Adventurers Diary
17 Reasons to Visit Redcliffe
There’s plenty to see and do in and around Redcliffe so it is definitely worth it to visit Redcliffe. In fact, there’s at least 17 reasons to visit Redcliffe that we can think of. Take a stroll through Bee Gees Way, cool off in the Settlement Cove Lagoon right beside the water’s edge, enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes or restaurants, check out the Sunday Markets or visit any one of the beaches on the Peninsula. You can go skydiving, whale watching all from Redcliffe which is just under 40kms from the city of Brisbane.
Redcliffe is part of the Redcliffe Peninsula which is located just north-north-east of the Brisbane CBD.
Do you know how Redcliffe got it’s name? The name originates from ‘Red Cliff Point” named by Matthew Flinders due to the red cliffs at Woody Point which is an obvious choice when you think about it.
From Redcliffe on a clear day, you can take in the magnificent views across Moreton Bay and distinctly see the huge sand hills on Moreton Island.
17 Reasons why you should Visit Redcliffe
1. Bee Gees Way
The Bee Gees Way has proven to be a popular attraction for Redcliffe over the last 6 years. The first stage of the 70 metre walkway which runs from Redcliffe Parade through to Sutton Street was unveiled in 2013. On an even more spectacular scale, Barry Gibb personally attended the Grand Opening of Stage 2 in 2015!
The walkway features more than 60 captioned photos and 13 album covers from their incredible career which spanned 4 decades. There’s also a 5.3 square metre video screen showing exclusive interviews with Barry Gibb. They also play old home movie footage on the big screen along with video clips of many of their songs. So as you stroll down this awesome musical monument, you can also take in the 70 metre mural showcasing artwork of Barry, Robin, Maurice and Any Gibb whilst listening to their hit music in the background.
Bee Gees Way – 70metre walkway runs from Redcliffe Parade through to Sutton Street
Be like us and the many thousands of others and be sure to have your photo with either of the life-sized bronze statues or both! There’s one when the Gibb brothers were young barefoot boys and the other one commemorating the band as adults when they were at the peak of their career.
Adele posing for a photo with the Bee Gees
#beegees
Entry to this amazing outdoor musical tribute is FREE and a must see for Bee Gees fans and music enthusiasts in general. The walkway honours the most famous young Redcliffe residents of the 50’s. Who would of thought way back then that the Gibb brothers would go on to become one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time.
Nightly
Time your visit in the evening and you can also experience the fabulous light shows which are set to three of the Bee Gees greatest hits – “Staying Alive”, “Night Fever” and “How Deep is Your Love”. The light shows run every night on the half hour from 7pm through to 9.30pm.
Bee Gees Trivia
Do you know how the Bee Gees began?
The Bee Gees were founded in 1958 after their family migrated from Manchester to Redcliffe. They were first discovered while playing at the Redcliffe Speedway which was owned by Bill Goode. Bill Gates who was a DJ from Brisbane’s Radio Station 4BH heard them singing in the interval at the speedway. It was Bill Gates who gave them their first gig on the radio. Coincidentally, it’s the initials of these two men that brought about the name The Bee Gees. Barry the eldest of the Gibb Brothers was only 14 at the time that they signed their first music contract at the kitchen table in their home at Redcliffe.
#beegeesway
2. Settlement Cove Lagoon
Nestled below the main street of Redcliffe at the water’s edge is the Settlement Cove Lagoon. There is an awesome large lagoon-style pool and a separate wading pool with a pool fenced enclosure for little kids. Make a day of it as there are barbecues, picnic shelters and playgrounds. There’s also a bike path that runs alongside the lagoon and the foreshore edge.
The best part – the lagoon is FREE and open to the public 24 hours a day, every day, all year round. So it’s a great place to cool off on a hot Brissie Summer’s day. Most people naturally swim in the Summer months. It’s also the safest time as the Lagoon Lifeguards are on duty from December to March, even on Christmas Day! The hours are usually from 7.00am to 6.00pm Mondays to Sundays. You’ll find however Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Australia Day and the entire January School Holidays the Lifeguard hours are extended to 8pm. We utilized these extended hours when we spent the afternoon and evening cooling off in the lagoon with friends last New Year’s Day.
How inviting does the water look at Settlement Cove Lagoon
Although Settlement Cove Lagoon is an open facility it does have some restrictions. It’s a ‘no alcohol’ and a ‘smoke free’ zone. Also you are not allowed to take glass into the lagoon area, plus pets are not allowed. You can however walk your dogs on a lead along the pathway on the ocean side of the lagoon. Certified service animals are permitted in all areas except in the actual lagoon water. Best to check the Moreton Bay Regional Council website for a full list of restrictions as these are just the main ones!
