The school holidays are the perfect time to make lasting memories with your family, and there's no better place to explore than Redlands Coast. Whether you're after a relaxing seaside picnic, an exciting island adventure, or a mix of both, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With the kids home from school, take advantage of these fun, family-friendly activities to make the most of your time together this holiday season. Here's a roundup of the best ways to create unforgettable moments with your loved ones!
Enjoy a seaside picnic
Wellington Point Recreation Reserve, Raby Bay Foreshore Park and Thompsons Beach Victoria Point (Warrer Warrer) are our top picks for a seaside picnic. Best enjoyed in the afternoon, when you can take in the beautiful golden horizon setting over the sparkling Moreton Bay waters. If Wellington Point Recreation Reserve is your pick, you can enjoy the King Island Walk out to heritage-listed King Island, at low-tide.
Take a family cycle
The Moreton Bay Cycleway connects about 150-kilometres of Brisbane’s coastline, including Wellington Point (Cullen Cullen), Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie), Thornlands (Nandeebie/Indillie) and Redland Bay (Talwalpin), with minimal instances requiring on-road cycling. Find a section close to home and make a day out of it, discovering plenty of landmarks, little boutiques, and grab some lunch along the way. To view the cycleway, visit Moreton Bay Cycleway (MBRC) - Briscycle - Brisbane Cycling.
Play on the water
Bay Island Lifestyle operates from the beautiful sandy beaches at Raby Bay Foreshore Park and offers enriching, accessible activities for all ages and abilities. Explore Moreton Bay Marine Park at your own leisure via kayak, stand-up paddle board, water bike or hobbie stepper, or take a tour with the friendly team out to the historic Cleveland Lighthouse, the scenic Raby Bay canals or Tingalpa Creek.
Visit an eco-wonder
IndigiScapes is nestled in the village of Capalaba (Kapallaba) on 14.5 hectares of serene natural bushland, just 30-kilometres from Brisbane CBD. This eco-wonder offers a place for children and adults alike to get back in touch with nature.
There are two-kilometres of walking tracks to enjoy, including one that will deliver you to a spectacular 400-year-old Tallowwood Tree and turtle viewing platform. Kids can burn off any leftover energy at the nature playground and get curious in the interactive Discovery Centre which is full of engaging displays, information and hands-on opportunities to learn about the natural world.
Feed neighborhood ducks
If you’re looking for a great way to spend part of your day surrounded by nature and feathered animal friends, duck feeding is one of nature’s best free activities! On Redlands Coast, there are several fantastic spots where you can do just that. Please remember to use duck safe foods such as rolled oats, peas and corn. No bread please!
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Coolnwynpin Creek, which gently flows through the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre in Capalaba (Kapallaba) is a prime spot for spotting ducks. Set on 14.5 hectares of lush bushland, the centre offers a peaceful setting for duck feeding. Bonus points are given for the onsite cafe, discovery centre, nature playground and bush trails that offer even more opportunities for nature play and exploration!
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Capalaba Regional Park is a quiet neighborhood park which features large ponds filled with ducks, birds and water animals on most days. The park’s winding pathways are perfect for a stroll, and there is even a dog off-leash park, all abilities playground and vast green spaces so there is something for everyone.
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Hillard’s Creek is a charming small creek system which offers a quieter spot for feeding ducks. There are well defined walking trails surrounding the creek which are a popular family cycle spot. There is a fort-like playground in the Ormiston (Nandeebie/Indillie) section which is great for imagination play and it's accompanied by a climbing net and swings.
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Crystal Waters Park in Thornlands (Nandeebie/Indillie) has two pond systems that are connected, which are often frequented by ducks, water hens and magpie geese. Next to the lower pond is a small playground surrounded by tall gum trees that provide great shade for play and relaxation.
Jump on a ferry and explore an island
Hop on a ferry and set sail for an adventure. Redlands Coast boasts a treasure trove of island paradises like North Stradbroke (Minjerribah), Coochiemudlo (Goochi Mudlo) , Lamb (Ingudooroo), Karragarra, Russell (Canaipa) and Macleay Islands (Jencoomercha). Each one offers its own unique charm, perfect for a day trip. Discover one of these coastal gems and take a beachside stroll, meander through wetlands, have a splash, and get a bite to eat at a seaside cafe.
Uncover a local park
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Thornlands Community Park is a must-visit with its massive, fully fenced playground featuring climbing towers, tube slides, dinosaur dig zones, flying foxes, climbing course, and water play.
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Raby Bay Esplanade Park in Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie) is another coastal park which offers an extensive 200-metre-long scooter and riding circuit fit with jumps, traffic signs, road markings, turning lanes, roundabouts, rest stops, and more, plus a huge tower with two super-slides at different levels to cater for kids of all ages.
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Jingeri Park in Redland Bay (Talwalpin) is host to a towering 8.5-metre lighthouse and associated jetty play structure which provides challenging climbing opportunities that rewards climbers with two epic tube slides.
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Casuarina Park in Victoria Point (Warrer Warrer), newly opened in August 2024, focuses on nature play with climbing opportunities, sandpits, and balancing logs.
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Beth Boyd Park in Thorneside (Cullen Cullen) features marine-inspired play areas, treasure-digging spots, climbing nets, double swings, a pedal coaster, and a trampoline. There's also a cafe across the road for a quick snack.
Creative family fun
Colour My Pot in Cleveland is a paint-your-own pottery studio where you can choose from over 100 ceramic pieces to paint, which are then glazed and fired by the friendly team.
Putt-putt fun
For a bit of friendly competition, head to the Alex Hills Hotel for a round of putt-putt on their 12-hole course. Enjoy drinks and snacks while you play, making it a fun experience for the whole family.
There's no shortage of excitement to be found on Redlands Coast! Whether you're looking to unleash your creativity with a crafty afternoon, embark on an adventurous island-hopping expedition, or enjoy a leisurely picnic by the water, Redlands Coast has something for everyone.