Enjoy two highlights of the Moreton Bay area - Boondall Wetlands Reserve and Sandgate. These locations, so very close to the heart of Brisbane, provide an insight into a unique wetland environment and the old-fashioned delights of a bayside town.
Travel time:
Driving time from the city - approximately 25 minutes.
Travel options:
It is easy to get to Sandgate by train. Catch the train to Shorncliffe station and walk along the pathway which follows the water.
Use our maps to get detailed instructions on how to drive from your exact location.
Highlights:
Boondall Wetlands Visitor Centre
A great spot to learn more about the environmental benefits of wetlands is Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre. Learn about the role of mangroves, reeds and mud flats as wildlife habitat and water filters.
Walkways and raised boardwalks
Take advantage of the many kilometres of walkways and raised boardwalks. Spend the day bike riding and birdwatching in this unique natural playground. A birdhide, aboriginal art trail and interpretative signs all add to the Boondall Wetlands experience.
Evergreen Taoist Temple
41 Depot Rd, Deagon Phone: 07 3869 1188 The temple provides a completely different place to relax and reflect. It is open 9:00am to 4:00pm daily, offers vegetarian feasts and welcomes visitors through huge wooden doors into serenely beautiful courtyards and gardens.
Sandgate
Sandgate began as a little seaside town. In the 1880s it was "the" beach for Brisbane socialites. Today, people still visit Sandgate to catch the sea breezes and enjoy a picnic under huge fig trees. Bike riders will enjoy the kilometres of flat bikeways that follow the curves of the Bay.
Catch a feed of traditional fish and chips at Flinders Parade.
Explore Sandgate pier
Walk along the Sandgate pier or admire the architecture of colonial Queenslanders. Kids love exploring the parks dotted along the foreshore or swimming in the pool opposite Ninth Avenue.
More information:
Eastern Curlews in September and April
The wetlands have a huge seasonal influx of Eastern Curlews from Siberia each year. They feed here between September and April, before returning to the Arctic regions to breed. The Queensland Environmental Protection Agency has more information.
Sandgate Heritage
The tram from Brisbane to Sandgate was built in 1882. To discover a little more about the history of the area, get a copy of the Sandgate by the Sea Heritage Trail, available from the Brisbane City Council, Phone: 07 3403 8888.