3. Redcliffe Jetty
The Redcliffe Jetty is hard to miss as it extends out from the main street of Redcliffe. It has long been an identifiable landmark of the Redcliffe Peninsula but the original jetty was actually not the first pier to be built in Redcliffe. Built in 1885, it was second to the Woody Point Jetty which was constructed in 1881.
In 1922, a second Redcliffe Jetty was built. After the original jetty fell into disrepair, it was more economical to build a completely new structure. This new jetty housed a Halfway House which was later transformed into the Penny Arcade in 1938. Apparently, the Gibb brothers often frequented the entertainment arcade as youngsters growing up in Redcliffe.
By 1961, the second jetty had deteriorated so much it was pulled down and replaced with the third and current Redcliffe Jetty. The current jetty which opened in 1999 extends from what was once the 1930’s Bathing Pavilion. It is great to see that they have retained the heritage features of the old pavilion including drinking fountains, lights and seating.
The third and current Redcliffe Jetty
4. Redcliffe Jetty Markets
Every Sunday the main street of Redcliffe is closed off and is only open to pedestrian traffic. The entire street and entry to the Jetty comes alive. Both sides of the road are filled with a variety of fabulous stalls ranging from quality arts and craft, hot food, fresh fruit and vegies to jewellery, plants and other handmade items.
The Redcliffe Jetty Markets are open from 8am – 2pm. It’s a fun day out for the whole family especially with it being located right on the beach front as well. Plus, the markets are pet friendly!
#gottalovesundays
Redcliffe Jetty Markets are open every Sunday
5. Eating Places in and around Redcliffe
What’s in the Pot? and Mon Komo are two of our favourite places to eat not just in Redcliffe but they are also two places that feature in our 17 Best Eating Places in Brisbane and Gold Coast. For more of our favourites, click on the link here >
https://indefiniteleave.com.au/best-17-places-eat-drink-brisbane-gold-coast/
One of our 17 Reasons to visit Redcliffe is for the array of dining options. Here is our list of just the eating places that we have been to in Redcliffe, Margate, Woody Point and Scarborough over the years. There are many dining options available in the Redcliffe region but these are just a few!
Redcliffe Restaurants & Cafes
MonKomo – A great spot to meet up with friends and family for a drink and lunch or dinner!
What’s in the Pot? – We just love the atmosphere, the authentic Italian food and the warm, good old-fashioned hospitality at What’s in the Pot?. You never know what delicious food will be on the menu as it is cooked fresh daily and the menu changes depending on how many dishes are available on the day/night.
What’s in the Pot?
One of our favourite Redcliffe Restaurants – What’s in the Pot?
The Rustic Olive – As great friends of ours live at Woody Point, we have dined here enjoying the classic Italian food and outdoor dining atmosphere overlooking the beautiful bay.
Preece’s – We have been guilty of stopping in to check out their house-made cakes and slices. Their banoffee’s were to die for but we haven’t noticed them in the cabinet lately 😊
The Coffee Club – Always a great meeting place for lunch, dinner or a coffee/milkshake!
Cactus Jack’s – Another enjoyable dinner out with our friends 😊
Banjo’s Bakery Café – Enjoy Pies, pastries, sandwiches and rolls and of course their sweet treats are always tempting!
Dolphins Leagues Club – We have attended a Wedding Reception at Dolphins and also had dinner in the Bistro.
Margate Restaurants
The Golden Ox – Very popular for Wedding Receptions. We have had dinner there with friends and celebrated special anniversaries there as well.
Scarborough Restaurants & Cafes
Danny’s Café Bar Restaurant – A great place for dinner and catch up with our good friends on one of our visits back to Brisbane while we have been traveling around Oz.
Morgans Seafood – Best fresh and cooked seafood! There is usually a queue but trust us it’s definitely worth the wait!!
Morgans at Scarborough has the freshest seafood
Woody Point Places to Eat
The Belvedere Hotel – We have enjoyed many a Birthday Dinner, Anniversary Celebration or just dinner with our friends or family at the Belvedere!
Café Apre – Their Big Breakfast is delicious and an absolute bargain at $9.99!!
6. Where to Stay at Redcliffe
There are a range of different types of accommodation in Redcliffe from Hotels to Caravan Parks to Showgrounds.
Oaks Mon Komo
We checked into Mon Komo for a night before we left on our adventure back in Feb 2016! We were utterly exhausted from packing up the house ready for rental and moving everything that wasn’t coming with us in the Motorhome, into Storage. It’s a shame we didn’t get to enjoy it more.
Oaks Mon Komo
The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach
With a Rooftop pool, a restaurant, stunning bay views and beautiful bay breezes, The Sebel at Margate would be a great option if you are looking for Redcliffe accommodation. It is only 25 mins from Brisbane Airport and 40 mins from the Brisbane CBD. Good friends who live nearby have dined many a time at the restaurant which faces the beach!
