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Attempted Robbery Charges Laid In Redcliffe After Bridge Crash

A man has been charged following alleged attempted robberies in Redcliffe linked to an incident on the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge.

February Arrest In Carseldine

Detectives located a 33-year-old Caboolture man at a motel on Denver Road in Carseldine about 8:15 a.m. on 5 February. Police state he was arrested after negotiations over a period of time.

He has been charged with 11 offences, including three counts of attempted robbery and two counts of unlawful entry of a vehicle for committing an indictable offence.

The man has also been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, robbery, unlawful entry for committing an indictable offence, driving without a licence, possessing dangerous drugs, and failure to take reasonable care of a syringe.

He was due to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on 6 February.

Queensland police charges — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Alleged Incident On Ted Smout Memorial Bridge

Police allege the events began just before 12:45 p.m. on 23 January, when a white Volkswagen Polo crashed on Ted Smout Memorial Bridge on the Houghton Highway.

Investigators allege the male driver then attempted to enter multiple vehicles travelling past the crash scene and tried to take a passing motorcycle from its rider.

Police further allege the man pulled the driver of a grey Mazda 3 from the vehicle, entered it and drove southbound. The motorcycle rider and the Mazda driver sustained minor injuries and declined transport to hospital.

Redcliffe attempted robberies — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Mazda Located In Morayfield

Police later located the grey Mazda abandoned at the corner of Ridgegarden Drive and Jarad Street in Morayfield about 7:20 p.m. on 27 January.

Community Reaction In Redcliffe

Online responses to the Redcliffe attempted robberies included messages supporting police efforts and calling for firm court outcomes. Some commenters raised concerns about bail decisions, while another referred to the need for greater mental health support alongside enforcement.

Online comments reflect community reaction and are not verified claims before the court.

Published 7-Feb-2026

Walking, Hiking and Connection: South-East Clubs Bringing People Together

Denis Brennan / Facebook

From the Redcliffe esplanade to the trails of south-east Queensland, walking and hiking clubs are creating spaces where connection matters as much as the kilometres covered.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning, dozens of men in matching maroon shirts gather at Redcliffe Jetty for The Man Walk. The group, which often swells to more than 100 participants, has become one of the biggest in Australia since organiser Denis Brennan started the local chapter.

These groups are transforming how locals meet new people, stay active and find support in their communities, offering a straightforward solution to social isolation through regular outdoor activity.

Redcliffe’s Man Walk Draws Massive Crowds

Brennan says the walks typically cover about six kilometres, heading down to Scarborough one day and out to Scotts Point another. But the distance isn’t really the point.

According to Brennan, the real value comes from the friendships and camaraderie built during these regular meetups. He notes that wives have commented on positive changes in their husbands since joining the group. Local organisations including Redcliffe, Caboolture and Chermside hospitals often refer men to The Man Walk when they believe the social connection could help.

South-east clubs — *Photo Credit: Denis Brennan / Facebook*

A Charles Sturt University study published in November found The Man Walk‘s combination of group walks and open conversation delivers significant health benefits. Dr Nicole Snowdon, who led the research, explains that participants reported improvements in physical health alongside opportunities for emotional support and connection, factors that help reduce anxiety, depression and loneliness.

Founded by Kiama man Mark Burns in 2019, The Man Walk now operates in more than 80 locations across Australia. The model is simple: create a positive, supportive environment where men can walk, talk and support each other without pressure or barriers to entry.

Brisbane Hikers Trading Bars for Trails

While The Man Walk focuses on men’s wellbeing, other groups across south-east Queensland are drawing younger, mixed crowds looking to socialise without alcohol at the centre.

Sian Anstis launched Hike Club Social in late 2023 when she found herself wanting to meet new people but tired of the bar scene. The Auckland native had grown up hiking New Zealand’s North Island but says her world had gotten small after five years in Brisbane.

Now based in Brisbane and travelling around Queensland for different hikes, the club attracts everyone from 18-year-olds fresh out of school to people in their seventies. Anstis says many participants are in their late thirties and early forties, looking to expand their social circles in ways that don’t involve drinking.

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The response has been overwhelming. Within months of launching, Hike Club Social was flooded with interest from people drawn by the same desire to make genuine connections outdoors. While many of these community walks are free to join, the focus remains on keeping participation low-cost and accessible to anyone regardless of their budget.

