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Moreton Bay & Islands

Moreton Bay and its surrounding islands are Brisbane’s very own marine park only 25km out of the city centre.

The area is recognised as one of the best whale watching spots in the world as the annual migration lures thousands of the ocean giants down the coast. Specialised charters take passengers out from June to November each year, often passing within mere metres of the Humpback Whale’s acrobatic displays.

The bay provides access to endless island adventures on Bribie, Stradbroke and Moreton islands. Whether you’re after water adventures, boating, fishing, camping or 4 wheel driving there is bound to be some outdoor activity to suit you on one of these coastal paradises.

Moreton Bay

Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton BayExtending 125km from Caloundra down to the Gold Coast Seaway, Moreton Bay is a playground for anglers and an easy 30 minute drive from Brisbane.

The bay is important to the seafood industry in the area as many commercial fishing operators make a living providing seafood, particularly Moreton Bay Bugs to local restaurants. Amateur anglers can make a booking to do some charter fishing on the calm waters and catch their own piece of world class seafood.

There are over 350 islands in the bay, some of which have been converted into residential islands like Bribie Island, while Moreton and Stradbroke Island are more tourist hotspots.

Moreton Bay is actually described as a lagoon as it is protected by three main islands from the Pacific Ocean, keeping the shallow waters calm and clear. For this reason the bay’s waters are perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers with many dive sites in the area.

Moreton Island

Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton BayThe third largest sand island in the world, Moreton Island development has been heavily restricted to ensure that 95% of the island remains National Park. Only an hour boat ride from Moreton Bay, the island is a great escape from the fast pace lifestyle of Brisbane while the water and land activities make it a perfect spot for tourists.

With the relaxing atmosphere you could easily spend a few days staying in one of the Moreton Island resorts, swimming in the tranquil waters, snorkelling, sand boarding and bushwalking.

Moreton Island is also one of the few places in the world where you can actually hand feed wild dolphins. Staying at Tangalooma Resort you can watch these wonderful sea creatures play as they come in each day for a snack direct from your hand.

Bribie Island

 Bribie IslandJust across the Pumicestone Passage in the north of Moreton Bay is the gorgeous Bribie Island, only an hour drive and a bridge out of Brisbane. The town of Bribie enjoys a relaxed beach lifestyle that provides an easy weekend getaway for those in Brisbane. There is a range of Bribie Island accommodation available including caravan parks, family friendly resorts, self-serviced apartments, motels and luxury beach houses.

On the passage side of the island, also known as the calm side, you have views of the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains and calm waters to swim and fish in. Around here you can spot dolphins, dugongs and turtles basking in the tranquil waters if you look hard enough. The other side is an ideal 5km stretch of surfing.

The island’s activities aren’t limited to the water. You can play a round of golf, have a turn of lawn bowls, rip it up 4 wheel driving, take a hike to enjoy the views or just sit back and enjoy the relaxed restaurants and cafes.

Most of the island is protected by the Environmental, National and Marine Parks so you can rest assured the island will remain a mostly untouched holiday destination for many years to come. Development is strictly limited and the natural ecosystems of the island are maintained.

Stradbroke Island

Cylinder Beach, Stradbroke IslandKnown to locals as “Straddie”, Stradbroke Island is a perfect holiday spot for families, couples and groups of friends only an hour out of Brisbane. There is a great diversity of things to do ranging from the tranquillity of the quaint little villages, unspoilt beaches, endless fishing and magnificent lookouts where you can watch the dolphins play, to more active surf side of the island and 4 wheel driving tracks.

If you intend to spend every day in the water while you’re on holiday then you’re in the right place. There are a number of picture perfect beaches, coves and inlets to swim, surf, body board, explore the rock pools or simply soak up the sun. For a real adventure visit one of the dive and snorkel sites that are considered some of the best in South East Queensland. You can hire equipment from tour operators that also run snorkelling and dive courses. There are also a number of fresh water lakes and lagoons that offer beautiful and often private swimming spots if you’re willing to walk a bit to get there.

For the anglers Stradbroke Island offers a range of fishing options that include beach fishing, casting from rocky outcrops, boat and jetty fishing as well as some of the best offshore fishing in South East Queensland.

There’s a multitude of North Stradbroke accommodation options so you can choose the type that best suits you and your budget. You can rough it at any number of campsites, many with great amenities blocks. Just remember that you need to apply for a permit to camp on the island. There is also a host of resorts, self-serviced apartments, hostels, units and rental houses on offer so you can relax and enjoy a holiday at whatever level you want.

There are a few ways to get to Stradbroke, the most popular being the vehicle ferries that have been running between Cleveland and North Stradbroke 7 days a week for over 45 years. There is also a Water Taxi service that runs from Cleveland and can seat up to 170 people comfortably and run bus services from the Cleveland train station.

Wynnum

Wynnum Wading PoolNestled on the shores of Moreton Bay is the waterside suburb of Wynnum. The area has heaps of popular things for visitors and locals to do. Take a walk along the Esplanade and enjoy cool breezes while you watch boats coast past and views of the neighbouring islands. There are several pathways for cyclists and joggers to make the most of while they breath in the fresh sea air.

Wynnum pier is another great place to go for a walk and watch the boats come and go past gorgeous views of the bay.

Originally constructed in the depression years of the 1930s by unemployed men on relief work the Wynnum Wading Pool is now heritage listed and a popular swimming spot.

Stepping back further in history the Waterloo Bay Hotel was built back in 1889 and is still a great place to enjoy a beer and the bay breezes. The Hotel has a renowned beer garden and rainforest style dining in the Fig Restaurant & Bar.

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