Scarborough Holiday Village
The Scarborough Holiday Village has absolute water frontage therefore you can enjoy the fabulous bay breezes from beautiful Moreton Bay. It overlooks the magnificent Moreton Island and is nestled between parkland and the Yacht Club.
The ever-popular Sea Salt & Vine is located right on the doorstep of the Scarborough Holiday Village and is open 7 days from 7am – 4pm with live entertainment on weekends!
We have just recently stayed at this perfectly located Holiday Park and it has proven to be a very good option for us anytime we are back in Brisbane.
Scarborough Holiday Village
Redcliffe Showgrounds
Like the Pine Rivers Showgrounds at Lawnton and the Dayboro Showgrounds, the Redcliffe Showgrounds opens up out of show season for RV Camping. Outside of the Redcliffe Show which is held each year at the end of June, the Showgrounds are a popular short-term option for people with caravans or motorhomes who are stopping off in Brisbane on their travels.
Bells Caravan Park
The Bells Caravan Park at Woody Point is located right on the Esplanade overlooking the water but the front sites reportedly get a lot of road noise.
7. Beaches in the Redcliffe Region
As Redcliffe is on the Peninsula it is surrounded by a number of little beaches. Although the sand is a little gritty and more of a golden reddish colour, these beaches are close to Brisbane’s doorstep and one of our 17 reasons to visit Redcliffe. Being so close and handy, any of the beaches are great for beating the Brisbane heat. Don’t bother heading to Redcliffe for a surf as usually there are literally only ripples in the water but this makes the beaches ideal for kids to play and swim.
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is opposite the Bells Caravan Park next to Pelican Park before Woody Point and is a very popular spot for jet-skiers, SUPs and kite-surfers. Look up as you will often see skydivers coming in for a landing on the beach!
Bells Beach past Pelican Park is popular for water sports
Clontarf Beach
Clontarf Beach runs from the Houghton Highway Bridge down to Pelican Park and is the first beach you immediately come to as you drive off the bridge onto the Redcliffe Peninsula. It is also where you’ll find the Aqua Splash Redcliffe over the Summer School Holidays.
Margate Beach
Margate Beach is the largest of the Redcliffe Beaches and stretches 2kms from Scotts Point to Suttons Beach. You’ll often find people of all ages using the the shared boardwalk which is lined by beautiful Norfolk Pines, to go for a walk or cycle. Also there’s a number of white pavilions dotted along the foreshore that provide shelter and a place to stop and admire the beach and Moreton Bay.
Margate Beach is the largest Beach on the Redcliffe Peninsula
Queens Beach
Queens Beach is the only off-leash dog beach in Redcliffe. The beach only becomes an off-leach area at certain hours of the day – before 8am and after 4pm. Queens Beach is located between Scarborough and Osbourne Point and has a small sand boat ramp.
Redcliffe Beach
Right in the heart of Redcliffe is the Redcliffe Beach and it stretches either side of the Redcliffe Jetty. Although it is not highly regarded as a swimming beach, it is great to throw a line in off the jetty or to just cool off in the water on a hot day.
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is very popular for families. The main attraction is Pirate Park, a fabulous railway and pirate themed playground which is fenced to keep the kids in! It also has huge climbing trees which our boys loved when they were young! Recently they have added a separate fenced Jumping Pillow a little further along Scarborough Beach.
Pine Tree Lined Scarborough Beach
Scotts Point
Scotts Point is in Woody Point and is accessed from the most southern end of Margate Beach. There is a nice shaded park high on the hill overlooking the beach and the rocky outcrop. The Scotts Point Bathing Pavilion which was built in 1937 being the most prominent feature.
The historical Scotts Pt Bathing Pavilion
Suttons Beach
Suttons Beach is the only patrolled beach in and around Brisbane. It’s also one of the best beaches at Redcliffe for swimming. You can take a stroll along the walkway right along the waterfront from Suttons Beach to Settlement Cove and then up to the main street of Redcliffe via the Boardwalk. Plus, there’s a shaded playground and a number of barbecues and picnic shelters at the Margate end of Suttons Beach.
Woody Point
Woody Point has very little beach but right beside the beach and water front is Crockatt Park. It has an undercover playground and a large covered picnic shelter with barbecues. Also, directly opposite is the Belvedere Hotel and a little further along you can fish off the Woody Point Jetty.
8. Redcliffe Weather
We always believe the temperature is slightly lower at Redcliffe due to the beautiful bay breezes coming directly off Moreton Bay. So whenever we have visited our good friends at Woody Point, it always seems cooler than it is at our home in the northern suburbs of Brissie.
