 49 North Street, Cleveland
Image credit: Grand View Hotel
EXPLORE: King Island
King Island off Wellington Point (Cullen Cullen) is easily reached by walking there during low tide along the 1km sandbar. Take a picnic with you and go for a swim off the shallow waters. As you walk out to the island, you can often spot marine life along the shores. Just be careful to time your return right as you don’t want to get caught out there when the high tide arrives. And remember your hat and sunscreen as it can get hot out there.
Where: Main Road, Wellington Point
EXPLORE: IndigiScapes
Step into the five hectares of serene natural bushland that makes up IndigiScapes and explore the native botanical gardens, Discovery Centre, native nursery, bush trails, nature playground and a café specialising in local cuisine with a bush tucker twist. Found at Capalaba (Kapallaba), this special space is home to Redland City Council's environmental education centre, which offers the chance to get involved in community groups that make a difference to the environment and help foster lifelong friendships. A true hidden treasure, a visit to IndigiScapes will inspire you to make simple lifestyle changes that will have a positive contribution to a healthy environment. If you time your visit right, you can shop ‘til you drop at their open-air Eco Markets, packed full of local small businesses offering a wide range of eco-friendly products, hand-crafted goodies, sustainable giftwares and more.
Where: 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba
Written by Kate Webster