Nestled on the Redcliffe Peninsula and stretching into Moreton Bay, lies the seaside suburb of Redcliffe. With its sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to Moreton Island, the suburb offers a relaxed coastal vibe and is perfect for anyone wanting to live close to Queensland’s capital city, but still wants a coastal lifestyle.
Redcliffe at a glance
- Local Government: City of Moreton Bay
- Population: 10,460 (2021 census)
- Location: North of Brisbane on the Redcliffe Peninsula
- Transport: Deagon Deviation off the M1 or Sandgate Road
- Postcode: 4020
- History: Traditional home of the Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi) and the Ningy Ningy people (Ningi Ningi, Ninghi Ninghi) Aboriginal people. First settled by Europeans in 1824. The native name is Kau-in-Kau-in, which means Blood-Blood (red-like blood).
- Shopping: Featuring a selection of boutique shops as well as Bluewater Square Shopping Centre with Woolworths and essential services.
- Schools: Selection of state and private primary and secondary and p-12 special schools in and around Redcliffe
- Redcliffe Real Estate (renting and buying): Strong and growing market but still affordable.
Why you should move to Redcliffe
When a suburb is home to musical celebrities like the Bee Gees, Redcliffe has to be great! The suburb lies just north of Brisbane and offers an enviable lifestyle for anyone wanting to escape from living in the city. Boasting a rich history dating back to the 1820s, it’s transformed from a pioneering settlement to a popular seaside location with great facilities for families.
If you are considering moving to Redcliffe, why not try before you buy by staying at the caravan park in Redcliffe at the showgrounds. Or if you are looking for the option of camping, the surrounding suburbs have some good choices including Bells Caravan Park less than 5km away.
Redcliffe is a great fit for you if you’re looking for:
- Beachside lifestyle: Waterfront living is a major perk, especially so close to a capital city! From waterfront homes to relaxing walks on the beach, we offer a constant connection to the ocean.
- Relaxed community: Known for its chilled atmosphere, the suburb is a great escape from the bustle of the city, offering a safe and friendly community feel.
- Affordable coastal living: Compared to other waterfront suburbs, Redcliffe offers a more affordable option to enjoy the beach lifestyle.
- Family-friendly environment: With parks, playgrounds, the lagoon Redcliffe and the Redcliffe library, this suburb really caters to families with plenty of activities for all ages.
- Connection to nature: You will find easy access to Moreton Island, a haven for wildlife and outdoor adventures.
- Proximity to Brisbane: While the suburb has relaxed vibe, the Redcliffe Brisbane commute is only around 40 minutes (or just 30km) for those who need access to the city.
Shops and restaurants
What better way to spend a day than to pass the time strolling through local shops and sampling local cuisine! Take a look at some of the best shops and restaurants that Redcliffe has to offer.
Shops
The suburb has a focus on local businesses and specialty stores. You can find unique shops and boutiques by exploring the area along the Redcliffe Parade as well as venturing into the side streets for those hidden gems.
Bluewater Square Shopping Centre
Located in the heart of Redcliffe, Bluewater Square Shopping Centre has all the essentials you need and only one block back from the water. Enjoy getting your fresh fruit and veg from Woolworths, or stop in at any of the services on offer including a medical centre, chemist, post office and a newsagent. All this AND they offer plenty of free parking.
Where: Corner Sutton St and, Anzac Ave, Redcliffe QLD 4020
Redcliffe Parade
Enjoy this waterfront street, with ocean views on one side and boutique shopping on the other. Stroll Redcliffe Parade and stop in at boutiques showcasing fashion, furniture, homewares and gifts. Be sure to call on shops such as Soho Bay, Surprise Gifts & Homeware and Orange Sherbert.
Where: Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020
Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets
The Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets are on every Sunday morning along Redcliffe Parade. The markets are a colourful expression of what the peninsula has to offer, including food, coffee, gifts and homewares.
Where: Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020
Restaurants
When the sea breeze starts to make your tummy rumble, we have got you covered. From cafes in Redcliffe, pubs in Redcliffe to the best restaurants, here are some of the places we locals insist you have on your list.
Flour and Chocolate
If you love handmade sweets, you are going to be in heaven here. Flour and Chocolate have coffee, cakes (even wedding cakes!), brioche, bread and a great selection of savoury treats! Make sure to check out their daily specials and pantry range of cheeses and other delicacies.