Friendships and even romantic relationships have developed on the trails, beside waterfalls and while scrambling up mountain peaks. The club has expanded beyond day hikes to include camping events, boat days with snorkelling and even interstate trips to Tasmania for multi-day hikes.

Earlier this year, Anstis partnered with Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s Healthy Is Happening campaign. The collaboration came after research showed increasing numbers of Queenslanders aged 25-54 face cost and support barriers to exercise. Anstis says her goal has always been to create both a social and active group that helps people build confidence in hiking, socialising and being active outdoors.

Low-Pressure Exercise Gaining Ground

In central Queensland, a different approach to social exercise is drawing crowds in Yeppoon and Rockhampton. These groups emphasise that movement doesn’t need to be intense to be beneficial.

Exercise physiologist Shireen Rigby and dietitian Keira Murray started Salty Steps in Yeppoon as an alternative to the high-intensity workouts they’d both experienced through bodybuilding and CrossFit. The Sunday morning gathering features a 30-minute walk at participants’ own pace, followed by guided breath meditation and an optional swim.

Rigby says social isolation was a huge component in many people’s health issues they encountered in their practice. Salty Steps was designed to address that without the pressure to perform or maintain intensity.

In Rockhampton, Georgia Howard founded Mum Miles Club last year, bringing waves of strollers to the streets each week. The club has grown significantly since launching, attracting mothers at all stages from those trying to conceive to those with newborns and older children.

View this post on Instagram

Howard says the walks typically include coffee before or after, or playground time for the kids. But more importantly, the group creates space for important conversations and provides support for mothers who might otherwise feel isolated at home.

CQUniversity physical activity researcher Anetta Van Itallie says connection and mental wellbeing are major draws for these low-key social exercise groups. Research on habit formation shows that for physical activity to become a regular part of life, it needs to be fun and satisfying. She observes a growing preference for these groups among those seeking alternatives to the rigid schedules and high commitment levels often required by traditional club sports.

What These Clubs Share

Whether they’re walking along the Redcliffe waterfront, hiking through Queensland’s rainforests or strolling with prams through Rockhampton streets, these groups share common ground. They’re all about using movement as a vehicle for human connection rather than an end in itself.

The clubs operate on accessible principles: minimal equipment, low-to-no financial barriers, and a welcoming attitude toward all fitness levels. They’ve tapped into what research increasingly confirms—that for many Queenslanders, the social ‘safety net’ of a group is just as vital for long-term health as the physical activity itself.

For residents across south-east Queensland looking to break out of isolation, these groups offer a straightforward solution. Show up, move your body and talk to people doing the same. The kilometres covered might vary, but the destination is the same: stronger communities built one walk at a time.

Published 2-February-2026.

Matthew Fuery Stands in Review as Son Reaches Army Leadership Milestone

Australian Army Cadets - New South Wales Brigade / Facebook

Matthew Fuery, who grew up in Redcliffe, served as Reviewing Officer at an Army promotion parade where his youngest son Joel was among the graduates completing their first leadership course.

The Warrant Officer Class One stood on the parade ground at Gallipoli Barracks watching Lance Corporal Joel Fuery march out after finishing the Subject One Corporal Course, a moment that blended professional duty with personal pride. For both father and son, the day created a memory that connects their separate Army journeys.

Matthew Fuery has served in the Australian Army since 1992, building a career that has taken him from his Redcliffe upbringing through more than three decades of military service. Standing as Reviewing Officer at his son’s parade brought those years into sharp focus.

When Professional Role Meets Family Connection

Joel Fuery learned his father would be the Reviewing Officer while out on Exercise ANZAC. The Directing Staff told him during field training, and his first reaction was disbelief.

He thought they were joking. When they kept insisting it was real, the significance of what was about to happen started settling in. His father would be there on the parade ground, not just as family support but in an official capacity that recognized both Joel’s achievement and Matthew’s rank.

Matthew Fuery and Joel Fuery — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

For Matthew Fuery, the role prompted reflection on his own progression through Army ranks. He completed his own Subject One Corporal Course years earlier, back when Joel was still young. Now he was watching his son complete the same milestone, the first step into junior leadership that every Australian Army soldier takes when moving beyond basic service.

The Subject One Corporal Course marks the transition point where soldiers begin leading others. It’s where technical skills meet responsibility for teams, where following orders expands into giving them. Joel finishing this course meant he was stepping into the same leadership pathway his father had walked for over 30 years.

