Moreton Bay & Redcliffe Peninsula Destination Guide

Moreton Bay & Redcliffe Peninsula

Brisbane Bayside, Bramble Bay, Sandgate, Brighton, Redcliffe & the Redcliffe Peninsula

The Moreton Bay and Redcliffe Peninsula region is one of South East Queensland's most accessible coastal destinations, stretching from Brisbane's northern bayside suburbs around Brighton, Sandgate and Shorncliffe, across Bramble Bay and the Houghton Highway and Ted Smout Memorial Bridge, to the beaches, jetties, marinas and waterfront communities of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Less than an hour from Brisbane's city centre, this diverse coastal landscape combines beaches, bayside parks, historic jetties, marinas, fishing spots, boating, walking and cycling paths, wildlife and spectacular views across Moreton Bay.

For photographers, the region offers an exceptional variety of subjects, from historic piers and waterfront landscapes to boats, beaches, bridges, tidal flats and expansive aerial views.

The Moreton Bay Coastal Journey

A natural way to explore the region is from south to north:

Brighton → Sandgate → Shorncliffe → Bramble Bay → Houghton Highway → Ted Smout Memorial Bridge → Clontarf → Woody Point → Margate → Redcliffe → Newport → Scarborough → Deception Bay

This creates a continuous coastal journey linking Brisbane's bayside with the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Bramble Bay

Bramble Bay forms an important part of the southern Moreton Bay coastline between Brisbane's northern bayside suburbs and the Redcliffe Peninsula.

The bay provides a constantly changing landscape of open water, tidal areas, beaches, parklands, boats and distant shorelines.

The Bramble Bay foreshores through Brighton, Sandgate and Shorncliffe provide more than seven kilometres of continuous public waterfront parkland.

The area is particularly attractive from a photography perspective because the bay provides long-distance views towards the Redcliffe Peninsula, while the bridges crossing the bay create striking geometric features.

Bramble Bay photography

Strong subjects include:

• Open Moreton Bay

• Redcliffe Peninsula

• Sandgate Pier

• Shorncliffe Pier

• Brighton foreshore

• Boats and yachts

• Tidal patterns

• Houghton Highway

• Ted Smout Memorial Bridge

• Coastal sunsets and changing light

Brighton

Brighton occupies the northern section of Brisbane's Bramble Bay waterfront and provides an important gateway to the Redcliffe Peninsula.

The waterfront offers open views across the bay, while the northern end leads directly towards the Houghton Highway and Ted Smout Memorial Bridge.

Brighton is particularly interesting for aerial photography because the shoreline, bridges, tidal waters and Redcliffe Peninsula can be combined into expansive coastal compositions.

Brighton Foreshore

The foreshore is suitable for walking, cycling, fishing and enjoying views across Bramble Bay.

It is also an excellent location for photographing the bridges and the changing patterns of light across the bay.

Sandgate

Sandgate is one of Brisbane's historic bayside communities and has a strong connection with Moreton Bay's seaside recreation history.

The waterfront combines parklands, beaches, historic structures, walking paths and views across Bramble Bay.

Sandgate Pier

The historic Sandgate Pier is one of the area's most recognisable landmarks.

Extending into Bramble Bay, it provides a strong leading-line subject for landscape and aerial photography.

The pier and surrounding foreshore are particularly attractive when changing weather and light create reflections and contrasting patterns across the bay.

Sandgate Foreshore

The foreshore is ideal for walking, cycling and photography, with views extending across Bramble Bay towards the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Shorncliffe

Immediately south of Sandgate, Shorncliffe provides another attractive section of Brisbane's Bramble Bay waterfront.

The suburb features waterfront parklands, walking areas, historic buildings and coastal viewpoints.

Shorncliffe Pier

Shorncliffe Pier extends into Bramble Bay and is another distinctive photographic landmark.

The long pier creates strong perspective and leading lines towards the open water.

The surrounding foreshore also provides views north towards the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Houghton Highway & Ted Smout Memorial Bridge

The journey from Brisbane to the Redcliffe Peninsula becomes a destination experience in itself when crossing Bramble Bay via the Houghton Highway and Ted Smout Memorial Bridge.

The Houghton Highway opened in 1979, while the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge opened in 2010. Together they provide the principal road connection between Brighton and Clontarf.

The two parallel bridge structures are among the most distinctive landmarks in this part of Moreton Bay.

From an aerial perspective, their sweeping lines across the water create particularly strong compositions.

The Ted Smout Memorial Bridge also includes pedestrian and cycling facilities and a fishing platform.