Where: 2/77 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020
Mon Komo Redcliffe
The Komo is located right on the water in Redcliffe and is popular for eating, drinking and entertainment. It has a large terrace boasting ocean views out over the peninsula and a great menu selection. Free parking is available underneath. It is THE place to be seen in Redcliffe.
Where: 99 Marine Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020
MAMMA’S Italian Restaurant
Got a craving for Italian? Make time to enjoy some southern Italian food at Mamma’s. Maria and her family have been feeding people in Redcliffe since the 1980’s and their Sicilian background means that their authentic style is much loved by patrons.
Where: 69 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD
Housing
With such close proximity to the water and the city, Redcliffe is an attractive option for young families and young singles alike. With more and more people working from home and wanting a more balanced lifestyle, Redcliffe offers a range of affordable housing options to make this happen.
Housing has seen steady growth over the last few years, with the past 12 months seeing more than 6% growth! This is a fantastic result for anyone wanting to purchase a home that will maintain or grow its value over the long term. The number of houses for sale in Redcliffe over the past 12 months was only 126, so don’t delay! Plus, the median house price is only $764,500, meaning it is still much more affordable than many other places in Queensland.
If you are looking for a unit, Redcliffe is a great option with a 1 bedroom unit median price of a super affordable $390,000. Units also have a great investment yield of 4.8%, making Redcliffe a great place to invest in for the future.
Employment
The employment landscape in Redcliffe offers a mix of industries with a focus on healthcare, hospitality and tourism, and manufacturing and logistics. The region’s healthcare sector is a major employer, with hospitals and aged care facilities offering opportunities for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Local hospitals include Redcliffe Hospital and Peninsula Private.
Tourism also plays a significant role, with hotels, restaurants, and cafes providing jobs in service and hospitality. Additionally, our proximity to the Port of Brisbane contributes to a growing manufacturing and logistics sector, creating opportunities for skilled workers in these fields.
Don’t forget that the Redcliffe Brisbane commute is still negligible when compared with many other capital city areas, so you can still work in the city and live and play by the sea.
Education
We know that education options are key for young families moving into the area. Fortunately our suburb and the surrounding areas offer some great options.
Public Schools In and Around Redcliffe
- Redcliffe State High School: Secondary, Co-Ed
- Scarborough State School: Primary, Co-Ed
- Redcliffe Special School: Ages 8-18 years with an intellectual impairment. Co-Ed
- Hercules Rd State School: Primary, Co-Ed
- Kippa Ring State School: Primary, Co-Ed
- Humpybong State School: Primary, Co-Ed
- Clontarf Beach State High School: Secondary, Co-Ed
- Clontarf Beach State School: Primary, Co-Ed
- Mango Hill State Secondary College: Secondary, Co-Ed
Private Schools In and Around Redcliffe
- Grace Lutheran College: Secondary, Co-Ed
- Grace Lutheran Primary School: Primary, Co-Ed
- Mueller College: Prep – Year 12, Co-Ed
- Southern Cross Catholic College: Prep – Year 12, Co-Ed
- The Lakes College: Prep – Year 12, Co-Ed
- St Benedict’s College: Secondary, Co-Ed
Don’t forget to check the catchment areas of local state schools if you are looking to buy in the area.
Weather
Redcliffe enjoys a subtropical climate year-round, with warm days and mild nights. Summers are sunny and humid, with highs reaching the high 20s and early 30s, often with afternoon thunderstorms bringing a reprieve from the heat.
Winters are comfortably warm, with highs in the low 20s with the proximity to the ocean providing a gentle sea breeze, helping to moderate temperatures throughout the year. Rain is usually less frequent in winter, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities.
Getting there and around
By Road
Travelling by car is a great way to get to Redcliffe, offering scenic coastal drives and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace.
If you’re coming from North Queensland or the Sunshine Coast, you can take the Bruce Highway (M1) south before turning off to get here. You can easily enjoy a day trip to the Sunshine Coast in under one hour’s drive.
Need to head south or to the city? Brisbane is a mere 40 minute drive either via the Gateway Motorway or the Bruce Highway. Perfect for those that need to commute for work or are looking for a weekend city break.
By Public Transport
Buses are the main form of public transport around Redcliffe and the peninsula. Make sure to check Translink (download their app!) to get real time information.
Things to Do and See Around Redcliffe
With a plethora of things to see and do around the area, we are forced to shortlist our highlights! Of course, when you live here you will see that there are many many more.