9. Fishing at Redcliffe
A portion of the old Hornibrook Bridge remains at each end as a fishing platform. Often bream, flathead, chopper tailor, whiting and school jewfish are caught at this prime and easily accessible Redcliffe fishing spot. The Ted Smout Memorial Bridge also has a 10m by 50m fishing platform. Both sand and mud crabs are often caught in the Pine River channels as well.
The Redcliffe Jetty and jetty at Woody Point are also popular land based spots to fish from. The rock walls at the entrance to the Newport canals can also be good for fishing and can easily be accessed if you don’t have a boat. Also people just fish off the beach at Scarborough, Redcliffe and Margate.
If you are heading out for a fish around Redcliffe, be sure to know where the green zones are located. Click here for a Fishing Green Zone Map for the Moreton Bay region.
There is also a reef off Scarborough so it’s popular for boaties! If only we had a boat lol 🙂
Scarborough Boat Ramp
10. Whale Watching Tours Depart from Redcliffe
The Whale Watching season usually starts in June-July and continues through to November. So if you’re keen to go whale watching and you don’t want to travel far from Brisbane, you’re in luck as tours depart from Redcliffe. With Brisbane Whale Watching Tours, you are guaranteed whale sightings. Their ‘MV Eye Spy’ is Brisbane’s only purpose-built whale watching vessel. It’s Eco accredited, has 6 spacious viewing decks and also offers wheelchair access.
The ‘MV Eye Spy’ departs daily from the Redcliffe Jetty at 10.00am and returns at approx. 2.30pm. The tour also includes a delicious fresh buffet lunch, yummm!
Book your Brisbane Whale Watching Experience here>
Whale Watching tours depart from the Redcliffe Jetty during Whale season
11. Redcliffe Annual Events
Redcliffe Kitefest
Each year Redcliffe hosts a North Brisbane Kite Festival which is held over two days at Pelican Park at Clontarf. Apart from the fun and excitement of the kites of all shapes, colours and sizes filling the skies, there’s kite making workshops, shows, live music, roving entertainers and markets.
Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run
Each year thousands of people take part in the Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run which is the most scenic fun run in Queensland. You don’t have to be a professional marathon runner to enter as they cater for all levels of fitness. So you can opt to run, walk for a cause, or simply take a pleasant stroll at your own pace along the Redcliffe waterfront. There are also 4 distances to choose from – 3km, 5km, 10km and the 21.1km event. All events start and finish at Pelican Park in Clontarf.
12. Redcliffe Wind Sculpture
OPTO is the moving masterpiece of sculptor Phil Price. The two bright orange rings opposite Bee Gees Way are made of steel and carbon fibre. The kinetic rings are designed so that they move in relation to the environment. They can rotate, spin and pass over one another in response to the breeze coming off Moreton Bay. They are truly amazing to see when they are rotating in the wind!
Opto Sculpture opposite Bee Gees Way
13. Redcliffe Museum
The Redcliffe Museum is located on Anzac Avenue just up from Oxley Avenue. It is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am – 4pm; 10am – 3pm on Sundays but closed on Mondays.
Entry is FREE!
The museum features films from Redcliffe’s early days. It displays old and modern-day photos as well as highlighting the history of seaside holidays over the years. Plus, they also hold exhibitions and workshops in the museum so great for the kids and adults.
14. HMQS Gayundah
The rusted remains of the HMQS Gayundah Wreck are clearly visible at the base of the cliffs at Woody Point just around the point from the jetty and the popular Belvedere Hotel.
The HMQS Gayundah, built in 1884, first operated as a flat-iron gunboat by the Queensland Maritime Defence Force. Later it was part of the Royal Australia Navy before being decommissioned in 1921. She then served as a sand and gravel barge in Brisbane until the 1950’s. Ultimately in 1958 after being scrapped, she was purposely run aground at Woody Point so as to serve as a breakwater structure to prevent soil erosion.
The HMQS Gayundah was purposely sunk at Woody Point to act as a breakwater wall
A drone’s view of the HMQS Gayundah
15. Redcliffe Botanic Gardens
The Redcliffe Botanic Gardens offers a peaceful and shady place to escape right in the heart of Redcliffe. There’s heaps to see including a Herb Garden with over 500 different species, a water feature, flower gardens, native plants, a rainforest with over 250 rainforest species as well as it’s home to more than 1000 bats! There’s a number of walkways throughout the gardens, an amphitheatre, an open grassed area and drinking fountain. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted.
It’s a great spot for picnics and birthday celebrations as well with shelters and seating provided around the gardens. Also it is popular place for weddings, however if you are planning an event or wedding you will need to make a booking through the Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Entry to the gardens is FREE! The gardens are open between 6am and 6pm, seven days a week and are wheelchair accessible.