A Redcliffe Family’s Military Tradition

Matthew Fuery’s journey began in the bayside suburb of Redcliffe before he embarked on his military career in 1992. His son Joel has now followed into Army service, creating a family connection that spans generations and links back to the Moreton Bay area.

The parade at Gallipoli Barracks brought that connection into clear view. Matthew standing in his role as Warrant Officer Class One, Joel marching past as a newly promoted Lance Corporal completing his leadership qualification. The formality of the parade ground didn’t erase the personal significance of a father watching his son reach a milestone he understood intimately.

For Joel, knowing his father was there in such an important role made the day memorable beyond the usual satisfaction of completing a demanding course. The parade ground can feel impersonal during official ceremonies, but having Matthew Fuery as Reviewing Officer changed that dynamic entirely.

What This Moment Means

Army families often share the experience of service across generations, but rarely does the timing align for a father to officially review his son’s promotion parade. The moment required Matthew Fuery’s career progression to place him in a position of sufficient rank, Joel’s training to reach completion at the right time, and Army’s willingness to assign Matthew to the role despite the personal connection.

For Redcliffe residents, the story shows how local upbringings can lead to careers that create these unexpected intersections of professional achievement and family pride. Matthew Fuery’s three decades of service started with a young person from the Moreton Bay area joining the Australian Army. Now his son has reached the same transition point into leadership that shapes military careers.

The Subject One Corporal Course that Joel completed prepares soldiers for their first leadership roles, teaching them how to manage teams under pressure and make decisions that affect others. It’s where Army service shifts from individual performance to collective responsibility. Matthew Fuery completed that same course when his career was beginning. Watching Joel finish it brought both men’s service paths together on a single parade ground.

Published 1-February-2026.

Community Radio Station Names Building After Redcliffe Volunteer of Two Decades

Photo Credit: Facebook / City of Moreton Bay

A Redcliffe resident who has spent nearly 20 years volunteering at the local community radio station will have the station’s building named in his honour.

The City of Moreton Bay Council has announced that the 99.7FM radio station premises at 75 Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe, will be renamed the Don Gailer Building, recognising Mr Gailer’s extensive contributions to the volunteer-run station and the broader peninsula community.

Over his 19 years with 99.7FM, Mr Gailer has held the position of president across four separate terms and established a training programme to help new volunteers develop their skills as community radio announcers. His work has extended beyond broadcasting, with involvement in campaigns supporting Redcliffe Hospital, homelessness programmes, the Brisbane Convoy for Kids, and yearly Christmas toy drives.

The renaming follows a formal request to council and subsequent community consultation period.

Mayor Peter Flannery acknowledged the decision reflected Mr Gailer’s substantial impact on the station’s development.

Division 6 Councillor Karl Winchester emphasised that Mr Gailer’s influence had reached well beyond the radio station itself, describing him as a highly regarded community member whose work has benefited the Redcliffe Peninsula for close to two decades.

The building will receive new signage, alongside a display board documenting Mr Gailer’s contributions to both 99.7FM and the local area.

Community radio station 99.7FM operates as a volunteer-run service for the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Published 31-January-2026

Woody Point Resident Paul “Ray” Ebert Earns AM for Five Decades of Sporting Leadership

Photo Credit: Rowing Queensland

Woody Point resident Paul “Ray” Ebert has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for his lifelong commitment to shaping the future of competitive rowing and local faith-based education.

A Lifetime on the Water

The announcement came as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours List, marking a major milestone for a man who has spent more than fifty years involved in the sport of rowing. Mr Ebert first started his journey with the Pine Rivers Rowing Club back in 1968. Over the decades, he took on almost every role possible, serving as the club’s secretary, captain, and eventually its president.

His passion for the water eventually led him to the highest levels of the sport, where he served as the President of Rowing Queensland and worked within the executive team of Rowing Australia.

The Voice of the Sport

While many know him for his leadership behind the scenes, others recognise him as the definitive voice of the sport. Mr Ebert spent years behind the microphone as a commentator, bringing the excitement of rowing to life for audiences at state and national events.

His expertise even took him to the global stage when he commentated during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Beyond his broadcasting work, he also acted as a team manager, helping Australian athletes navigate the pressures of international competition at various overseas regattas.

