Moreton Bay Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more in Moreton Bay, a stunning region in South East Queensland, Australia.


Introduction to Moreton Bay

Located in South East Queensland, Moreton Bay is a stunning region that stretches across 1,400 square kilometres and includes over 365 islands. It’s named after the famous English Admiral, Sir Samuel Moreton, who first surveyed the area in the late 18th century. Moreton Bay offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities, natural beauty, culture, and history to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Moreton Bay

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Exploring the cultural attractions and sites of Moreton Bay is a great way to immerse into the history and traditions of the region. Some of the recommended places to visit are:

  • Redcliffe Museum: This museum showcases the fascinating history of Redcliffe, which was Queensland’s first European settlement.

  • Caboolture Historical Village: Discover the rich colonial history of Queensland at this open-air museum, which houses over 70 restored buildings and displays from the early days of the state.

  • Brisbane Whale Watching: Experience a close encounter with the gentle giants of the sea as they migrate along the Queensland coast from June to November.

Natural Attractions of Moreton Bay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature lovers and adventurers will find a haven in Moreton Bay. Here are some of the most recommended natural sites to explore:

  • Moreton Island: This uninhabited island is the third-largest sand island in the world and offers breathtaking views, adventures like snorkelling, and sandboarding, and unique wildlife sightings.

  • Glass House Mountains: These stunning volcanic peaks are perfect for hiking, offering spectacular views of the surroundings.

  • North Gorge Walk: Located in Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, this 1.5-kilometre clifftop trail offers beautiful ocean views and wildlife sightings, including dolphins, kangaroos, and whales.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay offers hikers and bikers several scenic routes to explore. Here are some of the best:

  • Northbrook Gorges: This moderately difficult hike near Dayboro showcases the rugged mountain ranges and crystal-clear streams of Moreton Bay.

  • Mount Mee Summit Trail: A challenging hike in D’Aguilar National Park with a steep climb to the summit, but the outstanding panoramic views of Moreton Bay make the effort worth it.

  • Humpybong Creek Bikeway: This easy-to-navigate bikeway spans over 12km from Petrie to Sandgate and offers great views of the local scenery and wildlife along the way.

Best Things to Do in Moreton Bay: Activities and Tours

Moreton Bay is packed with exciting outdoor activities and tours for all types of travellers. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

  • Tangalooma Island Resort Day Cruise: Take a day trip to Tangalooma Island and enjoy a range of activities like snorkelling, sandboarding, and dolphin feeding.

  • Stradbroke Island Day Tour: Join a guided tour of this stunning island to explore its beautiful beaches and see unique wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies.

  • Explore the Bribie Island National Park on a 4WD Adventure: Experience an adrenaline-packed tour through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s National Park in a 4WD.

Week-Long Itinerary for Moreton Bay

A week in Moreton Bay is enough to discover the best attractions and outdoor activities in the region. Here’s an example of a week-long itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit Glass House Mountains and hike to the summit of Mount Tibrogargan.
  • Day 2: Explore Redcliffe and the nearby Woody Point.
  • Day 3: Enjoy a day snorkelling and sunning at Moreton Island.
  • Day 4: Take a day trip to North Stradbroke Island, hiking the North Gorge Walk.
  • Day 5: Visit Caboolture Historical Village and learn about the rich colonial history of Queensland.
  • Day 6: Take a 4WD tour of Bribie Island’s National Park.
  • Day 7: Enjoy the day in Brisbane, exploring South Bank Parklands and the Botanical Gardens.

Food and Drink Scene of Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay has a vibrant food and drink scene, offering plenty of local flavours and delicacies.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moreton Bay Bugs: A local seafood delicacy, Moreton Bay Bugs are a type of slipper lobster that can be cooked up in numerous ways, including grilling, barbecuing, or in risotto.

  • Lamingtons: These small sponge cakes covered in chocolate and coconut are a favourite Australian dessert.

Local Beverages

  • XXXX Gold: A popular Australian-style beer, brewed in Brisbane.

  • Bundaberg Rum: A smooth, golden rum that’s produced in Bundaberg, north of Moreton Bay.

Where to Stay in Moreton Bay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Moreton Bay offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Here are some of the best options:

  • Tangalooma Island Resort: Located on Moreton Island, this popular resort offers a range of accommodation, including hotel rooms, apartments, and beach houses.

  • Castaways Resort and Spa: Situated in Cabarita Beach, this luxurious hotel boasts stunning ocean views and excellent facilities.

  • Brisbane Holiday Village: A family-friendly holiday park near the city of Brisbane with numerous types of accommodation, including caravan-style cabins.

What to Buy in Moreton Bay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Moreton Bay is a great place to pick up some unique, locally produced souvenirs and goods, such as:

  • Handmade pottery and ceramics from the Art and Craft markets in Redcliffe.

  • Locally produced honey from the Bee All Natural Honey Farm in Wamuran.

Local Culture and Customs of Moreton Bay

The culture of Moreton Bay has a strong connection to the sea, with coastal traditions and festivals forming an important part of the region’s identity. The area has a rich Indigenous history and maintains a respectful connection to the land and sea.

Best Time to Visit Moreton Bay

The best time to visit Moreton Bay is from April to September, with mild temperatures and sunny skies. The region can get quite hot and humid in the summer months between November to February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Moreton Bay

Do:

  • Wear sunscreen and a hat when spending time outdoors.
  • Respect Indigenous cultural sites and customs.
  • Follow the rules for animal encounters, including no feeding.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Ignore warning signs at beaches regarding strong currents or stingers.
  • Attempt to move or disturb any wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay has a relatively low crime rate, but visitors should still take the usual safety precautions and be aware of their surroundings.

Health in Moreton Bay

The sun can be quite strong in Moreton Bay, so use sunscreen and wear hats and protective clothing when spending time outdoors. It’s also important to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.

Getting to Moreton Bay: Transportation Options and Logistics

Moreton Bay is easily accessible via several transport options, including:

Airports Near Moreton Bay

  • Brisbane Airport: The closest international airport to Moreton Bay, located approx. 40km north of the region.

Bus Stations Near Moreton Bay

  • Redcliffe Peninsula Bus Line: Connects to major bus routes throughout Moreton Bay.

  • Brisbane Bus Lines: Offers bus services throughout Brisbane and to areas like Dayboro and Mt Mee.

Other Options

  • Train: Brisbane’s trains link to various towns throughout Moreton Bay.

  • Car: Driving is a popular option as the roads are smooth and well-maintained, and several car hire companies operate in the area.

How to Get Around in Moreton Bay

Driving is the easiest way to get around Moreton Bay, and there are several car hire companies available. Public transport options include buses and trains, and taxis and rideshares are widely available.

Where to Go Next from Moreton Bay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Moreton Bay is a perfect starting point for exploring other destinations in South East Queensland, including:

  • The Gold Coast: Just over an hour’s drive from Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast offers beach life, buzzing nightlife and hinterland rainforests.

  • Sunshine Coast: North of Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast boasts magnificent beaches, picturesque coastlines and the hinterland beauty of the Blackall Ranges.

Conclusion

Moreton Bay is the perfect destination for travellers looking to explore a combination of natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you plan on hiking Mount Mee, sunning at Moreton Island, or exploring the museums of Caboolture, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.