Thanks to our partner, Redland City Council
You know that very specific mid-year feeling where your body is technically still functioning, but your soul has started quietly packing a bag?
Saturdays are full of kids' sports. The winter clothes are back in rotation. There isn't another public holiday in sight and work is doing that charming little thing where it expects you to keep turning up most days. And somehow, despite the fact that you would deeply love to be sipping something icy on an island far, far away — your annual leave, bank account and general life admin have all formed a small committee and denied access for the foreseeable future.
Which, quite frankly, is wrong.
But you know what, it doesn't have to be this way. Sometimes you don't need a massive holiday. You don't need airport parking, luggage scales, passport panic or the emotional drama of trying to make everyone in your family agree on one destination without someone protesting.
Sometimes you need a proper little escape. Close enough to do on a whim, beautiful enough to feel like a reset, and easy enough that you don't need a spreadsheet with colour-coded tabs.
You need to know about Redlands Coast.
Sitting right on Brisbane's doorstep (under an hour's drive!), Redlands Coast is one of those places that makes you wonder why we're not all talking about it constantly. It has sparkling bay waters, islands, lush bushland, super cute wildlife, iconic history, funky markets, good food, wine and that unique holiday feeling of being somewhere a bit quieter, slower and kinder to your nervous system.
If the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are Queensland's famous flashy coastal siblings, Redlands Coast is its naturally stunning cousin that doesn't get nearly enough credit.
As a Queenslander, here are all my Redlands Coast recommendations to check out immediately.
What are the best things to do on Redlands Coast?
There is something deeply healing about getting out on the water. Not in a woo woo "my chakras are cleansed" way. More in a "my shoulders have finally dropped from around my ears also… how long have my shoulders been around my ears" way.
Redlands Coast gives you plenty of chances to make that happen. The sparkling waters of southern Moreton Bay are dotted with islands and natural sanctuaries, making it a brilliant spot for a day spent boating, paddling, island hopping or simply staring at the blue until you slowly stop unconsciously reaching for your phone.
Peel Island is one of the local beauties worth having on your radar. It sits in Moreton Bay with that wild, undeveloped feeling that makes you remember the world is much bigger than your inbox.
And then there's Coochiemudlo Island, known to locals as Coochi.
Honestly, going to Coochi feels like travelling back in time.
The first time I went there, I was in my 20s, and we only planned to visit for the day. Naturally, we ended up staying the week, because Coochi has that effect on people. It is genuinely difficult to leave. You pop over for a few hours, and suddenly you're convincing yourself that actually, maybe island life is your destiny and all you really need is a hat, a bike and some snacks.
To get there, park your car at Victoria point. Grab your bike from the boot, hop on a ferry and 10 minutes later you'll feel a million miles away. You can walk the whole island as it's only a 5km radius, hit Pioneer Park or snooze away on the beach. At low tide, the armies of blue soldier crabs will take your breath away.
How to see the North Stradbroke Island whale migration.
If there was ever a winter reason to go now, this is it.
North Stradbroke Island, traditionally known as Minjerribah, is home to one of Australia's best land-based whale-watching experiences. Translation: you can stand on land, keep your shoes on, avoid seasickness and still potentially spot humpback whales doing their magnificent annual migration thing.
But honestly, whales or no whales, Minjerribah is every Queenslander's soul mate.
You can't quite comprehend the majestic nature of this paradise until you're there. We're talking crystal clear water, white sand, dramatic headlands, wild ocean, soft blue horizons and that strange, sacred feeling you get when a place is somehow more beautiful than your heart can translate to your brain and make sense of it.
It has to be seen to be believed.
From Point Lookout, the ocean puts on an absolute show. The North Gorge Walk is one of those rare walks where even reluctant children may briefly forget to complain because there is actual magic happening in front of them. Waves crash, sea birds glide, turtles may appear and during whale season you can find yourself scanning the horizon like a very emotional David Attenborough.
And guess what… now is the time to see them. The whales are moving through, winter has arrived, and Redlands Coast is basically offering you a front-row seat to one of nature's greatest performances. No tiny aeroplane snacks required.
The Wellington Point to King Island walk.
At Wellington Point, you can do something that feels much more dramatic than the effort required: walk across the sand bridge to King Island at low tide.
Kids love it because it feels like an adventure. Adults love it because it is free, beautiful and does not involve a queue. One minute you're at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve, the next you're wandering across a natural sand walkway with Moreton Bay around you, looking like the sort of person who casually does wholesome outdoor things on weekends.
Hot tip: check the tides before you go. This is not the moment to freestyle. Nature is glorious, yes, but she does not care that someone left their water bottle in the car.
What wildlife and local history can you find on Redlands Coast?
Redlands Coast is not just pretty water and cute ferry rides. It is packed with conservation areas, national parks, bushland, wetlands and walking trails, which means you can get that full "ah yes, I am a human being in nature" experience without driving for six hours and pretending trail mix is lunch.
Keep your eyes open for koalas, wallabies and native birdlife as you explore. There are places here where the pace changes without you having to force it. You walk a little slower. You breathe a little deeper. You stop checking your phone quite so much, unless it is to take 47 photos of trees and then pretend you are not becoming your mother.
And it's not just beautiful. Redlands Coast is Quandamooka Country, home to the Quandamooka People, the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters across Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island and parts of Moreton Bay. Taking the time to connect with local stories, art, country and cultural experiences gives your visit more depth than a quick scenic stop. You're not just visiting somewhere pretty. You're visiting somewhere ancient and sacred.
The best Redlands Coast restaurants, markets and wineries to visit.
Of course, a close-to-home escape still needs excellent places to eat and drink. I don't make the rules.
Start at Cleveland Point, where you can uncover one of the area's loveliest hidden gems: the historic Cleveland Point Lighthouse. It is small, charming and wrapped in bay views, which is exactly the kind of low-effort, high-reward sightseeing I support.
Nearby, The Lighthouse Restaurant is a very good idea if your holiday personality involves seafood, water views and pretending for one meal that nobody in your family has ever asked, "What's for dinner?" in a tragic voice.
If markets are your love language, Cleveland Markets are worth a wander too. Think fresh produce, coffee, food stalls, arts, crafts and that gentle weekend feeling of buying something you didn't technically need but absolutely did emotionally require.
You can experience a slice of the countryside life in the heart of Redlands Coast at the iconic Wellington Point Farm. Its charming restaurant and cafe onsite is surrounded by paddocks of fresh produce with a delicious paddock-to-plate concept.
And for the grown-ups, Sirromet Winery at Mount Cotton brings the hinterland charm. Award-winning wines, rolling green surrounds, food, and the chance to say, "Shall we go to a winery?" like the relaxed coastal person you were always meant to become.
So, should you go to Redlands Coast?
Yes. Obviously.
Go because winter is long and your brain needs a change of scenery. Go because Redlands Coast is closer and easier than you think. Go because "maybe another time" is no way to live this "one wild and precious life." Especially when you live in the glorious paradise we call home.
A refreshing, naturally beautiful escape is much closer than you think.
Start planning your next trip to Redlands Coast now.
Featured image: Supplied/Instagram/@redlandscoast.
Explore islands rich in Quandamooka culture, spot whales off North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), wander to King Island, take a hinterland hike or island hop the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. Enjoy seafood fresh off the boats, sip award-winning wines, or simply paddleboard, shop local markets, and relax by the bay. Redlands Coast is close by — and naturally wonderful.
Jane Hultgren
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