The Hidden Wonders Brisbane's Coast

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: This was the first site for European settlement in Queensland, in 1824. Today it is a full established, popular seaside city that is only 30 minutes from Brisbane. Redcliffs laid back life style, golden sand beaches and beautiful parks are only part of what attracts so many here each year. When on Redcliffe, you can travel to the top of the volcanic cliffs and take in some of the most breathtaking views of the islands from across Moreton 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: Set in award winning rainforest gardens, the zoo is 28 kilometers north of the city, inland from Redcliffe. It features both Australian and exotic animals and offer many opportunities for interaction. You can touch koalas, feed kangaroos and deer in the walk-through enclosures and see animals ranging from wombats to camels and monkeys. There are also lots of pretty spots for a 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.