Brisbane City - Discover Brisbane's Moreton Bay and Islands

More and more people are discovering Brisbane's urban landscape is but one part of the overall Brisbane experience. For on the periphery of the city centre, in their own backyard, are coastal hamlets and sand islands inviting you to get wet, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a spot of soft adventure.

Let's start with two of the world's largest sand islands – Moreton and North Stradbroke. Moreton Island is located just 35 kilometres from Brisbane's city centre. Its national park status means it's a must-do for nature lovers, not to mention one impressive playground for fun-seeking families who can tour the island or participate in superb resort-based activities.

Ruggedly beautiful North Stradbroke Island – Straddie as it's commonly known – just happens to be one of the best land-based vantage points for whale watching in Australia. Surf, sand board, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, sea-kayak – take your pick. Both islands ‘accommodate' all styles and budgets. From campsites and holiday homes to designer beach shacks.

But if you've only a day to spare and would still like to soak up the sea breezes and sunshine you can head to one of our lovely coastal villages. Redcliffe – north of the city centre – is one of Moreton Bay's most picturesque recreational playgrounds. Enjoy 35 kilometres of bike paths that hug the pretty peninsular or swim at Brisbane's closest patrolled open beach, Suttons.

Sister suburbs Wynnum and Manly – both a mere 22 kilometres east of Brisbane city – also hold strong appeal. The Wynnum Esplanade – with its delightful wading pool, play parks and boardwalk – is the perfect precursor to offshore soft adventure activity. And then there's Redlands – not only the launching pad to North Stradbroke Island but home to quaint coastal villages Wellington Point, Cleveland and Victoria Point.

So if you're a local pencil in some time with family or visiting friends and relatives to explore your own backyard, the beauty of Moreton Bay and Islands. If you're in town as a visitor, add ‘adventure in Moreton Bay' to your list of ‘must do's'.

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