Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Published 4:05pm 7 September 2021

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home
Words by Melissa McMahon

With September school holidays just around the corner, along with some overdue (and much-needed) long-weekends, we’ve rounded up our top, must visit experiences in Moreton Bay Region, only minutes from your front door.

So, what are you waiting for?

Whether you’ve got a few hours to spare or want to make a weekend out of your adventure, it’s time to fuel up the car, prepare your sing-along playlist and point the steering wheel towards some epic road trip destinations close to home, this Spring.

To help you plan your itinerary, we've rounded up 20 places only minutes from your front door you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. Get inspired and happy road tripping!

Always be COVID safe and check operator websites for details on opening and closing times before you set off on your adventure.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Go strawberry picking at Luvaberry Farm

Nothing tastes better than a fresh, juicy, sun-drenched strawberry picked straight from the crop. Enjoy a day out in the springtime sun with pick you own strawberries at Luvaberry Farm, open Saturday and Sunday from 9am. Venture to Elimbah where the family can frolic in the fields and snap a cute pic.

Hang with some baby animals at White Ridge Farm

Located only 5 minutes north of Caboolture, you will find an animal kingdom offering people of all ages the opportunity to cuddle, pet and hand feed friendly and sweet-natured animals including llamas, alpacas, pigs, goats, horses, a camel, and a donkey. White Ridge Farm is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 am until 3 pm, and seven days a week during school holidays.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Feed a deer at  Lyell Deer Sanctuary

Each weekend this Mount Samson based animal sanctuary opens their doors to locals and tourists, offering education, serenity, and a truly unique experience. It is home to a small herd of rescued red, rusa and fallow deer.

Sip on a cocktail at Sunny’s Rooftop Bar

With 180 degree views of Moreton Bay, Sunny’s Rooftop Bar is a spectacular spot to sip on a cocktail, grab a bite to eat and catch up with friends. It’s open for walk-ins from 3pm on Fridays and from noon on Sundays. Enjoy DJs every Friday night and acoustic soloists on Sunday.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Experience the magic Store of Requirement

Board the train at Platform 9 ¾ and visit Moreton Bay Region’s very own mini Potter World located in the heart of Samford. Visit the Store of Requirement and enjoy a delicious butter brew while you browse the extensive range of licensed memorabilia and collectibles including broomsticks, cauldrons and an array of trinkets.

Feel the magic along the Fairytale Trail at Kumbartcho Sanctuary

Follow Kumbartcho Sanctuary and Nursery's Fairytale Trail and prepare to be swept away in the romance of it all as you explore the best fairy garden across the land. The whimsical fairies are nestled in the heart of Kumbartcho Sanctuary and are waiting to share their fairy dust to all those who visit! How many fairies will you see?

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Be kissed by a butterfly at Bribie Island Butterfly House

Walk through the sanctuary filled with more than 1,000 butterflies and have the opportunity to meet these colourful, delicate creatures up close and personal. The butterflies calling this sanctuary home are protected and bred to bring vitality back to the many species helping pollinate wildflowers and crops, attract birds and insects.

Find the mysterious Gollum Tree in Scarborough

Local legend has it that Gollum, of Lord of the Rings is residing inside the mysterious door carved into one of Scarborough Beach’s beautiful Norfolk Pine trees, and thus is dubbed the Gollum Tree. Pack a picnic and explore to see if you can find it.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Enjoy a picnic at Lake Samsonvale

This picturesque spot is one of the best locations for a picnic or barbecue lunch in Moreton Bay Region. Designated picnic and barbecue areas have a range of facilities including fresh water, amenities, picnic tables, easy parking and playgrounds. These spots can be found at Bullocky Rest, McGavin View, Forgan Park, Forgan Cove and Kobble Creek.

Zip and zoom with Sift Café’s stand-up electric bikes

Channel your inner daredevil and zoom along the Redcliffe foreshore riding an eco-friendly electric stand-up e-bike. Gather your mates and drop into Sift Cafe at Scarborough for a bite to eat and a caffeine hit before hiring one of their trikes and coasting the waterfront.