16. Redcliffe Inflatable Water Park
Redcliffe Aqua Splash are back for their second Summer season at Pelican Park at Clontarf. You can’t miss it! As soon as you come off the Hornibrook Bridge, you can see Redcliffe’s amazing inflatable Water Park! You can splash into Summer 7 days from 9am – 7pm during each season.
So if you are looking for a fun way to keep cool and or entertain the kids of all ages, be sure to check out the Redcliffe Aqua Splash Inflatable Water Park. It’s just one of the 17 reasons to visit Redcliffe especially over the school holidays!
Aqua Splash Redcliffe Inflatable Water Park at Clontarf
17. Skydiving
The last of our 17 Reasons to visit Redcliffe but certainly not least. You can escape the hustle and bustle of Brisbane and get your adrenaline going by skydiving on the peninsula. Skydiving at Redcliffe provides the best city and coastal views.
If you want to experience Australia’s highest skydive, then Redcliffe is the place to do it! You’ll soar to heights of up to 15,000ft, before taking the huge plunge. After a thrilling 60 seconds of free fall, your parachute opens, then you can get your breath back and start to relax and really enjoy the experience. While you’re floating down you’ll be able to soak in the views of the Brisbane city skyline as well as Moreton Island, before touching down on the beach at Redcliffe.
Book your Redcliffe Skydiving Experience here > https://indefiniteleave.experienceoz.com.au/en/brisbane/skydiving-brisbane/brisbane-15-000ft-tandem-skydive
Skydivers coming in for a beach landing at Clontarf
We have witnessed skydivers coming in for a landing on the beach at Clontarf many a time. When Kev bravely did his skydive 15 years ago, a gift given to him for his 40th Birthday by his good mate, Kev landed on the beach at Scarborough. This was an enormous challenge for Kev as he has always been scared of heights!
Here is the link so you can check out Kev’s Skydive
How to get to Redcliffe
By Car
You can head northbound across Bramble Bay on the Houghton Bridge from Brighton to Clontarf. The adjacent Ted Smout Memorial Bridge provides the southbound lanes from Clontarf back over to Brighton. The Houghton Highway is a 2.74km reinforced concrete viaduct. Up until 2013, these two bridges were equally the second longest bridges in the country.
Both Kev and Adele had a set of grandparents who funnily enough lived only streets apart at Margate/Woody Point. So both us clearly remember the old Hornibrook Bridge and the days of the toll.
A portion of the old Hornibrook Bridge at each end has been retained as a Fishing Platform
Another route is to travel along Anzac Ave from Petrie through Kallangur, North Lakes, Mango Hill, Rothwell, Kippa-Ring right into Redcliffe.
By Bus
Buses run from the Sandgate Bus Station to Redcliffe traveling through the suburbs of Brighton, Clontarf, Woody Point, Margate, Redcliffe, Scarborough, Redcliffe, Kippa-Ring back to Clontarf.
Also the new Hornibrook Bus Line services Chermside to Redcliffe with routes around the peninsula including to and from the Railway stations at Rothwell and Kippa-Ring.
By Train
Up until October 2016, because there was no train service to Redcliffe, the only public transport to the Peninsula was by bus. In recent years, the train line has been extended so the new Redcliffe Train Line now runs from Petrie right through to Kippa-Ring.
Have you visited Redcliffe? Do you have you any other points of interest to add to our 17 Reasons to visit Redcliffe?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
You may also enjoy reading:
21 Best Things to do in and around Brisbane
Tent Camping on Fraser & Moreton Island
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Adventurers Diary
Discover the Best of Portland
Just beyond the Great Ocean Road in Victoria traveling west is the small beach side town of Portland. It was here we spent 6 fabulous nights to enable us to fully explore the region and discover the best of Portland. What an amazing location we found it to be, there are so many things to see and do!
This is one of those few towns we have been to where we could picture ourselves living and certainly somewhere we will revisit in the future.
The Portland weather was great to us and we enjoyed beautiful sunny skies and good weather. March and April may just be the best months to visit before the really cold weather sets in.
Portland Marina
Discover the Best of Portland at the Port
Portland has a large, deep, sea port and is currently a major timber and wood chip exporting location. The Port of Portland is a great way to discover the best of Portland. Watching the trucks at the Port being unloaded of the wood chip cargo is eerie when you watch for the first time. The trucks are raised high into the air to an almost upright 72 degree angle until all the cargo is released. It is fascinating to watch and it would be interesting to know how those trucks are locked in.
Each truck only takes a few minutes to unload. A new truck enters the Port every 30 seconds, 7 days a week. They unload products including logs, wood chips, aluminium ingots, livestock, grain and fertiliser.
A large fishing fleet occupies the Marina with Rock Lobsters, Abalone, Fish and Squid all bountiful and caught in the beautiful local waters. It’s a busy wharf with lots of activity.
