Tourism is everyone’s business and ... We’ve got a ticket to thrive

Supporting First Nations stories and culture, piloting a visitor ‘care for country’ pledge, enhancing heritage trails and activating villages are all part of a new Redland City Council tourism plan.

The Redlands Coast Destination Management Plan 2023–2028 will be our ticket to tourism development and growth, maximising our opportunity to benefit from the global spotlight that will shine on the region for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Redlands Coast has the opportunity to position itself as Brisbane region’s naturebased and adventure destination and gateway to Moreton Bay and islands.

We already have the strongest annual growth rate of international visitors of any local government area in the Brisbane region.

The destination management plan is the product of what our tourism industry operators and other key stakeholders have told Council they need.

It is a strategic vision built on the principles that tourism is everyone’s business, that visitors travel for enriching experiences, that the region needs to be brought to life through storytelling and precinct activation, that travel around the region should be seamless and convenient, and that sustainability and community values need to sit at the heart of the region’s brand.

The plan includes 27 actions across five key areas of destination marketing, product development and experience delivery, visitor services and business readiness, enabling infrastructure and destination stewardship.

Actions include:

• Guiding the development of ‘hero’ tourism experiences across the city

• Working with Quandamooka Traditional Owners, tourism operators and businesses to pilot a ‘care for country’ pledge for visitors to Redlands Coast

• Enhancing eco-adventure tourism trails, including our tracks and trails networks

• Enhancing heritage trails networks in conjunction with local historic societies, museum and community organisations

• Enhancing wildlife and marine life experiences including through advocating for high-quality, nature-based tourism experiences through partnerships and private-sector investment opportunities that can offer visitors eco-tourism and educational encounters

• Advocating for seamless ticketing systems and improved connectivity across public transport networks including ferries, buses and trains to support the visitor experience across the mainland and islands

• Activating key centres across the city with events and initiatives

• Continuing to roll-out across the city wayfinding signage that includes Quandamooka Jandai language where possible.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the plan identified opportunities to attract domestic and international visitation, increase visitor expenditure and length of stay, deliver new and sustainable experiences, support workforce development and employment, and to set a new target for tourism to account for four per cent of Redlands Coast’s Gross Regional Product by 2041.

“Ours is a community of world-class natural and cultural treasures, wonderful gems and adventures, all of which contribute to a thriving visitor economy,” Cr Williams said.

“It is a place to immerse yourself in the oldest living culture in the world, explore the world’s second largest sand island (Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island), enjoy the sparkling waters of southern Moreton Bay and its diverse islands, worldclass beaches and surfing, and vibrant hinterland and coastal villages.

“This plan seeks to bring the visitor economy to life in the wake of COVID-19, allowing us to reimagine our tourism future and meet the economic, social, cultural and environmental needs of our residents.

“We are working towards Redlands Coast being a ‘must-visit’ destination brimming with experiences worthy of anyone’s bucket list and surpassing the $234 million already injected into our local economy each year from the 1.2 million-plus annual visitors to the place we call home … our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast.”

Five dog-friendly adventures on Redlands Coast

With more than 335km of inspiring coastline and 400km of scenic tracks and trails, there is no better place to spend a weekend outdoors than here on Redlands Coast – and it’s even better when you can bring your dog with you. Here is a list of great local beaches and bushwalking tracks for you and your four-legged friend.

1Home Beach, North Stradbroke Island / Minjerribah

Find it at: In front of Point Lookout Hotel, between Rocky Point and the Rocky headland at Point Lookout / Mulumba. Open 24 hours a day.

If you are seeking a day-trip adventure with your furry friend, look no further than North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). While there are many beaches on Straddie, not all of them allow dogs in the sand and sea – the island is brimming with local wildlife species, after all. Fortunately, Home Beach is one where your best mate can enjoy some fun in the sun. This pristine sandy beach is open to everyone with plenty of beach access for your pup to run free along the sand. Dogs can travel with you on both the passenger water taxi and vehicle ferry, and there are several pet-friendly accommodation options on Minjerribah.

2

Redlands Track Park, Cleveland / Alexandra Hills

Find it at: Clarke Street, Cleveland or Macdonald Road, Alexandra Hills. Open from 4am to 10pm daily.

A hidden gem in the heart of Redlands Coast, this outdoor recreational reserve boasts 32km of tracks and trails. With 50 unique trails to explore, you will be spoilt for choice with plenty of opportunities for wallaby and kangaroo spotting – just make sure that your dog stays on leash the whole time. So pack your bags (and some insect repellent) and get ready to explore the Redlands Coast bushland at its finest.

3

Raby Bay Dog Beach

Find it at: Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Masthead Drive, Cleveland

Just around the corner from Redlands Track Park lies the beautiful, calm blue waters of Raby Bay Foreshore –the perfect place for a post-park cool down!

This fantastic off-leash dog beach is the third beach along the foreshore and is a great place for dogs of all sizes. With shallow and calm waters for your dog to splash around in, a playground, barbecue facilities and cafes only a short distance away, Raby Bay Dog Beach is the perfect place to spend a day with the whole family.

4

Bayview Conservation Area, Redland Bay

5

Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area, Sheldon

Find it at: Avalon Road and Ford Road, Sheldon. Open from 4am to 10pm daily.

Named after long-time supporters of Redlands Coast’s environment, the Don and Christine Burnett Conservation area is a bushland reserve located in Sheldon and is part of the Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area.

With more than 6km of winding tracks –and even a few fun creeks to cross – this peaceful reserve is a fantastic place to explore with your furry friend.

Popular with bush walkers, mountain bikers and bird watchers, the area contains a trail-hut with a map and water troughs for your dog.

Find it at: 487-503 German Church Road, Redland Bay. Access is also available via Days Road, Native Dog Road and Kidd Street. Open from 4am to 10pm daily.

Bayview Conservation Area is the largest conservation area in Redlands Coast, with a network of shared tracks and trails that spans almost 60km. A paradise for bushwalkers, mountain bikers and nature lovers, you and your canine friend will love winding your way along the tranquil forest trails and exploring the great outdoors.