A scenic walk that takes you through 19th century and modern history, gorgeous beaches and a picturesque jetty? Sounds like the perfect family outing — fur babies included — romantic stroll or even meditative solo walk to us!
Not only are there heaps of sights, but this gorgeous trail will take you all along the shore, so you can enjoy an ocean breeze throughout, especially during these warmer months. It is quite long at around 13km round trip, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough time (around 4 to 5 hours), energy and water to complete it. Here’s what you can look forward to.
Clontarf to Redcliffe bay walk
You can start at iconic Pelican Park, where you can park and spend a little bit of time if you have kids with you, as there is a playground for them to run around in. This is the site for the annual Redcliffe Kitefest in September and if you go on the first or third Sunday of the month, you’ll catch a glimpse of some colourful kites.
You will then reach the stately Belvedere Hotel, which boasts some incredible views and is an incredible place to catch the sunset, maybe on the way back. This also happens to be the area where explorer Matthew Flinders landed in 1799, naming Redcliffe after the peninsula’s red soil. Once past the Belvedere Hotel, you’ll reach Woody Point jetty, a stunning wooden structure that’ll let you look out into the ocean.
Head uphill until you hit the Gayundah Esplanade, where you’ll get to see the wreck of the 1884 boat of the same name at the bottom of the cliff. You can get a closer look at the old Nave ship if you turn right after going down towards the waterfront, or you can follow the path to the left to continue on the walk.
The charming, English-style Margate Beach, has a vintage 1937 bathing pavilion and wooden picnic shelters poking out at intervals along the beach, transporting you to a bygone era effortlessly. Or, for the most popular swimming spot in the area, walk on to Sutton’s beach.
Settlement Cove, named in honour of the first penal settlement of the region in the 1820s — which was soon moved to Brisbane due to an outbreak of diseases — is next up on the trail, and is an unparalleled spot for swimming, especially for the little ones, as it’s not too deep.
And here’s where you’ll take a walk through modern history — literally, as you come upon Bee Gees Way. This immersive audio and visual homage to the Gibb brothers’ time in the Moreton Bay area will take you back to the 50s and 60s, and have you boogeying to their greatest hits.
The Redcliffe Jetty and the Jetty Markets (the latter on Sundays) are well worth a visit, with many cafés and restaurants dotting the area and relaxed vibe throughout. Whether you decide to stick around Redcliffe or start heading back to Clotarf, we can truly say it’s about the journey, not the destination.
Key features
Where: Clotarf – Redcliffe
Distance: 13km
Total time: About four to four five out and back
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
How to get there
Clontarf is an easy half hour drive from Brisbane. You can also take a train or bus, which will take you roughly two hours.