Things to do on New Year's Day

Dust off the cobwebs and begin the new year in style – with so much on our doorstep there’s no excuse for starting 2022 like a sloth!

Whether it’s a cheeky brunch, a beachside stroll or lunch at a hinterland eatery, there’s sure to be something to suit your style.

Early risers

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to watch the sunrise. Here’s a few of our faves. 

Redcliffe Jetty Redcliffe Jetty is one of the Moreton Bay Region's most identifiable landmarks, becoming an iconic part of Redcliffe peninsula's landscape since its construction in 1885! Over the years it has been used as the backdrop for many a 'Redcliffe' selfie, by both tourists and locals alike. There's no doubt that Redcliffe Jetty is a great spot to throw in a fishing line. It's the perfect place for families to enjoy a day of relaxed fishing, with a rich supply of whiting waiting for the dinner plate. Bait is available for purchase along Redcliffe Parade.

Suttons Beach With the breathtaking backdrop of Moreton Island, the small waves provide a fun splash for kids and a refreshing dip for any generation. Beach showers are available to ensure you don't bring home the sand and salt water with you. Remember to be sun safe and stay safe. There’s free parking, grassy picnic areas, free barbecues, and winding bike paths.

Red Beach at Bribie Island is a haven for dogs to frolic among the surf. Though considered part of the ‘surf-side’ of Bribie Island, Red Beach doesn’t have the big waves often found at Woorim, making it a great location to take a dip with your pooch at high tide.

Woorim Beach on the ocean, side of Bribie is surrounded by national parks and pristine beaches. If you’re looking for a place to surf, fish or swim it’s the perfect place for families with barbecue and picnic areas and a playground and skate park nearby.

Beachmere Conservation Park is a great day out for families. Start the day watching a stunning sunrise and stay to play with the kids on the beach – making sandcastles, splashing in the shallow waters and watching as tiny solider crabs scuttle along the mud flats at low tide.

Deception Bay Beach After watching the sun rise, a walk along the waterfront is a must. The esplanade incorporates timber boardwalks, a cycleway, barbecues, viewing platforms and beautiful views of the bay offering the perfect spot to stop for a breakfast picnic.

Donnybrook Jetty is a fabulous place to drop a line after catching the first sunrise of the new year. Fishing remains popular at Donnybrook due to the proximity of Pumicestone Passage, which is part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park and is frequented by dolphins, dugongs and turtles.

Lake Eden at North Lakes is surrounded by parks, playgrounds, boardwalks and cafes. Lake Eden is also home to loads of wildlife and a thriving ecosystem. Follow the scenic walkway that weaves its way around the lake and is popular with walkers and runners. Access via Lakefield Drive, North Lakes.

Jolly’s Lookout is set against a backdrop of the lush, dense rainforest and eucalypt forest of Mount Nebo. A sweeping opening featuring barbecues, sheltered and exposed picnic tables. It includes a well-maintained toilet block with a baby change room. The lookout is wheelchair-accessible and offers a wonderful way to enjoy a lazy breakfast picnic with the family, friends or a loved one. Visiting at sunrise is sure to provide breath-taking views and a great opportunity for that spectacular snap.

Bulls Falls Lookout at Mount Mee is nestled on the eastern side of the mountain ranges of D’Aguilar National Park. The panoramic view of the surrounding ridges and valleys of Mount Mee is ideal for watching the first rays of the day. With Caboolture to the north-east and Dayboro to the south-east, Falls Lookout is a delightful location to soak up the rural mountainous views of the Moreton Bay Region.

Watching dawn break at Dahmongah Lookout at Mount Mee is something everyone should experience. Just over an hour's drive north-west from the heart of Brisbane, Mount Mee is one of Moreton Bay Region's most stunning sights.

Families

Plan a day out on Bribie Island. 

There’s loads to see and do. Start out in the calm waters at Bongaree beach, join in the fishing on the jetty, or pop across to Brennan Park where there’s a fabulously fun flying fox. 

When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of the Island’s famed fish and chipperies. The Golden Prawn is open New Year’s Day, as is Scoopy’s Family Café, where you can pick up a delectable icecream and other treats. Or head to Sandstone Point Hotel for a feast.

If the hinterland is more your style, pack the car and get ready for the ultimate day trip.

Head out through Petrie to Dayboro, where you’ll be spoilt for choice for morning tea options. No visit to the township is complete without popping into Hay Cottage Arts and Crafts, which is open 10am-3pm on New Year’s Day. Set in an 1869-built cottage made of locally-felled timber, it’s filled with handmade treasures. 

If you’re four-wheel driving, cool off with a visit to Rocky Hole. If not, stop in at The Gantry to enjoy a delightful 20-30 minute stroll along Piccabeen walk – or challenge yourself with the Somerset Trail. 

Next, head for Mount Mee, where you’ll find the Pitstop Café open New Year’s Day from 9am-3pm before beginning your journey home.

For grown-ups

Book in for brunch at Burpengary’s Basil and Vine. With pizzas to take you from breakfast to lunch and dinner, the café also offers an array of pastas, antipasto and sweet treats. Perfect for a gourmet grown-ups-only experience, it’s also a fabulous family-friendly venue. Try the Il Nonno (The Grandfather) - a spicy Napoli sauce with chilli, garlic and basil, served with gnocchi, or start the day with the breakfast pizza. It comes with Spanish onion, cherry tomato, bacon, baby spinach, capsicum, haloumi, parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with hollandaise and fresh herbs, and sitting in the centre is a portobello mushroom with an egg inside. 

Open 8am-2pm and again from 5-9pm on New Year’s Day.

Annie Lane Bribie Island offers a brunch menu from 8am-2pm, featuring mouth-watering local and fresh produce. Think savoury mince with sourdough, poached eggs, melted cheese and basil hollandaise, banana split waffles or zesty avocado, blistered tomatoes, out-back dukkha, feta, pickled onion and pomegranate on toasted sourdough. 

There’s also gluten-free, keto, sugar-free, vegetarian and vegan options. If you’re taking the kids, you can’t go past the over-the-top shakes.

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