Moreton Bay Region:
Must do scenic drives            

18 JANUARY 2023

Just north of Brisbane, the Moreton Bay region offers the perfect fairing of breath-taking scenic hinterland and busy seaside towns. Spanning 94 suburbs, 2000km2 of land area and more than 290km of coastline and waterways, it's a beloved destination for day trips and scenic drives. These are two popular routes but why not piece them together for a weekend on the road?

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Spend the day exploring the scenic hinterland  

Starting in Brisbane, head up through Enoggera until you find yourself in Samford Village – a cute, bustling town with country roots. Popular for motorcyclists and day trippers, Samford Village boasts a number of great eateries for coffee or breakfast, including The Flying Nun, The Famous Samford Patisserie and Café and BuzzStop Espresso Bar. Fuel up, then back on the road.  

Fancy a rainforest walk? Divert towards Mount Glorious and wander the Greenes Falls Track among others. You will have to pass back through Samford Village to continue north. 

The next must-stop spot on your journey north is Dayboro. While in this historic village, take the self-walk trail between the 18 heritage buildings, visit the Dayboro Art Gallery, seek out some antiques, or head out on a horse ride. Slickers Horse Riding do trail rides around the area, including from the property to the classic Crown Hotel pub.

Ocean View estates An image of a field and land by a lake.
Ocean View Estates, Moreton Bay Region

Back in the car, because lunch and a glass of locally produced wine is calling. Ocean View Estates is an award-winning winery and brewery with a top-notch restaurant and breath-taking views of the hinterland estate. You can order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the vines, or taste a drop and stock up at the cellar door. An alternative lunch stop is Birches Restaurant a little further along the road at Mount Mee. 

It’s nature time! Pull in to The Gantry in D’Aguilar National Park via Sellin Rd. From here you can ditch the car and walk to Somerset lookout for spectacular views over the Great Dividing Range, Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe; or drive to Rocky Hole and dip your toes in the natural creek swimming pool. An off-road vehicle is ideal to tackle the 8km dirt trail.  

Next, keep on Mount Mee Rd and through Delaneys Creek. Grab a coffee or sweet treat at The Place 2 B before hitting the D’Aguilar Highway towards Caboolture. From here the Bruce Highway will lead you back to Brisbane, or you can expand your day to a weekend and find somewhere to stay the night. We recommend hitting the hay at the Oaks Redcliffe Mon Komo Suites before the next leg of your adventure. 

Greene Falls walk at Mount Glorious, D'Aguilar National Park Queensland.
Greene Circuit, Moreton Bay Region

Catch the sea breeze as you drive along the bayside 

Jump in the car and head north-east along Kingsford-Smith Drive before taking the Southern Cross Way towards Redcliffe. Once you cross over the Ted Smout Bridge, you’ve reached the tip of the Moreton Bay region’s bayside.  

Jump out at Crockatt Park in Woody Point and stretch your legs. If you’re seeking lunch, Seafood Town Redcliffe is a favourite for fish & chips with locals, and just around the corner. Wander around to the base of the Woody Point Cliffs to the HMQS Gayundah shipwreck – the rusting shell of a gunboat which has been beached since 1958.  

Take the coastal road past Sutton’s Beach and Settlement Cove (jump out for a dip in the man-made lagoon), then stop at Redcliffe Jetty and wander along the iconic pier. There are lots of cafes, restaurants and takeaway spots along the esplanade if lunch is on the cards. 

Cruise on up to Scarborough where kids young and old can conquer the seven seas at Pirate Playground. Ditch the car and wander around to Scarborough Harbour where Tempest Seafood is a top spot for lunch or Harbour-Side Gelateria to satisfy your sweet tooth.

A closeup shot of seafood tray at Sandstone Point Hotel at Moreton Bay Region.
Sandstone Point Hotel

From here, it’s a longer drive around to Beachmere via the M1. At low tide, watch for soldier crabs scuttling across the mud flats. Follow the coastal drive from Beachmere towards Sandstone Point. This area is home to the epic Sandstone Point Hotel, known for its big events, oyster bar and rolling green hills down to the water, and a great spot for lunch or a sunset dinner.  

Last, but not least, cross the bridge over to Bribie Island and settle into island time. If the sun is still up, head over to the eastern side at Woorim and have a dip at one of Moreton Bay’s favourite beaches. Once you’ve dried off, perhaps a round at the Bribie Island Golf Club or a flick at the Bribie Cinema?  

Despite having a number of large townships and suburban areas, most of Bribie Island is national park, best explored by 4WD.

For sunset, be sure to position yourself on the western side. Up the romance with a Bribie Island Gondola Cruise or hire a BBQ Boat with friends and cruise the very scenic Pumicestone Passage. Keep an eye out for the many, many species of bird. This side of the island is also home to the Bribie Island Seaside Museum – well worth a visit. 

With the sun going down, it’s time to drive back to the mainland. Stop off at Sandstone Point Hotel for dinner if you missed it on the way through, then drive back to Brisbane via the M1. 

Pumicestone Passage Moreton Bay Marine Park experience with Bribie Island Gondola.
Pumicestone Passage
An image of a family standing on a ledge in a rainforest, surrounded by large rocks and trees.