Faith and Community Foundations

Away from the rowing sheds, Mr Ebert has been equally active in building local community institutions through the Lutheran Church of Australia. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Living Faith Lutheran Primary School in Murrumba Downs, helping to establish the school’s governance and leadership.

His efforts in this area focused on creating a strong educational environment and providing administrative support to the church network. This work ensured that local families had access to a school grounded in community values and spiritual guidance.

A Rare Sporting Legacy

His contributions have also reached into the area of sporting fairness and integrity. He has shared his expertise with the Queensland Olympic Council and served on the Queensland Rugby League Anti-Doping Tribunal. Because of his vast impact, he holds a very rare distinction in the sporting world.

He is a Life Member of three separate major organisations, including his home club at Pine Rivers, the state body of Rowing Queensland, and the national organisation, Rowing Australia. This recognition highlights his deep roots in the Moreton Bay region and his influence across the entire country.

Published Date 31-January-2026

Redcliffe Whale Watching Cruises Set To Resume For 2026 Season

Photo Credit: Brisbane Whale Watching/Facebook

Whale watching cruises operating from Redcliffe are scheduled to resume in 2026, with Brisbane Whale Watching listing tour options, prices and seasonal details for the upcoming humpback migration in Moreton Bay.

2026 Whale Watching Season In Redcliffe

Brisbane Whale Watching has listed a 2026 season start date of Saturday, 6 June, with tours indicated to operate daily during the migration period, weather permitting. Seasonal information on the operator’s site places tour operations between June and November.

Humpback whales migrate along Australia’s eastern coastline each year, passing through Moreton Bay as part of their annual journey.

Moreton Bay whales — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Whale Watching/Facebook*

Departure Point And Daily Schedule

Redcliffe-based tours are shown to depart from Redcliffe Jetty, which also serves as the return point for cruises. Operational details list boarding from 9:00 a.m., with a 10:00 a.m. departure time. Cruises are scheduled to return to Redcliffe Jetty by 2:30 p.m.

Tour products described as operating ex-Brisbane CBD include return bus transfers, with passengers embarking and disembarking at Redcliffe.

Onboard Experience And Inclusions

The standard day cruise listing includes a gourmet picnic lunchbox and onboard commentary. Menu details shown for the 2026 season include chicken, garden salad, potato salad and fruit.

Additional inclusions displayed across ticket types include access to a licensed bar, snack and souvenir counter. The operator also states that a portion of ticket revenue is allocated to whale-related charitable or research organisations.

Wheelchair accessibility is noted, subject to prior discussion with reservations.

Ticket Options And 2026 Pricing

Ticket prices displayed for the 2026 season include:

Day Cruise: $170
Premium Cruise: $190
VIP Cruise: $210

The premium option is listed as including a guaranteed main deck window table, with limited seating. The VIP option includes access to a mid-deck lounge positioned behind the Captain’s wheelhouse, along with priority boarding and a complimentary beverage.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Whale Watching/Facebook*

book now

Extended Tours And Season Pass

An “Ex Brisbane CBD” whale watching product is listed at $215, with an approximate duration of eight hours. Premium and VIP ex-CBD options are displayed at $235 and $245.

A 2026 season pass priced at $600 is also listed, providing access to four whale watching trips during the season.

Marine Life In Moreton Bay

Alongside humpback whales, the operator’s site references other marine species commonly associated with Moreton Bay, including dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs and resident shorebirds.

Looking Ahead

With bookings listed ahead of the June start date, whale watching activity in Redcliffe is expected to align with previous migration seasons, with daily tours operating through the latter half of the year, subject to conditions.

Published 30-January-2026

Woody Point Roots Inspire Lifetime of Youth Advocacy

Photo Credit: Australian of the Year Awards

For more than four decades, Dr Bronwyn Eunice Herbert has dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable children, young people and families across Brisbane’s bayside. While her work has influenced policy, research and community services across Queensland, it is her deep and enduring connection to Woody Point and the surrounding peninsula that shaped the heart of her life’s mission.

The Woody Point community has long been known for its close-knit spirit, and for Dr Herbert, that sense of collective responsibility is more than a community value — it is a family tradition stretching back generations.

A Legacy Rooted in Community

Dr Herbert’s connection to Woody Point can be traced back to her childhood, shaped by stories of compassion during the hardships of the Great Depression. Her family, who operated a local store in the peninsula area, became known for quietly supporting struggling families, often extending credit or providing essentials to those in need.