The Jetty’s and Pontoons are perfect fishing grounds for land based fisherman and the rock walls are home to a variety of fish. Snorkeling and spear fishing are very popular here.
Portland Camping
For our accommodation at Portland we stayed at the Henty Park Campground which is behind the Portland Cable Tram Station. The Tram takes you on a 7km journey around the town and is mostly run by volunteers. The Campground is a free 48 hour stay for vehicles which are self contained and became a great location for us to make new friends and a great base to discover the best of Portland and nearby beaches.
We also had one night at the Sawpit Picnic Area just out of town to break up our stay at Henty Park.
Here are Our 22 Best Free Camps in Australia
Cape Bridgewater Beach
Cape Bridgewater
A short 15 minute drive out of town is Cape Bridgewater, one of the best beaches in the region. It is as good as anywhere with beautiful white sand, clear blue waters with waves rolling in on a calm day. It was here I attempted to go surfing with my Cousin Tim and his wife Amy, only my second ever attempt. Alas, at least I tried.
There are so many awesome beaches around Australia, here are our lists of Best Beaches –
The Best Beaches in Australia 1-10
The Best Beaches in Australia 11-20
The Best Beaches in Australia 21-30
Seal by Sea tour
Seal by Sea Tour
We also completed the Seal by Sea Tour at Cape Bridgewater and this would have to be our best value for money tour on our trip so far. You will discover the best of Portland by sea for just $40 per adult. They will take you along the rugged coastline to view the cliff faces to the first of several large Seal colonies.
Then they took us further up to the tip where we witnessed big NZ Fur Seals and a few Australian Seals before heading back to the first group of Seals where they have a shark cage located. For an extra $20 they provide Wet suits and snorkeling gear to allow you to swim with the Seals. We were all very keen and jumped into the waters to engage with the Seals.
The Seals were otherwise occupied though and didn’t come to us in the cage so we asked could we go out of the cage. The guide said we could but it would be at our own risk. “Risk of what” we asked? “Great Whites” he said!! Without hesitating we all jumped into the water anyway and for almost an hour we swam with the Seals. The Seal Pups were so inquisitive and would come right up to us, sometimes stopping in front of us to take a look.
Watch our videos of us swimming with the seals:
Seal by Sea Tours are still just $40 but they now have new snorkeling tours. Book the trip we did or view their new tours at their website – http://www.sealsbyseatours.com.au/
Cape Bridgewater Koala
Our First Koala Encounter in the Wild
Heading back from Cape Bridgewater we were surprised to find a Koala beside the road. We stopped to ensure he didn’t venture onto the road and were amazed when he came over to Adele allowing her to pat him. The Koala was surprisingly friendly and then it took off heading for our Motorhome. At first we thought he was looking to hitch a ride but eventually we got him into the bushes away from the road.
Amy Surfing
Tim Surfing
Blacknose Point
Blacknose Point is a very popular surfing spot at Portland and our cousin and his wife got out the surfboards and headed in for a paddle. We sat on the rocks and enjoyed watching them in action and managed to capture some great photos.
This time I left it to the experts, my training wheels are still on at this stage!!
Portland Wind Farm
Portland Wind Farm
The Portland Wind Farm is one of the largest in Australia. These huge wind turbines generate electricity from the wind. This one in Portland produces 500 GWh annually, enough electricity to power approximately 125,000 homes each year or over 7% of Victoria’s annual power.
Petrified Forest
Petrified Forest
Just past the Wind Farm is the Petrified Forest. The formation of the Petrified forest is a collection of hollow tubes of Limestone called “solution pipes”. These have been eroded over millions of years of rainfall. Water gathers in a shallow pan of sand and seeps downwards dissolving the Limestone. The mineral saturated water then cements the sand, forming hard, trunk shaped pipes. Some of these pipes can be up to 20m high.
Portland is approximately 200kms from the South Australian border in the south west of Victoria. It’s a great place to stop with lots of shops, excellent accommodation for a weary traveler and the people of Portland are very friendly. The winter months do get very cold so the peak tourist season is usually from October to May each year.
The Great Ocean Road begins about 120kms East of Portland just past the town of Warrnambool.
Some other great places to stay along the Great Ocean Road are:
Anglesea Beachfront Caravan Park
Have you been or are you yet to discover the best of Portland? Tell us about your time in Portland?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
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Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
___________________________________________________________________________
Where to Find Us
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/
Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
___________________________________________________________________________
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Adventurers Diary
How to save money on Alcohol
Our very first night on the road, I got pissed!! I wasn’t looking to save money on alcohol that night.
The whole saga of packing up our house and the nightmare of reducing our lives to what we could fit in a Motorhome was horrific and our first night on the road was huge. Our new neighbours were awesome and I went hard. From what I remember and what I was told, it was a lot of fun.