Standout SUV with sleek design

The all-new Renault Arkana has arrived at Village Motors North Lakes merging, the best of SUV lifestyle with coupé attitude. It’s the perfect vehicle to explore the Moreton Bay Region.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Float along Pumicestone Passage with Bribie Island Gondola

Can’t get to Venice right now? You can still experience venetian romance, complete with magical sunsets, fine food and even the occasional dolphin, turtle or dugong. Bribie Island Gondola offers a range of experiences for couples and small groups (up to six). You can enjoy spectacular scenery, panoramic views of the Glasshouse Mountains and the pristine waters of the Pumicestone Passage in a comfortable and luxurious setting.

Eat your way through Bite Markets

Step foot inside this food lover’s paradise and sink your teeth into something decadent and memorable at Bite Markets, North Harbour. Choose from fresh oysters, wings, dumplings, gelato and world-famous funnel cakes! Open every Friday and Saturday from 4pm.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Get your animal fix at Trevena Glen Farm

Take the family to Trevena Glen Farm for up-close encounters with friendly farm animals including a donkey, lambs, alpacas, chickens, guinea pigs, goats, pigs and more! Plus, kids can enjoy a tractor ride or pony ride. There are many farm tour experiences, be sure to check out all options.

Saddle Up for a Horseback Winery Tour with Slickers Horse Riding

Saddle up and enjoy a guided trail ride with Slickers Horse Riding. From rainforest, through valleys and creeks up to mountain tops, adventure across scenic Moreton Bay hinterland. Whether you are an avid rider or have never ridden before, the team at Slickers have a horse to suit all abilities.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Adventure through Bunyaville State Forest & Conservation Park

Take a walk through Bunyaville State Forest & Conservation Park with the entire family (including the pups). Whether you're picnicking with the family, bird watching, bush walking, cycling, this is a great spot to spend some quiet time experiencing nature.

Admire the view from Westridge Outlook

Located in the southern section of D’Aguilar National Park, Westridge Outlook is one of most scenic Moreton Bay lookouts dotted with ancient rocks and surrounded by spectacular views to the west. Listen to the calls of birds and breathe in the fresh air.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Explore the bygone eras at Caboolture Historical Village

If you are craving history and culture Caboolture Historical Village is the pace for you! With 110,000 historical items, 70 buildings and over 12 acres to explore there’s no chance of boredom. With restored machinery, vehicles, and buildings, it’s easy to feel like you have stepped back in time.

Hike the Somerset Trail at Mount Mee

Switch off and walk the Somerset Trail in D’Aguilar National Park, Mount Mee and take in the incredible views offered from the rocky lookout. The trail offers hikers a clearly signposted, pleasant, walk through open-forest, pine-forest and pockets of rainforest which should take no more than three to four hours to complete at a leisurely walking pace.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Take a llama for a waterfront walk on Bribie Island

Join the team from Ottaba Llama Walks and stroll along Pumicestone Passage as you take a llama for a walk. You are guaranteed a special and memorable encounter with this unique experience.,

Explore North Harbour Heritage Park

Open sunrise to sunset, the North Harbour Heritage Park pathways take you on a 1.5km journey through the history of the Moray Fields plantation. You can learn about the old homestead, bunya nuts and the reason for so many bunya trees in the North Harbour area, the cane train, the old dairy, and more.

Hit the road this Spring: 20 hidden gems to discover close to your home

Turn your day trip into a holiday!

Stay a few nights or book your next extended holiday and feel miles from home even if you are only minutes up the road.

There are so many options from the bayside to the hinterland. Check out visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/stay for coastal cottages, rainforest cabins, bayside apartments and garden villas.

The all-new Renault Arkana has arrived at Village Motors North Lakes, merging the best of SUV lifestyle with coupé attitude. It’s the perfect vehicle to explore the Moreton Bay Region this Spring! Starting at just $37,177 driveaway, learn more about the new model and book your test drive today.

Village Motors Renault want to fuel your next Moreton Bay road trip. Enter now for your chance to win a $1,000 fuel voucher and make plans to explore your backyard.

Fuel your Spring getaway in Moreton Bay

Thanks to the arrival of Renault’s all-new Arkana arriving at Village Motors North Lakes, Moreton Daily readers have the chance to win $1,000 worth of FREE fuel!

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