That early exposure to community kindness left a lasting impression. It planted the seeds for a lifelong commitment to ensuring children and families never felt isolated during times of hardship.

Over the years, Woody Point and the wider Redcliffe Peninsula became both a home and a professional inspiration for Dr Herbert. The community’s challenges, particularly surrounding youth housing and family instability, became central to her work as a social worker and later as a researcher and advocate.

Supporting Young People Through Changing Times

Dr Herbert’s career in youth social welfare began in the 1980s, when support services for vulnerable young people were still developing. Through her work with organisations including Silky Oaks Children’s Haven and various family support networks, she became a strong advocate for early intervention and holistic family care.

Many of the young people she worked with came from unstable housing situations or faced complex family trauma. Dr Herbert recognised that addressing youth homelessness required more than short-term accommodation solutions. Instead, she championed programs that supported entire families, focusing on emotional well-being, education and long-term stability.

Her commitment extended beyond her professional roles. Dr Herbert volunteered across multiple community organisations, contributing to management committees, mentoring young parents and strengthening interagency collaboration across the bayside region.

A Passion for Education and Research

Even after decades of frontline service, Dr Herbert’s determination to better understand social disadvantage never faded. Stepping back from full-time practice later in life, she turned her focus to research, examining the causes of intergenerational homelessness and family vulnerability.

In 2023, at the age of 90, Dr Herbert completed a Doctor of Philosophy, demonstrating her unwavering belief that learning and service go hand in hand. Her research reinforced the critical importance of education as a protective factor against homelessness and highlighted the lasting impacts of unresolved family trauma.

Her findings have helped shape family support approaches across Queensland, particularly through programs that provide emotional support for parents and children together, rather than treating issues in isolation.

Service Beyond Professional Roles

Dr Herbert’s influence has extended across numerous community organisations throughout the bayside. She has contributed to youth housing services, family day care initiatives, church-based community outreach programs and hospital family support units.

Her work coordinating parent support services at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane provided essential guidance to families navigating medical and emotional challenges during crises.

She also maintained strong ties with educational institutions, supporting governance roles and advocating for student well-being.

Recognition for a Lifetime of Care

In 2025, Dr Herbert was named Queensland Senior Australian of the Year, recognising her decades of service and ongoing advocacy for children and families. The following year, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to youth social welfare.

While these honours highlight her extraordinary achievements, those who know Dr Herbert often describe her legacy in simpler terms — as a compassionate listener, a determined advocate and a steadfast supporter of families facing adversity.

Published 4-Feb-2026

Fishermen Rescue Three Men From Bull Sharks in Moreton Bay Waters

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Two Brisbane fishermen have been praised for their quick thinking after rescuing three men from dangerous waters off Moreton Bay on the weekend, with bull sharks circling nearby during the tense operation.

Sam Hortz and Robbie Angel were fishing in separate boats when they came across a capsized vessel with three men in the water. Video footage captured during the incident shows the severity of the situation, with one of the rescuers describing the scene as chaotic.

Angel was first to reach the distressed boaters and began pulling them from the water to safety. Meanwhile, Hortz attempted to salvage the capsized boat by securing it to his own vessel, but was forced to abandon the effort when the weight threatened to drag his boat under.

**Sam Hortz**
Photo Credit: Instagram / @firstdrop_fishing

During the rescue, several bull sharks were reportedly active in the area, with the predators breaching the water’s surface near the boats. The three rescued men were fortunate to escape unharmed.

Hortz noted that shark activity has been increasing in local fishing areas, making it difficult for anglers to land their catch. The rescued men have since contacted their saviours to express their gratitude.

The Moreton Bay incident occurred during a concerning period of shark activity along Australia’s east coast. Earlier in January, New South Wales experienced multiple shark encounters, including a fatal attack in Sydney Harbour on 18 January that claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, believed to have been caused by a bull shark.

The following day saw two separate incidents—an 11-year-old’s surfboard was bitten at Dee Why Point, and a 27-year-old surfer was injured at Manly Beach. A fourth incident occurred at Point Plomer Beach near Crescent Head on 20 January.

Maritime authorities have not issued specific warnings for Moreton Bay following the weekend rescue.

