Written by Debbie Diplock
One hour’s drive from both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, you’ll find the 500-acre Woodford Folk Festival site nestled in the Moreton Bay region. This is a slice of Southern-Queensland paradise where the native bush hides crisp, cool swimming holes and pristine beaches line the coast.
With a border just 25km from the Brisbane CBD, this region stretches from Bribie Island in the north through to the Southern Bay Islands of North Stradbroke and Moreton Island with areas like Samford, Arana Hills, Redcliffe, Caboolture, Dayboro, Woodford and Mt Mee in between.
Whether you’re visiting the Woodford Folk Festival for a day or the entire six-day duration of the festival, there are many attractions nearby to continue feeding your sense of adventure.
1. JUMP INTO A DEEP AND COOL WATERING HOLE
A stone’s throw from Woodford Folk Festival is Rocky Hole in D’Aguilar National Park, Stony Creek swimming hole and Neurum Creek.
2. SANDSTONE POINT HOTEL
If kicking back with a beer and a view of Bribie Island sounds up your alley, Sandstone Point Hotel is a great place not only to unwind but also an ideal place for weddings, and concerts – not least thanks to the lush green grass that ends at the water’s edge, which also makes it an ideal spot for the kids to run free, kick a ball or play cricket.
3. DAYBORO
Just over the Mt Mee range is a lovely little town called Dayboro. A stroll along their historical town walk reveals the stories of old buildings rich with history, the old butter factory, Dayboro Community Art Gallery, Crown Hotel and the quaint boot-maker building, which all tell a story of this small country town.
4. MORETON ISLAND AND NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND
Take a ferry over to one of Moreton Bay’s unique islands and discover the exquisitely clean white beaches of Moreton and North Stradbroke Island.
While strolling along the beaches look out for dolphins frolicking close to the shore and whales passing through from the months of June to October.
If you’re feeling adventurous (and fit!), try out sand tobogganing on what are some of the biggest sand dunes in Australia.
5. BRIBIE ISLAND
Fun Fact: Bribie Island is the only Queensland island connected to the mainland by bridge. Permits are available for 4WD, which means you can explore the island off the beaten tracks – tracks that often lead to a beach where you can camp right near the water’s edge. A little closer to civilisation, you can learn how to surf, go fishing, canoeing, jet skiing and kite surfing.
6. KIDS ACTIVITIES IN WOODFORD
Woodford Skate Park – D’Aguilar, Woodford
Woodford Swimming Pool – Petersen Road, Woodford, (07) 5496 1918
BMX Bike Tracks – D’Aguilar Hwy Woodford
Woodford Railway – Great family event!
Enjoy a train ride in an old steam train.
Margaret Street, Woodford
1st and 3rd Sunday of every month 10:00am – 3:30pm
7. CENTENARY LAKES
This large parkland has something to offer the whole family – beautiful lakes and gardens, a kids climbing playground, tennis and netball courts and even a BMX track across the road.
8. PUMICESTONE PASSAGE
Pumicestone Passage is a 35km-long channel that runs between Bribie Island and the Caboolture coastline. Nature lovers will relish this spot as it is teeming with wildlife. There’s also plenty for the adrenaline junkies amongst us – jump on a jet skiing or hop up on a kite board!
9. WAMURANCYCLE RAIL TRAIL AND WAMURAN TRAIL LOOP
Fancy working off all that festival feasting? Just 10–minutes–drive from the Woodford Folk Festival site is a 5km scenic bike loop that starts in Wamuran. Those who like a challenge can extend the ride all the way to the Glass House Mountains, which is around a 20km ride. It’s quite flat… until you reach the Fox Mountain!
10. MOUNTAIN WINE TOURS AT OCEAN VIEW ESTATES
Nestled between the rolling green hills of Mt Mee is the Ocean View Estates Winery, a place boasting great wine, stunning views and a relaxing country atmosphere.
There is so much more to do and see in the Moreton Bay Region.
For more information visit the website or Facebook page.