Clontarf

Clontarf forms the southern gateway to the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Its location beside the bridges provides impressive views across Moreton Bay and towards the Brisbane bayside.

The area is also an important connection point for the Moreton Bay Cycleway.

Clontarf's waterfront, tidal areas and bridge infrastructure make it particularly interesting for landscape and aerial photography.

Woody Point

At the southern end of the Redcliffe Peninsula, Woody Point has a relaxed seaside atmosphere with beaches, parks, cafés and waterfront views.

Woody Point Jetty

Woody Point Jetty is one of the peninsula's most recognisable landmarks.

The jetty extends into Moreton Bay and provides strong photographic perspectives along its length.

It is also a popular recreational and fishing location.

Woody Point Waterfront

The combination of the jetty, foreshore, parkland and open bay creates a quieter coastal atmosphere than the busier Redcliffe waterfront.

Margate

Margate occupies the eastern side of the Redcliffe Peninsula between Redcliffe and Scarborough.

Its foreshore forms part of the peninsula's continuous sequence of beaches, parks and waterfront walking areas.

Margate Beach

Margate Beach provides a relaxed Moreton Bay setting suitable for swimming, walking, recreation and photography.

The relatively sheltered waters and open views across the bay make it a worthwhile stop when exploring the peninsula.

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is the historic and cultural centre of the peninsula.

The area has strong historical connections with Queensland's early European settlement and is also famous for its association with the Bee Gees.

Redcliffe Jetty

Redcliffe Jetty is one of the peninsula's defining landmarks.

The jetty projects into Moreton Bay and provides changing views depending on tide, weather and light.

The current structure is a replica of the original jetty constructed in 1885.

It is one of the strongest locations in the region for coastal and aerial photography.

Suttons Beach

Suttons Beach provides a classic Moreton Bay seaside setting with beach, parkland and sheltered waters.

Settlement Cove Lagoon

Settlement Cove Lagoon provides a protected swimming environment beside the Redcliffe waterfront and is particularly popular with families.

Bee Gees Way

Bee Gees Way celebrates the early lives and careers of Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb and is one of Redcliffe's most distinctive cultural attractions.

Redcliffe Waterfront

Redcliffe Parade and the surrounding waterfront provide cafés, restaurants, walking, cycling, markets and extensive views across Moreton Bay.

Newport

Newport is a modern waterfront community on the northern side of the peninsula.

Unlike the open beaches of Redcliffe and Margate, Newport is characterised by canals, waterways and residential waterfront landscapes.

The area provides opportunities for photographing boats, canals and modern waterfront architecture.

Scarborough

At the northern end of the peninsula, Scarborough has a relaxed seaside character with beaches, parks, cafés and an active harbour.

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach provides opportunities for swimming, walking, fishing and photography.

The combination of beach, vegetation, bay and boats creates attractive coastal compositions.

Scarborough Harbour

Scarborough Harbour provides a distinctly different photographic environment, with yachts, boats, marina infrastructure and open views across Moreton Bay.

It also provides access to boating and marine activities.

Deception Bay

Deception Bay lies north-west of the Redcliffe Peninsula and provides a more open bayside landscape.

Its shoreline, wetlands and tidal environments offer a contrast to the developed waterfronts of Redcliffe and Scarborough.

The area can be incorporated into a wider Moreton Bay coastal photography journey.

Things to Do

Walk the Moreton Bay waterfront

The connected waterfronts around Brighton, Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Clontarf, Woody Point, Redcliffe and Scarborough provide numerous opportunities for walking.

Cycle the coastline

The Moreton Bay Cycleway provides an excellent way to explore sections of the Brisbane bayside and Redcliffe Peninsula.

Visit historic jetties

Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Woody Point and Redcliffe all provide distinctive jetty and waterfront environments.

Explore the beaches

Notable beaches include:

• Brighton foreshore

• Sandgate Beach

• Suttons Beach

• Redcliffe Beach

• Margate Beach

• Scarborough Beach

Go fishing

Fishing is popular around jetties, beaches, harbour areas and other accessible sections of the coastline.

Go boating

The region provides access to boating, fishing and marine activities throughout Moreton Bay.

Look for marine wildlife

Moreton Bay supports dolphins, turtles and migrating humpback whales. Whale-watching experiences operate during the annual migration season.

Visit Bee Gees Way

Music enthusiasts can explore one of Redcliffe's most distinctive cultural attractions.

Best Photography Locations

1. Redcliffe Jetty

Excellent for leading lines, bay views and changing coastal light.

2. Woody Point Jetty

A strong location for photographing the southern peninsula and Moreton Bay.

