On the Road Again

Many of us love a trip off the beaten path: pristine bushland, silence broken only by the sound of birds and, if you’re near the coast or a river, the splash of water. That was much of the Redcliffe Peninsula about 140 years ago. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? And it may have been, unless you wanted to be somewhere else, because your only travel alternatives – on foot, by horseback or in a horse-drawn conveyance – were limited, uncomfortable and slow. There were few roads, and those that existed were, until the early 20^th century, little more than tracks. 

As Redcliffe grew in popularity as a destination for holidaymakers (the majority arriving by boat), transport to and within the peninsula became a thorny issue for residents, local authorities and visitors – of whom there were many from the 1890s onward. Various solutions were mooted; in the 1880s, a tramline running from Woody Point to Scarborough was proposed and in 1908, another from Brisbane to Redcliffe. A railway line to Redcliffe, too, was a regular promise of the state government (usually, as one cynic noted, at election time). 

With neither trams nor trains eventuating, it was fortunate that the early 20^th century saw enormous developments in motorised transport. Combined with a gradual improvement in roads, travel in Redcliffe became easier – although early motorists were advised to carry an axe in their cars to effect impromptu DIY road clearance in the event of fallen trees. In 1914, the council issued its first motor vehicle registration, for Mr Baldwin of the North Pine Hotel (numberplate R [for Redcliffe] 1).

Buses, Better Roads and Rail

Individual ownership of cars increased, but they were expensive, and public transport was rudimentary; until the 1920s, it was provided mainly by a fleet of nine taxis. Then, in 1922, Mr Hubert Elson instituted a permanent service – Elson’s Bus Service – from Redcliffe to Petrie. With the population at only about 2000, this was a brave move. He was also one of those agitating for a good road to be constructed and sealed, and thus Anzac Avenue came into being in 1926. 

Mr Elson’s transport service gradually expanded to convey passengers to Brisbane as well as Petrie (where they could connect with the train). Interestingly, Hubert’s daughter-in-law, Barbara, became one of Queensland’s first licensed female bus drivers. 

As the century progressed, so did Redcliffe transportation: other bus services started up; the Hornibrook Highway opened; and, finally, about 130 years after it was first suggested, the Redcliffe-Peninsular railway opened. 

Redcliffe may no longer be a sylvan paradise, but at least it’s easier to get around now. 

With thanks to City of Moreton Bay.

Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:

• Reddy Roundup: Updates from the Community
• Podcast Review: Dropping Names
• CatVideoFest 2026
• What’s Hot Around Town
• Organic Gardening in August
• Wedding Inspiration Awaits at Queensland Brides Expo
• Wonderland Reimagined in Original Alice Musical
• Bikes and Brews at Bespoke CC
• Blockbuster Broadway at RMT
• A New Chapter for Local Book Lovers
• Margate Dog Park Proposal Welcomed By Local Owners
• Groovin’ in the Green Entertainment Extravaganza
• Artel Artists Showcase Creativity At Redcliffe Art Gallery
• Next Generation Art Prize Invites Young Artists To Shine
• Local Vocal Ensemble Strike a Chord in Reminiscence
• Women’s Wellness Workshop – Connect, Recharge and Thrive!
• Beach Upgrades Environmentally Friendly