Settlement Cove
A swimming lagoon by the sea that is perfect for families. Settlement Cove is located at the end of Redcliffe Parade and is a great place for a day with family and friends. Featuring a swimming lagoon, wading lagoon, BBQ facilities, picnic shelters and a playground, the lagoon pool offers a safe and refreshing alternative to the beach.
Redcliffe Beach
Redcliffe boasts a long stretch of beautiful coastline, with golden sand and clear waters. Popular options include Suttons Beach, Margate Beach, and Shelly Beach. Whether you want to soak up the sun, build sandcastles, or go for a swim, our beaches are the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Visit the Redcliffe Jetty
The Redcliffe Jetty is a historic landmark, stretching out over 600 metres into Moreton Bay. Take a stroll along the jetty for stunning views of the bay and the surrounding coastline or look for dolphins. You can also go fishing from the jetty (just check the high tide for Redcliffe first!) or grab some fish and chips from nearby and enjoy them with the beautiful view.
The Bee Gees Way
With a career spanning four decades and selling over 200 million albums, it’s likely that you have heard of the Bee Gees. Well, did you know that these musical brothers actually signed their first gigs while living in right here? Yes, they were regular entertainers at the Redcliffe Speedway before moving on to bigger performances. We celebrate these music icons with life sized bronze statues, a photo walk and a nightly light show. The light show is set to Bee Gees music and runs nightly 7pm – 9.30pm.
We also wanted to include a few things that we recommend you try out when you are done exploring Redcliffe and are keen to venture a little further.
Explore Moreton Island
A short ferry ride from Redcliffe lies Moreton Island, the third-largest sand island in the world. This natural paradise boasts stunning sand dunes, crystal-clear waters, and a diverse range of wildlife. You can go sandboarding down the giant sand dunes, take a dolphin and whale watching cruise, snorkel the vibrant Tangalooma Wrecks, or explore the island’s many walking tracks.
Visit the Bribie Island National Park
Bribie Island, easily accessible via bridge from the mainland, offers a great escape into nature and an easy day trip for families. The Bribie Island National Park covers a large portion of the island and is home to diverse ecosystems, including coastal forests, mangroves, and sand dunes. You can go camping, hiking, birdwatching, or take a 4WD adventure on the island’s many tracks.
Go on a whale watching adventure
Moreton Bay is a renowned whale watching destination, with humpback whales migrating past the bay from June to November. You can take a whale watching cruise from Redcliffe or other nearby locations to witness these majestic creatures up close.
Thinking about other places near Redcliffe?
Because we’re locals, we have great insider tips on all the suburbs in our ‘hood, and our neighbours are pretty awesome, too.
Margate is Magic for Families
To the south is Margate, also with great beaches and parks. Highly sought after housing and a wonderful small-town vibe and only minutes from Redcliffe.
Find out more about moving to Margate here.
Visit Scarborough QLD: Where Coastal Charm Meets Vibrant Living
At the top of the peninsula and just to the north is Scarborough. While technically a different suburb, one could argue that it is a continuation of Redcliffe’s coastal vibe. Slightly more residential and laid back, we love our northern neighbour.
Find out more about moving to Scarborough here.
Woody Point QLD: Your Gateway to Relaxation and Adventure
With its relaxed vibes and picturesque shores, Woody Point is a tranquil paradise on the city’s edge. Enjoy seaside strolls and fresh seafood delights. Ready to make Woody Point QLD your home? Don’t hesitate!
Find out more about moving to Woody Point here.
Sensational Seaside Lifestyle for all the Family, That’s Clontarf!
Clontarf QLD is the perfect area for families and beach-lovers in general. It’s also ideal for those seeking a slice (or more) of increasingly rarified coastal real estate (yes, there are still houses for sale) located just outside of Greater Brisbane’s confines.
Find out more about moving to Clontarf here.
You Can’t Go Past Kippa Ring for Family Convenience
Discover family-friendly Kippa Ring, the heart of Moreton Bay Peninsula with top amenities, schools, shopping, and beaches.
Find out more about moving to Kippa-Ring here.
Don’t overlook Redcliffe if you are looking for a sea change!
Nestled on the Peninsula, Redcliffe beckons all with its relaxed coastal charm. Families will love the outdoor lifestyle and the facilities on offer, while young couples will love living a coastal life so close to a capital city. With its affordability, easy access to Brisbane, and abundant activities, Redcliffe offers an ideal lifestyle for those seeking a seaside escape.