3. Sandgate Pier

A historic structure providing strong foreground and leading-line compositions.

4. Shorncliffe Pier

Excellent for long-perspective coastal photography.

5. Houghton Highway & Ted Smout Memorial Bridge

Ideal for aerial compositions featuring sweeping bridge lines and tidal waters.

6. Brighton Foreshore

Strong views across Bramble Bay towards the Redcliffe Peninsula.

7. Scarborough Harbour

Excellent for boats, marina scenes and waterfront photography.

8. Suttons Beach

A classic Moreton Bay beach landscape.

9. Clontarf

Particularly interesting for bridge, tidal and coastal compositions.

Best Time for Photography

The region can be photographed throughout the year.

Early morning provides softer light, calmer conditions and potentially attractive reflections across Bramble Bay and Moreton Bay.

Late afternoon can provide warm light across the waterfront, bridges and beaches.

Tides are also important. Low tide can reveal extensive tidal patterns and sandbanks, while higher tides create different relationships between the beaches, jetties and water.

Winter and spring can also provide opportunities for whale sightings during the annual humpback migration.

Suggested One-Day Moreton Bay & Redcliffe Itinerary

Morning — Brisbane Bayside

Start at Brighton, then travel along the Bramble Bay waterfront through Sandgate and Shorncliffe.

Photograph the piers, beaches and bay.

Late Morning — Cross Bramble Bay

Continue north across the Houghton Highway and Ted Smout Memorial Bridge to Clontarf.

Stop to appreciate the views across the bay.

Midday — Woody Point

Explore Woody Point Jetty and the waterfront.

Afternoon — Redcliffe

Visit Redcliffe Jetty, Suttons Beach and Bee Gees Way.

Late Afternoon — Margate & Scarborough

Continue north through Margate to Scarborough.

Finish around Scarborough Harbour or Scarborough Beach.

This route provides a broad overview of the Brisbane bayside, Bramble Bay and Redcliffe Peninsula in a single day.

Moreton Bay & Redcliffe Peninsula for Aerial Photography

Few areas around Brisbane offer such a strong combination of aerial photography subjects within a relatively compact geographic area.

The region contains:

Bays + beaches + bridges + jetties + boats + marinas + tidal flats + waterfront suburbs + parklands

From above, the Houghton Highway and Ted Smout Memorial Bridge form striking geometric patterns across Bramble Bay, while the jetties at Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Woody Point and Redcliffe provide strong linear subjects.

The beaches and shallow waters of Moreton Bay also create constantly changing patterns depending on tide, weather and sunlight.

For Oz Straya Panoramas, this makes Moreton Bay and the Redcliffe Peninsula a particularly strong destination for original aerial landscape photography and video.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Redcliffe Peninsula?

The Redcliffe Peninsula is north-east of Brisbane and extends into Moreton Bay.

2. How far is Redcliffe from Brisbane?

Redcliffe is approximately 30–40 minutes from central Brisbane by car, depending on traffic.

3. Is Redcliffe worth visiting?

Yes. Redcliffe offers beaches, jetties, waterfront parks, cultural attractions, cafés, walking, cycling and access to Moreton Bay.

4. What is Redcliffe famous for?

Redcliffe is known for its seaside location, Redcliffe Jetty, Bee Gees Way and its historical significance.

5. What are the best things to do in Redcliffe?

Visit Redcliffe Jetty, Bee Gees Way, Suttons Beach and the waterfront, or explore the peninsula by bicycle.

6. Is Redcliffe good for photography?

Yes. Beaches, jetties, boats, bridges, parks and Moreton Bay provide a wide range of photographic subjects.

7. What is Bramble Bay?

Bramble Bay is the section of Moreton Bay between Brisbane's northern bayside suburbs and the Redcliffe Peninsula.

8. Where is Bramble Bay?

Bramble Bay lies off Brighton, Sandgate and Shorncliffe and extends towards the southern Redcliffe Peninsula.

9. Is Bramble Bay good for photography?

Yes. The bay provides views of beaches, boats, jetties, bridges, tidal landscapes and the Redcliffe Peninsula.

10. Can you see Redcliffe from Sandgate?

Yes. The Redcliffe Peninsula can be seen across Bramble Bay from suitable locations along the southern foreshore.

11. Is Sandgate worth visiting?

Yes. Sandgate combines historic seaside character with beaches, parklands, a pier and extensive Bramble Bay views.

12. What is Sandgate famous for?

Sandgate is known for its historic seaside character, waterfront, pier and connection with Bramble Bay.

13. Is Sandgate good for photography?

Yes. Sandgate Pier, the waterfront and views across Bramble Bay provide excellent photography opportunities.

