Brisbane may have relaxed beach feel, but the city is actually set in off the coast. Head to suburbs, like Redcliffe and Manly, to soak up the beautiful and serene atmosphere of Moreton Bay.
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. Redcliffes beaches are perfect for swimming and fishing from Redcliffe Jetty is a popular local pastime. For a colorful 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: This zoo is set inside an award winning rainforest garden and is only 28 kilometers north of the city. You will find both exotic and native animals, and you have the opportunity to interact with animals such as koalas, kangaroos and deer. There are also animals ranging from wombats to monkeys, for your viewing pleasure. Alma Park Zoo, also has many beautiful picnic areas, where you can relax and enjoy a nice lunch with your family.
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 Harbor 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 suburbs that surround Wynnum-Manly have a history dating back to the 1860's. There is a 19th century fort located at the mouth of the Brisbane River, Fort Lytoon, which acts as a museum on Sundays and public holidays. The museum is an interpretation of the military and social history of Queensland form 1879. There are also public tours, of Brisbane, offered at the Port of Brisbane and an information visitors center.
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