Top 5 unexpected experiences in the Moreton Bay Region
DO you know you can experience a touch of Venice on Bribie’s Pumicestone Passage? There are many surprising things you can do in the Moreton Bay Region. Here are our top 5.
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1 Bribie Island Gondola
There’s a touch of Venice on Bribie Island’s Pumicestone Passage and it’s making waves among the romantics.
The idea for a gondola came to Melanie Pryde in “a light bulb moment’’ as she and husband Quinn were driving over the Bribie Island Bridge for a fishing weekend. In 2014, Melanie’s dream became reality when Bribie Island Gondola was launched.
Melanie and Quinn found a dilapidated gondola in a yard in Cairns and after painstaking restoration by the pair, the beautiful and authentic Classique now creates special memories for thousands of couples.
Melanie says the gondola has played host to dozens of marriage proposals and is a popular choice for celebrations including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas lights tours.
Classique is also popular for groups of up to six guests for morning tea, lunch or evening cruises, where Quinn’s secret recipe chocolate fudge dipping sauce has been described as “to die for’’.
So if you have romance on your mind or a special event to celebrate, it would be hard to find a more picturesque and tranquil way to spend time with that special someone than watching a sunset over the Glasshouse Mountains and catching a glimpse of dolphins.
Melanie and Quinn promise a large canopy provides the ultimate privacy for that romantic moment with your special someone.
Details: Melanie and Quinn Pryde 0466 662 911. Board at Lot 2 Pacific Harbour Marina, Harbour Promenade, Banksia Beach. Costs start at $50, with the most popular cruise for couples $180 for an hour.
bribieislandgondola.com.au
2Lyell Deer Sanctuary
Get up close and personal with some beautiful and gentle deer. The Lyell Deer Sanctuary, nestled in a stunning corner of Mt Samson 10 minutes from Samford, is a pleasant way to spend time with family.
The 3ha sanctuary, surrounded by native bushland, is home to a herd of red, rusa and fallow deer.
Children (and adults) will delight in hand-feeding the deer at the sanctuary, which offers education, serenity, food, crafts and a unique experience.
Visitors can bring their own picnic provisions, or light refreshments are available for sale.
Large groups are welcome, including school excursions, birthday parties, wedding receptions and corporate events.
Owners Kelly and Denis Prisk bought the site in 2016 and have upgraded the 30-year-old deer sanctuary.
For a family-friendly day out that’s not “dear’’ follow the signs from Mt Samson Rd.
Details: Open weekends 10am-4pm or weekdays and school holidays by appointment. 6 Lyell Court, Mt Samson 0411 485 156, kigsley@yahoo.com. Cost: $10 per family and $1 for a bag of deer food.
3 Sheepstation Creek Conservation Park
One of Moreton Bay’s best kept secrets among walkers is Sheepstation Creek Conservation Park, with its abundant wildlife and easy to stroll paths at Upper Caboolture.
The peaceful, well signed 230ha park is a mecca for bird watchers — lyrebirds have been sighted here. Protected since 1977, the park’s open, grassy forests are also home to koalas, wallabies, short-beaked echidnas and the threatened great glider possum.
There are several entry points but the best is Phelps Rd for sign posting. There are three easy walks. The Grey Gum Circuit is a 4.4km loop shared by walkers and horse riders.
The Spotted Gum Trail is a 1.2km one-way track that takes about 20 minutes and is suitable only for walkers.
The Ironbark Ridge Trail is a 1.1km one-way track that is also walkers-only. It is located mainly on an old logging track where you will see spectacular ironbark trees — some 400 years old.
This track is best entered from McLoughlin Rd. Bikes and dogs are not permitted and there are no toilet facilities or picnic tables.
Details: 302 Williamson Rd, Upper Caboolture. moretonbay.qld.gov.au
4 Old Fire Station, Community Arts and Volunteer Hub
This Redcliffe landmark site is smokin’ after a major $2 million council redevelopment to transform the heritage-listed building into an exciting community and arts space.
Originally opened in 1949, the fire station’s original fittings and character have been retained in the renovation. It is now the Old Redcliffe Fire Station Community Arts and Volunteer Hub and is the permanent home of an art gallery and creative workshop space.
The Redcliffe Arts Society Inc is a major tenant and offers daily art classes for residents and regular workshops. The art gallery hosts exhibitions for local artists.
Redcliffe Pottery Group offers classes and workshops for anyone interested in working with clay. Amateur artists can use the pottery wheels, tools, glazes and firing services.
The volunteer hub is available for hire by not-for-profit community groups.
Details: 395 Oxley Ave, Redcliffe, 3205 0555. Open Wed-Sun 10am-3pm
redcliffe-pottery-group.org.au
5Bribie Vibe Art and Community Market
If you are passionate about anything handmade, this is the Moreton Bay market for you. With a culturally rich feel, this melting pot of local artisans is a wonderful venue of unique treasures.
Expect to find a selection of jewellery, paintings, pottery, leather, glassware, woodwork and ceramics.
It’s the ideal place to find a special gift or something unique to display at home. Stalls sell organic and pesticide-free farm fresh produce.
There’s also food, entertainment and free parking.
Organisers are always looking for more stall holders and volunteers.
Details: Held on the last Sunday of the month from 8.30am until 1pm at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, 191 Sutherland Drive, Banksia Beach, 3408 9288.
bribieartscentre.com.au/vibe-markets
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