Whilst that hasn’t happened since, what has been a constant is Happy Hour. Every day back at camp there’s Happy Hour happening and we’re often front and centre. If there’s not a community one then we will have our own.
A few drinks each afternoon have been a part of the social life living on the road as we travel Australia.
Without the budget we had at home when working we don’t have the funds like we used to. Our favourite drops of Small Batch Bundy and $30 bottles of Sparkling have been reigned in significantly and we have mastered a few skills at reducing our costs on joyous festivities.
Our Tips on How to Save Money on Alcohol
Let’s look at our Best tips to saving money on the turps!!
Give up the Grog!!
Ohhh who are we kidding!!
Not going to happen is it! We do have one friend who actually did give up all alcohol whilst doing the lap.
But we can save money by ensuring we are drinking responsibly and maybe cut back on our consumption. This is probably wise given we spend a lot of time driving.
Happy Hour at Quobba
Downgrade
As I mentioned, before we left we could afford closer to the top shelf for our drinks but now it’s all bottom shelf. Basic level spirits and wine and sparkling under $10 are our budget. Even better is when the are on special.
I’m not a beer drinker but our son even found himself buying Tun when we were traveling. A Carton of 30 cans was cheaper than a slab of any Aussie beers.
Downgrading has probably been our best way to save money on alcohol while traveling!
Uncle Dan
We find Dan Murphy’s the cheapest of the major chains and Liquorland can have some great specials too. The Cleanskin range of wines is excellent value and has a good Sparkling White for $6-7 and even a Sparkling Red. Adele likes Moscato and we buy them for $5-6 a bottle. I don’t get any headaches from this range.
They have a huge range of beers and usually at the best prices.
I enjoy ciders and buy these by the carton which also provides more savings.
Become a member for free and receive even better discounted prices.
Visiting Wineries
We have visited so many winery regions around Australia and learnt this is where we tend to over-spend our budget. Now when we visit wineries we go with a plan.
One of us has to drive so the sober one makes the buying decisions. It’s so easy to walk out with a carton of wine way over your budget after you’ve visited a winery or 3.
We only sample what we genuinely think we might buy. By reading the wine list first and working out which drinks we know we would enjoy it helps us make better buying decisions.
Drink at Camp
We don’t go out very often when traveling. We make all of our own meals and drink back at camp. This has saved money on alcohol heaps for us during our travels.
Pub Stays are Never Cheap
Early on in our trip we worked out those Free or $5 Pub spots for camping ultimately always ended up costing us the equivalent to 2-3 nights in a Caravan Park. 2 meals and a couple of drinks each and you can easily blow $100.
We rather find a Free Camp or if we ever do stay at a Pub, we go in for 1 drink and then head back to camp.
Bundaberg Rum
Drink Slower
The first thing we taught our sons as teenagers was to not drink too fast. Of course, when they’re young they go hard early and the next day I’d tell them all about what they missed out on.
By drinking slower not only will you wake the next day with a clear head and no embarrassing photos taken of you, it’s a lot cheaper too therefore you save money on your alcohol bill.
Set a Time
Consider setting a time of day before you allow yourself to start your first drink. I never drink before lunch time, only very occasionally in a social setting I might have a Cider with lunch, but mostly it’s at least 4pm before I’ll have my first drink of the day. There are some days where at 2 or 3pm I’m thinking I’m a bit thirsty but I check the clock and figure I’ll wait a bit longer.
I’ll have 2 drinks before dinner and then I’m done.
Stop to Eat
Start drinking as close to meal time as possible, that way you can stop while eating and if you’re anything like me, I struggle to keep drinking after I have eaten.
Dudley Wines Kangaroo Island
Don’t eat Salty Food
Put away the chips. Same goes for biscuits and dip. All those salty, fatty foods just make you thirsty and you drink faster and more.
For snacks, instead choose carrot, celery, olives and bread with a homemade pate.
Bread can also help absorb the alcohol.
Drink Water
In between drinks have water. It might be after every second or third drink. It will help you pace yourself and keep your night under control.
Wine Spritzer
Our friends love their wines and decided to mix the White Wines with some Soda Water. They’re main reason was to just dilute some of the alcohol but it also makes the wine bottle last longer. This will help to reduce the cost when drinking wine.
Others mix their wine with water or lemonade for the same effect. (I wouldn’t but apparently others do)
Of course you can add Ginger Ale or a range of juices and garnish it to make a Wine Spritzer.
Don’t Drink and Drive!!
This could be an ultimate cost from drinking. If you’ve had more than one, hand the keys to someone who hasn’t had any or arrange other transport.
Our ‘How to Save Money on Alcohol’ is just one of a series of articles we have compiled on ways to save money while traveling. You may also enjoy reading:
How to Save Money on Food and Groceries
Save Money staying at Caravan Parks
How to Save Money on Accommodation
Pin It!
