Day Tripping on Brisbane's Bayside
Enjoy a fantastic coastal escape just thirty minutes from Brisbane CBD, with a day trip to the beautiful bayside villages of Wynnum, Manly and Sandgate.
Wynnum & Manly
With its huge marina, Manly is the perfect spot to hit the water, starting with a sailing lesson at Manly Squadron Yacht Club. Or hire a kayak from Moreton Bay Boats and tour the harbour and Moreton Bay Marine Park, where you can spot dolphins, turtles and other marine life.
If you'd rather stick to the land, there's a myriad of seaside adventures to be had. Take a walk or cycle along the foreshore on the scenic waterfront path that leads all the way from Wynnum north to Manly and beyond to Lota.
Along the way you can take a dip in the heritage-listed Wynnum Tidal Pool, which dates from the Great Depression era or in the sea at tiny white-sand Pandanus Beach nearby.
There's also a fantastic free water park and playground adjacent to Pandanus Beach if you have young ones in tow, and plenty of space throughout the parklands to fly a kite or kick a ball.
Head a little further north from the Wynnum Foreshore, via the historic Fox Bridge and you'll come to the Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk, which is a must visit for its ethereal beauty and bird-watching. You can view native shore birds in their habitat but be careful not to disturb them.
You can BYO picnic or BBQ to enjoy overlooking the bay, with plenty of picnic tables and BBQs along the foreshore or, if you're there on a weekend, grab a bite to eat at the Manly Creative Markets, which are on every Sunday. Here you’ll find everything from arts and crafts, food, kid’s rides, great coffee and more.
There are plenty of great fish and chips to be had along the foreshore between Wynnum and Lota, including Lota Takeaway, a family-run business that is located across the road from beautiful Lota Park.
Sandgate
Since the late 1800's day trippers have been descending on the quaint seaside village of Sandgate, which to this day retains much of its historic charm.
Enjoy a stroll along the foreshore promenade, past the grand Victorian villas and the heritage-listed Richard Gailey designed white church, to the iconic Shorncliffe Pier and Lower Moora Park and beach. Shornciffe Pier which has been there for over a century, is also a great place for a spot of fishing.
While you're there, be sure to visit the quaint Town Square, overlooked by the historic Town Hall (now Sandgate Library) and ex-post office, which is now a restaurant bar. Then take a wander down the retro main street, with its cute cafes and boutiques.
On Wednesdays and Sundays, in Town Square on Seymour St, the Satori Boutique Farmers Market is also worth a visit for its excellent quality produce.
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