Although Brisbane has a relaxed beach feel, it is actually located off the coast. If you are looking for the beauty and serene atmosphere of Moreton Bay, then you need to head to the suburbs, such as Redcliffe and Manly.
Redcliffe: The site of Queenslands first European settlement in 1824, Redcliffe has grown into a thriving seaside city just 30 minutes north-east of Brisbane. The relaxed lifestyle, golden beaches and beautiful foreshore parks are just part of the attraction. The Redcliffe peninsula juts into Moreton Bay and from the top of the volcanic red cliffs there are excellent views of the islands across the bay.
Follow one of the heritage trails to see historic buildings. Redcliffs beaches are perfect for swimming and fishing from Redcliffe Jetty is a popular local pastime. For a colourful trip back to childhood, visit Pelican Park on the second and fourth Sunday of each month when the Queensland Kite Flyers Society have kite-flying days (In May Redcliffe hosts the QKS Redcliffe Kite Fest, a spectacular display of all things kite). If watching wildlife is more your thing, tours depart from Redcliffe to watch the humpback whales migrate past the coast in the winter months.
Alma Park Zoo: The Alma Zoo is located in the rainforest gardens, and is 28 kilometers north of the city. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with both Australian and exotic animals, such as koalas, kangaroo and deer. Other animals available for viewing are wombats, camels, monkeys and more. There are also many spots for you to stop, relax and enjoy a nice afternoon picnic.
Wynnum-Manly: Its hard to believe that this beautiful coastal area is just 15 kilometers east of the city. Pandanus Beach is the largest sandy beach in the Wynnum North Mangrove Circuit is worth a look, especially for wildlife watch out for fish and migrating birds. If you're feeling active, a boardwalk skirts the foreshore; hire a bike to ride the 5 kilometer esplanade from Manly to Lota. The Manly Boat Harbour is a vista of stunning yachts and charters and hire boats for both fishing and sailing are available. Tours to the island of St Helena also depart from here. This island is two-thirds national park, and served as a penal settlement between 1867 and 1932. Prison life is recalled in the grim structures that remain.
The neighboring suburbs of Wynnum-Manly have history that dates back to the 1860's and offers some of the most interesting historic sights. At the mouth of the Brisbane River, just north of Wynnum, is the 19th century Fort Lytoon which is surrounded by a moat. While at the fort, there is a museum, open on Sundays and public holidays, that explores the history of Queenslands military and social aspects from 1879. If you travel further north, you will reach the Port of Brisbane where you can enjoy a public tour or stop into the visitor information centre.
Redcliffe: The site of Queenslands first European settlement in 1824, Redcliffe has grown into a thriving seaside city just 30 minutes north-east of Brisbane. The relaxed lifestyle, golden beaches and beautiful foreshore parks are just part of the attraction. The Redcliffe peninsula juts into Moreton Bay and from the top of the volcanic red cliffs there are excellent views of the islands across the bay.
Follow one of the heritage trails to see historic buildings. Redcliffs beaches are perfect for swimming and fishing from Redcliffe Jetty is a popular local pastime. For a colourful trip back to childhood, visit Pelican Park on the second and fourth Sunday of each month when the Queensland Kite Flyers Society have kite-flying days (In May Redcliffe hosts the QKS Redcliffe Kite Fest, a spectacular display of all things kite). If watching wildlife is more your thing, tours depart from Redcliffe to watch the humpback whales migrate past the coast in the winter months.
Alma Park Zoo: The Alma Zoo is located in the rainforest gardens, and is 28 kilometers north of the city. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with both Australian and exotic animals, such as koalas, kangaroo and deer. Other animals available for viewing are wombats, camels, monkeys and more. There are also many spots for you to stop, relax and enjoy a nice afternoon picnic.
Wynnum-Manly: Its hard to believe that this beautiful coastal area is just 15 kilometers east of the city. Pandanus Beach is the largest sandy beach in the Wynnum North Mangrove Circuit is worth a look, especially for wildlife watch out for fish and migrating birds. If you're feeling active, a boardwalk skirts the foreshore; hire a bike to ride the 5 kilometer esplanade from Manly to Lota. The Manly Boat Harbour is a vista of stunning yachts and charters and hire boats for both fishing and sailing are available. Tours to the island of St Helena also depart from here. This island is two-thirds national park, and served as a penal settlement between 1867 and 1932. Prison life is recalled in the grim structures that remain.
The neighboring suburbs of Wynnum-Manly have history that dates back to the 1860's and offers some of the most interesting historic sights. At the mouth of the Brisbane River, just north of Wynnum, is the 19th century Fort Lytoon which is surrounded by a moat. While at the fort, there is a museum, open on Sundays and public holidays, that explores the history of Queenslands military and social aspects from 1879. If you travel further north, you will reach the Port of Brisbane where you can enjoy a public tour or stop into the visitor information centre.
About the Author:
A brisbane accommodation can be difficult to decide on. Are they charging to much? Is this the best choice for you? With the numerous hotels in brisbane to choose from you should go to www.brisbaneinformation.com.au. They have information and tools to help make you holiday planning simple.