If you’re looking for an easy walk that’s chockfull of jaw-dropping vistas, wildlife and a refreshing beer with a view waiting at the end of it, then you have to make your way to picturesque Redland Bay. This charming coastal town boasts plenty of history and outdoor entertainment, with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, cricket field, walking and cycling trails and, of course, cafés, shops and a historic pub.
But maybe the shiniest jewel in Redland Bay’s crown is the Jack Gordon Pathway, which takes you through lush rainforest, red sand beaches and amazing ocean views dotted with idyllic islands. A wonderful foreshore walk to do in the spring before it gets too warm, this roughly 1-hour trail is stroller-friendly and stretches for two kilometres from Sel Outridge Park to the Redland Bay Golf Club. Here’s what to expect if you give this underrated trail a go.
Sel Outridge Park to Redland Bay Golf Club walk
Only a few steps into your walk, starting from Sel Outridge Park, you’ll come across some stairs leading to the historic Redland Bay Hotel, which has a stunning beer garden overlooking the sea. You can make a stop at the start, or leave the best until last and reward yourself with a nice, cold beer after your walk.
If you continue along the path, you’ll hit a thickly-wooded area of tropical groves, where you might even spot a lorikeet or two. Emerging from the forest, the view will open up to gorgeous vistas of Moreton Bay and the islands in its vicinity.
At this point, your stomach may be rumbling and, if so, you’re in luck, because you’ll soon come to a serene picnic and BBQ area overlooking the water. Rest up here so you can finish up the walk as come up to the Redland Bay Golf Club. Stick around for some scenic golfing, or circle back so you can grab a drink and a bite, and let the kids run around in the playground at the Redland Bay Hotel. If you happen to be there on a weekend evening, you may even catch some live music!
Redland Bay also happens to be a great launch point for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands —Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra — with regular passenger and vehicle ferries embarking from dedicated jetties and harbour.
Key features
Where: Redland Bay
Distance: 2km
Total time: About an hour out and back
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Bushwalking experience: Not required
How to get there
Redland Bay is an easy hour’s drive from Brisbane. You can also take a train or bus, which will take you roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.