Halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, the coastline is hiding a holiday gem. Meet Moreton Bay: a region brimming with unexpected experiences. 

Weekends are a finite resource. Each year, we must decide how to extract the most value from just 52 of them – and Moreton Bay may just be the perfect way to do it. 

But don’t be fooled by the region’s easy accessibility. It’s somehow remained an unspoken secret among locals and travellers alike. 

It has the fresh seafood and the island-dotted bay, but did you know about the wizarding store, the disco royalty, or the vintage train-carriage-stay tucked into a national park? 

The best part? You can explore them all without touching your annual leave balance. 

1. Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 

You could make the argument that the Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point is reason enough to spend a weekend in Moreton Bay. 

What was once a humble, wooden oyster farming shack in the 1900s is now a seaside paradise: day beds bathed in Queensland sunshine, a jetty that pierces the sea, and a seafood menu based on their exclusive fishing partner’s daily catches. 

Your first stop in Moreton Bay must be to try the area’s beloved Moreton Bay Bugs. Here, they’re served fresh in the sea breeze. Order the Crustacean Plate that’s prepared fresh each day. Or, try their signature baked fish tacos. 

2. Ocean View Estates 

Tucked away in the hills of Moreton Bay, you’ll find Ocean View Estates, poured across 100 acres of sloping vineyards. Arrive via winding or scenic mountain roads. 

Join the Wine & Dine in the Vines experience to be greeted with a glass of wine upon arrival before taking the time to stroll (wine in hand) through the grapevines. Spot the adorable herd of Highland cows before joining a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard’s operations. Sip wine straight from the vat before starting your four-course, wine-paired degustation. 

If you can’t bear to leave, spend the night in one of the property’s quaint wine-themed cottages. 

3. Green Thumb Farm

Green Thumb Farm calls Samford Valley home. This not-for-profit, educational community farm’s goal is to share sustainable food growing practices with the community. 

Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning, you can follow the ‘farm walk’ signs through the property on a self-guided walk to witness how growing food with regenerative farming principles can support pollinators and soil to help create a more resilient food cycle. 

To sample the produce, stop by on a Saturday morning to explore the spray-free fruit and vegetable markets. 

4. Redcliffe KiteFest

Plan your visit to Moreton Bay for the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September this year and you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colour, creativity and family fun. Why? Because the Redcliffe annual KiteFest is back in town. 

Browse the local food trucks as giant kites soar overhead, fly your own kite, let the kids try their hand at kite making with a series of workshops, and so much more. 

For a colourful, family-friendly weekend close to Brisbane, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better in your calendar. 

5. Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet

Under the shaded canopy of the Boombana section of D’Aguilar National Park, you’ll find a lovingly restored 1920s Queensland Rail carriage and chalet. 

The rail carriage comes complete with Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and even a barbecue. Take your morning coffee in the buffet car’s booth seating while you browse the record selection from the train’s original luggage racks. 

Here, among six acres of picturesque mountain rainforest, you’ll find quaint gardens, tranquil views and close access to walking trails. 

6. Hip Hops Brewers

Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers has one of the region’s most exciting craft beer offerings. Their local taproom is home to 21 different, meticulously crafted beer offerings and their mammoth selection of local wines and spirits. Hip Hops Brewers works in collaboration with local artisans and charities to deliver on their offering of drinks and events.  

Spend an afternoon working your way through the selection at their ridiculously welcoming taproom and brewery. 

7. The Store of Requirement

For Harry Potter fans, The Store of Requirement is a compulsory visit. Much like the story’s Room of Requirement, the shop exists to provide whatever it is you need at the moment. Yes, that does include their own butterscotch brew. You’ll find wands, Hogwarts uniforms, and all the ingredients you’ll need for potions class. 

You’ll even find the powder blue car Ron and Harry crash-landed at Hogwarts parked right out front. 

8. Bee Gees Way

Did you know that the Bee Gees brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice grew up in Moreton Bay? The disco supergroup called Redcliffe’s shores home before settling in at the top of the charts with hits like ‘Stayin’ Alive’. 

Now, the spirit of disco is absolutely alive in Redcliffe thanks to Bee Gees Way. 

The 70-metre outdoor museum pays homage to the band and was developed in collaboration with the band’s Barry Gibb. The experience is completely free and meanders along the Redcliffe foreshore. Walk down memory lane with photos, album covers, personal stories from the band, and exclusive interviews with Barry all about Moreton Bay. 

Once the sun has set, catch the free light show set to the band’s greatest hits.