Discover top 5 things to do in the Moreton Bay Region this winter
THIS is the perfect season to explore our region, with so many experiences best had during the cooler months. Get out there and discover our top 5 for yourself.
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1 Pick your own strawberries
Strawberries definitely taste better when you pick them yourself. Just ask Rolin Farms owner Rob Trost.
He opens up his property to the public every season from June 1 and is expecting up to 1000 people each weekend while there’s plenty of fruit. “If you just want strawberries, you can buy them in the shop but it’s the experience, being able to pick your own with the kids,” Rob says.
People come from all over the world and South East Queensland for this paddock to plate experience and to enjoy the fruits of their labour. There are about 180,000 plants at Rolin Farms, which has been at Elimbah for about 25 years.
The best time to come is from July 1 but Rob already knows this season will be a ripper.
“This year’s a good year. We’ll have lots of fruit, there will be no problems with supply,” he says.
Any why does it taste better when you pick your own? “It’s something that no one sees. It’s like vine-ripened tomatoes,” Rob explains.
“The flavour … and you can pick them the way you want. I like them overripe … you want them really dark … some people like them when they’re green.”
You get to pick a minimum of 1kg from an allocated area, and you pay for what you pick. While the price per kilogram is more than pre-packaged strawberries on sale, you are also paying for the experience.
There are more than 100 varieties of strawberries but Rob grows those that thrive in the South East Queensland climate, including Parisienne Kiss, Fortuna and Camerosa.
Details: Rolin Farms, Rutters Rd, Elimbah. It is open 8am-5pm on weekends, or 8.30am-4.30pm during the week. It’s best to book ahead if you’re coming with a large group. Bring your own barbecue or food, enjoy the children’s playground or have something to eat at the cafe. Phone 5497 4253 or visit rolinfarms.com.au
2 Escape to the hinterland
You don’t have to travel too far if you’re yearning for a hinterland escape this winter, with some amazing options on our doorstep in the Moreton Bay Region.
Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge managers Tim and Vicki Innes say there’s no better time to get away.
“It’s a chance to enjoy the crisp mountain air, discover bushwalking trails or browse the local villages by day and retreat to the lodge each night for a glass of local wine by the fireplace,” Tim says.
Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge has 51 rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant with stunning views of the Glasshouse Mountains and beyond, Stephanie’s Mountain Spa and extensive conference facilities. Unique features include the chef’s herb and market garden, beehives and vineyard. Winter packages are available. Visit clearmountainlodge.com.au
Other hinterland options include Ocean View Estates, Mount Mee Country Inn, Dayboro Cottages and Llama
Walks, Worldsaway Retreat, Turkey’s Nest Rainforest Cottages and Cabins @ the View.
To see more, head online to visitmoretonbayregion.com.au
3 Enjoy the region from above
The weather in winter is perfect for flying — the skies are clear and smooth - and it’s the perfect time to see our beautiful region from above. Antique Airways’ Warwick Woinarski says there’s nothing like flying in his restored 1940 Tiger Moth on a winter’s day. “The weather is so clear and smooth. It’s always a clear day, the skies are blue and the water’s blue,” Warwick says.
He offers four scenic flights, ranging from 15 minutes to one hour. He says the flight that takes in the Redcliffe Peninsula and heads out to Lake Samsonvale is very popular.
“You can’t beat it. You’re up there as free as a bird, on top of the world. You see the world from a different perspective,” he says.
Warwick bought his Tiger Moth in 1973 and has restored it three times.
Details: Antique Airways, Redcliffe Aerodrome, Nathan Rd, Kippa Ring. Joy flights are mainly available on weekends, but weekdays are possible by request. Phone 3204 1933 or visit joy-flights.net
4 Tuck into a late breakfast
Cooler mornings make it hard to drag yourself out of bed and when it’s the weekend, there’s really no need to venture out too early. When you do, there are plenty of options for a late breakfast or brunch right across the region.
Sea Salt and Vine at Reef Point Esplanade serves breakfast until 11.30am, with some favourites available all day. Eggs Benedict and corn fritters are especially popular.
Evolve Espresso Bar at Shop 2, 241 Goodwin Drive, Bongaree, is open from 6am and has sweet, savoury and healthy options.
Duo Cafe at 27 George St, Caboolture, has coffee, smoothies, juices and a ‘grazing style’ menu. Check out the banoffe waffle stack.
Enjoy a relaxed French breakfast at French & Mor, 2 Dawn Rd, Albany Creek. The menu includes quiches, croissants, artisan breads and high tea.
5. Head to a local show
Clear skies and cool nights mean one thing — it’s show time! This is the time of year fun rolls in to town, with rides, games, displays and old-fashioned ring events taking centre stage.
Show societies across the region have been working hard to put together programs to appeal to visitors young and old.
The fun comes to Dayboro July 7-8 at the showgrounds. Visit dayboroshowsociety.com
It’s Samford’s turn from July 14-15 and there’s even a ball on July 7. Visit samfordshowsociety.com.au.
Pine Rivers Show is on from August 3-5 at the showgrounds, Lawnton.Visitpineriversshow.org.au
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