Top tips for budget summer fun in Redcliffe

Summer has arrived and most of us are looking forward to some holiday fun. The Redcliffe Peninsula is the perfect location to enjoy quality time with family and friends, particularly the kids during the long summer break.

Here’s our list of things to do that won’t break the budget, and will get little bodies and minds moving.

Head outdoors

Hit the beach:

The big benefit of being a peninsula is there are plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy if you’re in the mood to explore, swim, picnic, walk or play. Use the long summer break as an opportunity to visit all of the Peninsula’s beaches, starting at Clontarf and making your way around to Scarborough. Redcliffe Surf Lifesaving Club members patrol the 2.5km coastline from Suttons Beach to Scotts Point from September to March, and gentle waves make this an ideal spot for little ones to take a dip. Best of all, it won't cost you a cent!

Take to the water:

Grab your stand-up paddleboard, surf ski, jet ski, kayak, boogie board or floaties and enjoy the water that’s practically on our doorstep. If you don’t have the gear you need, there are plenty of options to hire equipment. There are several boat ramps on the Peninsula, giving you direct access to Moreton Bay, where you can see dolphins, dugongs, turtles and other marine life.

Make a splash:

The 96m long Settlement Cove Lagoon is a drawcard for visitors across South East Queensland, offering a fenced-off area for younger children as well as deeper areas for more competent swimmers. There is an ‘island’ in the centre, with inlets and rocks providing the perfect setting for fun and games. A lifeguard is on patrol Monday to Sunday from 7am-6pm. There are barbecues and picnic spots for those keen to cook or bring their own lunch, plus a kiosk on site. A shaded playground is adjacent to the lagoon. Entry to the lagoon is free.

Parks aplenty:

The Peninsula is home to plenty of amazing parks, in beautiful settings, which provide endless opportunities for imaginative play that also gets little people moving. One such location is Spinnaker Park, an all-abilities lakefront playground at Newport. It has a play ship, a coconut rope swing, climbing nets, slides, and sand and water play areas. Another popular location is Pirate Park, which overlooks Scarborough Beach and has a jumping pillow, pirate ship and train-themed play equipment and a cluster of trees perfect for climbing. Clontarf’s Pelican Park is the perfect place to fly a kite, kick a ball or to run the kids ragged.

So many options outside …

Pop on a hat and head to the Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets which are held at Redcliffe Pde every Sunday from 7am-1pm (summer opening hours). There you will find an array of stalls selling farm-fresh produce, meats and seafood, gourmet food, handmade wares, arts and crafts and more. There will be a Christmas Twilight Market on December 14 from 4-9pm.

If skating is your thing, check out Redcliffe Skate Park, which has a smooth concrete surface, ramps, bowls, rails and stairs.

Go for a bike ride, walk or run on Redcliffe Peninsula’s network of bike paths which starts at Clontarf’s Ted Smout Memorial Bridge and follows the coastline to Newport.

Wet a line at Redcliffe Jetty, Woody Point Jetty, or from anywhere along the coastline – day or night. Experts tell us there are plenty of fish out there - you just need to decide on a target species and prepare accordingly. See our fishing tips on page 38.

Indoor attractions

Gather at a gallery:

Explore the latest exhibitions at any of the Peninsula’s art galleries including Redcliffe Art Gallery, Seaside Artists Gallery, The Old Fire Station art gallery, The Red Poppy Art Collective, The Loft Gallery and Dreamtime Kullilla-Art.

Marvel at museum:

Discover a vibrant program of ever-changing exhibitions, events and workshops at Redcliffe Museum, including the Imaginarium - a dedicated kids' play space filled offering activities and crafts designed for children to create, learn and explore.

Creative hub:

Redcliffe Library is a hive of activity, particularly during summer when it hosts Moreton Bay City Council’s school holiday program (see what’s on offer on page 36). As you would expect, it also offers a wide selection of books for all ages and much more.

Chill out:

Enjoy a movie, a spot of shopping or a bite to eat at Peninsula Fair shopping centre which is also home to Hoyts Redcliffe. It’s the perfect place to escape a hot day.