14. Is Shorncliffe worth visiting?

Yes. Shorncliffe offers waterfront parklands, coastal walking, historic features and views across Bramble Bay.

15. What is Shorncliffe Pier?

Shorncliffe Pier is a prominent pier extending into Bramble Bay and is an important local landmark.

16. Is Brighton on Moreton Bay?

Yes. Brighton's eastern waterfront faces Bramble Bay, which forms part of Moreton Bay.

17. Is Brighton worth visiting?

Yes. Brighton provides waterfront parklands and excellent views towards Bramble Bay and the Redcliffe Peninsula.

18. Where does the Houghton Highway go?

The Houghton Highway forms part of the road connection between Brighton and Clontarf on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

19. What is the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge?

It is the newer bridge alongside the Houghton Highway, connecting Brighton and Clontarf across Bramble Bay.

20. Can you cycle across the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge?

Yes. The bridge includes pedestrian and cycling facilities.

21. Is Clontarf worth visiting?

Yes. Clontarf provides waterfront views, access to the Redcliffe Peninsula and excellent perspectives of the bridges.

22. Where is Woody Point?

Woody Point is at the southern end of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

23. What is Woody Point known for?

Woody Point is known for its relaxed waterfront, jetty, beaches, parks and views across Moreton Bay.

24. Is Woody Point Jetty worth visiting?

Yes. The jetty is an important local landmark and an excellent photography subject.

25. Where is Margate?

Margate is on the eastern side of the Redcliffe Peninsula between Redcliffe and Scarborough.

26. Is Margate Beach worth visiting?

Yes. Margate Beach provides a relaxed bayside beach environment suitable for swimming, walking and photography.

27. What is Redcliffe Jetty famous for?

Redcliffe Jetty is one of the peninsula's best-known landmarks and provides excellent views into Moreton Bay.

28. What is Bee Gees Way?

Bee Gees Way is a Redcliffe walkway celebrating the early lives and careers of Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.

29. Can you swim at Redcliffe?

Yes. Redcliffe has beaches and Settlement Cove Lagoon, although visitors should always check current local conditions.

30. Can you fish around Redcliffe?

Yes. Fishing is popular around a number of jetties, beaches and waterfront locations.

31. Can you see whales from Redcliffe?

Humpback whales migrate through Moreton Bay seasonally, and whale-watching cruises operate from the region.

32. When is whale season in Moreton Bay?

The main humpback migration occurs during the cooler months, generally around June to October/November, although timing varies between seasons.

33. Are dolphins found in Moreton Bay?

Yes. Dolphins are among the marine wildlife that can be encountered in Moreton Bay.

34. Is Moreton Bay good for kayaking?

The sheltered areas of Moreton Bay can provide opportunities for kayaking and other paddle activities, subject to weather, tides and local conditions.

35. Is the Redcliffe Peninsula good for cycling?

Yes. The Moreton Bay Cycleway provides a particularly good way to explore sections of the coastline.

36. What are the best photography locations around Moreton Bay and Redcliffe?

Redcliffe Jetty, Woody Point Jetty, Sandgate Pier, Shorncliffe Pier, Brighton foreshore, Scarborough Harbour and the Houghton Highway/Ted Smout Memorial Bridge are among the strongest locations.

37. Is the Houghton Highway good for photography?

Yes. The bridges, tidal waters and surrounding coastline create particularly strong aerial and landscape compositions.

38. What is the best time to photograph Moreton Bay?

Early morning and late afternoon generally provide attractive natural light, while different tidal stages can dramatically change the appearance of the coastline.

39. Is Moreton Bay & Redcliffe Peninsula good for a day trip from Brisbane?

Yes. The area is close enough to Brisbane for a day trip while offering beaches, waterfronts, historic attractions, cycling, photography and marine activities.

40. Why visit Moreton Bay & Redcliffe Peninsula?

The region combines Brisbane's historic bayside communities, Bramble Bay, beaches, jetties, bridges, marinas, waterfront parks and the Redcliffe Peninsula into one diverse coastal destination.

Explore More South East Queensland

Moreton Bay and the Redcliffe Peninsula are part of the diverse landscapes featured by Oz Straya Panoramas, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Glass House Mountains, Scenic Rim, national parks, lakes, dams and the Tweed Coast.

Explore the destination guides and original aerial photography collections to discover South East Queensland and northern New South Wales from a different perspective.

Links to Photography Collections

This aerial photography collection was captured by Brisbane-based aerial landscape photographer Ross Langdon, specialising in South East Queensland landscapes including mountains, coastlines, waterways and national parks