Let us know if you have any other tips on how to save money on alcohol!
Drink responsibly and safe travels!
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
___________________________________________________________________________
Photography & Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
___________________________________________________________________________
Where to Find Us
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/
Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
___________________________________________________________________________
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Adventurers Diary
My 15 Favourite Driving Songs as I Travel
Doing the Big Lap of Australia means a lot of hours driving our Highways. It’s a huge country and there can be long distances from one destination to another so I have my favourite driving songs as I travel.
Listening to great music helps keep me concentrating and my energy levels high.
My phone has hundreds of songs for the many times a good radio station isn’t available and I thought I’d share with you my favourite songs as I drive.
My original plan was a list of 10 but I couldn’t reduce it to just that few so it’s a Top 15. The list is not in any particular order.
These aren’t necessarily my all time favourite songs, just the ones I love most when I’m driving and in the mood to whittle away some time by belting out some tunes.
If you see me driving and singing out loud, it’s probably one of these playing 🙂
What is your favourite song when driving?
1. Way out West – James Blundell & James Reyne
At one stage over our trip, I don’t remember exactly where it was, but I mentioned the words Way out West and it reminded me of this song. I quickly jumped on and downloaded it and it’s been a favourite since.
2. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
We were helping our friends renovate their house in Narrandera NSW before it went up for sale. I was mowing their ridiculously large backyard singing this song out loud, all the time thinking the sound of the mower was louder then me singing. Apparently not!!
Our friend Kerry said to me, “I don’t want to scare the buyers away” haha
3. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
Just has to be on the Best driving song list!!
4. Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
Another one where recently I commented Life is a Highway and it took me back to this song. It’s a ripper and now I can’t help but sing it out loud.
5. Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross
My mate Jason just reminded me of this one and it goes straight to the Top of the list.
6. Zombie – The Cranberries
Wow, the voice, the pain, the message, the song. The song is in memory of 2 boys killed by IRA bombs in England in 1993. She sings this with such emotion it’s so hard not to feel it and sing with her. There’s no version better than hers and losing Dolores O’Riordan recently was a sad day.
7. Radar Love – Golden Earring
Play this and not get pumped up, I dare you. You’ll be belting out the tune in no time.
8. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard
Great song that has stood the test of time. Has to be loud so you can sing loud too haha
9. Bustin Loose – Moving Pictures
Better known for their song What about Me, but for me this is my favourite song of theirs, I just love it.
10. My Immortal – Evanescence
The voice, the song. The songs writer said “My Immortal’ is a song of pain and despair caused by the loss of a family member or very close friend. We’ve all felt that pain and this song really resonates for me
11. Father & Son – Cat Stevens
This song makes me think of my sons as I travel. Cat Stevens sings the song in 2 voices, one as the Father and one as the son with a powerful message. The son wants to travel, Dad wants him to settle and think of his future. I give you the Legendary Cat Stevens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-7c4VNGOgU
12. April Sun in Cuba – Dragon
No best of list for me can be without Dragon. One of my all time fave bands, watched them play so many times. Marc Hunter, was a crazy human, but what a voice. Such a sad day when we lost this legend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHFFuukk9Y8
13. Hotel California – Eagles
How do you pick just one Eagles song?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wDfiCDoHy4
14. Fire Lake – Bob Seger
Another one who I could have picked any Bob Seger song and been happy with it. I am hoping that one day I may see him play live. Bit of a Bucket List item J
Bob Seger described the song as “The lyric is about taking risks. About risking love, chucking it all and just heading off with a bunch of wild people, whatever.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld1l4Ud7jp8&t=21s
15. Yesterdays Hero – John Paul Young
Gets me singing every time no matter my mood. We saw JPY at Wagga’s Rock at the Races and he is still as brilliant as ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVSEiveFY7g
Favourite Driving Songs Close Contenders
These are the ones to lose out from my list.
Jukebox Hero – Foreigner
Sounds of Then – Ganggajang
Solid Rock – Goanna
Jack & Diane – John Mellencamp
The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
Straight Lines – Silverchair
Learning to Fly – Tom Petty
You ruined me – The Veronicas
Walk of Life – Dire Straights
Here I go again – Whitesnake
Imagine – John Lennon
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Piano Man – Billy Joel
Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty
Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down
Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
And anything from Dr Hook, Boz Scaggs, Billy Joel, Dragon, Pink, Toto, AC/DC or The Angels could also easily have been there 🙂
What are some of your favourite driving songs?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
_______________________________________________________________________
Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
___________________________________________________________________________
Where to Find Us
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/
Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
_______________________________________________________________________
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Discover the Best of Portland
How to save money on Alcohol