Published 27-January-2026

What’s On Near You: Australia Day 2026 in Moreton Bay

Australia Day in Moreton Bay is rarely about one central stage. It’s marked locally — along the foreshore, at community venues, neighbourhood pools and familiar clubs — often just a short drive from home.

From live music by the water to family fun days, pool parties and an afternoon out on the bay, this guide brings together Australia Day events happening across the Moreton Bay region, arranged geographically so you can see what’s on near you.

Australia Day Cruise – Redcliffe Jetty

This Australia Day cruise departs Redcliffe Jetty aboard Eye Spy, a purpose-built catamaran operated by Brisbane Whale Watching. The three-hour cruise runs across Moreton Bay, offering seated indoor and outdoor deck space and steady cruising rather than a fast or activity-led experience.

Boarding begins from 1:00pm, with the vessel departing shortly after for an afternoon on the bay. The cruise is timed to run through the hottest part of the day, making it an alternative to park-based events for those who prefer time on the water. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, as outlined in the booking details.

Where: Redcliffe Jetty, Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe, Greater Brisbane, City of Moreton Bay
When: Monday 26 January, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost: $99 per person
Bookings: Required — book here.

Music in the Park – Scarborough

Scarborough’s Music in the Park offers a relaxed Australia Day option, with live music and free family fun in a foreshore park setting. It’s laid back and casual, with a bring-a-rug-and-folding-chairs atmosphere popular with local families.

Where: Scarborough Beach Park, Landsborough Ave, Scarborough
When: Monday 26 January, 1:00-6:00pm
Cost: Free

Long Weekend at The Belvedere – Woody Point

The Belvedere at Woody Point will mark Australia Day across the long weekend, with food, drinks and entertainment spread over multiple days at its waterfront venue.

Where: The Belvedere, Woody Point
When: Australia Day long weekend (Saturday 24 – Monday 26 January)
Cost: Venue pricing

Australia Day Family Fun Day – Brighton Roosters JRL

Brighton Roosters JRL will host a full Australia Day family fun day at their home ground, combining free entertainment with rides, games and food stalls. The program includes the sixth running of the Australia Day Mud Crab Races and concludes with a twilight fireworks display.

Where: Brighton Roosters JRL, 10th Avenue, Brighton
When: Monday 26 January, from 11:00am
What’s on: Family games, rides, food stalls, mud crab races, fireworks (7:00pm)
Cost: Free entry (kids’ ride armbands available)

Aussie Arvo Free Pool Party – Lawnton

Lawnton Aquatic Centre will host an Australia Day pool party with free entry, offering a simple, close-to-home option for families to cool off and spend part of the day together.

Where: Lawnton Aquatic Centre, Gympie Rd, Lawnton
When: Monday 26 January, daytime
Cost: Free entry

Music in the Park – Bribie Island

Music in the Park returns to Bribie Island with live music in a bayside park setting, making it a popular Australia Day option for families and picnic-goers on the island. Check out the children’s activities and food trucks, with plenty of space for picnic rugs and folding chairs along the foreshore. The main stage program begins with a Welcome to Country, followed by local performers scheduled across the afternoon. Organisers note the program is subject to change and encourage attendees to come prepared with water, sunscreen and shade.

Where: Brennan Park, Bongaree, Bribie Island
When: Monday 26 January, 1:00-5:00pm
Cost: Free

50-metre Slip ’n’ Slide – Sandstone Point Hotel

Sandstone Point Hotel’s Australia Day program includes a large slip ’n’ slide that’s bigger and better this year — more speed, more splash, across four lanes! Bring your own inflatables (must be under 1m wide) or go body-surfing from mid-morning, alongside music and family-friendly activities on the lawn.

Where: Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
When: Monday 26 January, from 10:00am
Cost: Free entry (slide pass pre-booking available here)

Cactus Jack’s Australia Day Party – Redcliffe

Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe will lean into Australia Day with an all-day bar atmosphere, opening from 11:00am and building into live music from mid-afternoon. Local musician Luke Dickens takes the stage from 2:00pm, setting the tone for a relaxed but lively afternoon. It’s a walk-in, no-frills kind of event — drinks flowing, music on, and plenty of familiar faces. Expect it to be busy and noisy in a good way, perfect as Cactus Jack’s last hurrah.

Where: Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe
When: Monday 26 January
Cost: Venue pricing

Australia Day Long Weekend Party – Eatons Hill Hotel

Eatons Hill Hotel will mark Australia Day with a full long-weekend program running from Saturday through Monday.

The weekend begins with Triple J’s Hottest 100 in the beer garden on Saturday, followed by DJs in the nightclub later that night. Sunday features live music through the afternoon before the venue shifts back into party mode in the evening. On Australia Day itself, the focus turns to live music and classic Aussie games, with activities designed to suit both families and groups of friends.

Entry is free, with the beer garden and main bar open to all ages until 8pm. Menu and activities here.

Where: Eatons Hill Hotel, Eatons Hill
When: Australia Day long weekend (Saturday 24 – Monday 26 January)
Cost: Varies by event
Source: https://www.moretondaily.com.au/events/australia-day-long-weekend-party-at-eatons-hill-hotel

Australia Day with the Peninsula Camera Club – Caboolture Historical Village

Photo Credit: Facebook/Caboolture Historical Village

The Peninsula Camera Club Redcliffe will be spending the day at the Caboolture Historical Village to celebrate all things Australian through photography. You’re encouraged to photograph Australia Day as you see it, capturing the many different ways the day is observed.

This month’s official outing is an open competition to allow for a wide range of Australia Day interpretations. Any Australiana images captured on 26 January 2026 will be eligible for the end-of-year competition.

Where: 280 Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture
When: Monday 26 January, 9:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: Entry fee payable upon arrival

Australia Day at The Village 2026 – Caboolture

Caboolture Historical Village will host a relaxed Australia Day celebration, supporting Caboolture & District Woodcrafters Inc. The event will be focused on local heritage, history and hands-on displays. The program includes food and drink stalls, live music from Blarney Stone Folk Band, kids’ activities and bush poetry, alongside working demonstrations of vintage machinery and classic cars. Visitors can explore more than 70 historic buildings across the village, with Skywind Falconry also appearing during the day for flight demonstrations and photo opportunities.

Where: 280 Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture
When: Monday 26 January 2026, 9:00am – 2:00pm (Parade at 1:00pm)
Cost: Adults $15 | Children 6–16 yrs $5 | 5 yrs & under free
Parking: Gold coin donation

Choosing Your Australia Day, Near You

Australia Day in Moreton Bay isn’t about doing everything. It’s about finding something local that fits — a foreshore concert, a pool day, a club event or a few hours out on the bay.

This list brings together what’s happening across the region, so you can choose how to spend the day without travelling far.

Event details may change closer to January 26. Check organisers’ official pages before heading out.

Published 21-January-2026

End of an Era for Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe as Closure Confirmed

Photo Credit: CactusJacksRedcliffe/Facebook

A long-standing restaurant, bar and live music venue, Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe, has confirmed it will close after more than 13 years of operation, following advice that the building will be demolished as part of future redevelopment.

Thirteen Years on the Peninsula

Cactus Jack’s has operated on the Redcliffe Peninsula for more than a decade, becoming a familiar destination for dining, live music and social gatherings. For the past five and a half years, the venue has been run by owners Rob and Kate Griffiths.

Throughout that time, the business continued trading during major disruptions, including the COVID period, flooding events, prolonged power outages and cyclones.

Redevelopment Changes the Course

The closure has been described by the owners as not voluntary. The building housing the venue was sold around three years ago, with redevelopment flagged as a long-term plan from that point.

While the business was involved in discussions and sought to secure a lease, the owners were later advised the building would be demolished and that the venue would not be included in future plans. Notice to vacate followed, with timelines brought forward in recent months.

Redcliffe restaurants — *Photo Credit: CactusJacksRedcliffe/Facebook*

Community Reaction Buys Time

Following the public announcement of the closure, strong community response emerged from patrons, musicians and locals. Initial requests for extra time to relocate were declined.

After the level of public support became clear, a one-month extension was granted, allowing the venue to continue operating while a new location is pursued.

Australia Day Set as the Farewell Focus

Australia Day has been identified as the key farewell event for the Redcliffe venue. On 26 January, Cactus Jack’s will open from 11 a.m., with live music scheduled from 2 p.m. featuring Luke Dickens.

While Australia Day remains the centrepiece, trading will continue during the extension period beyond that date.

Jobs and Live Music at the Centre

At the time of the announcement, the venue employed around 35 staff, many of them local workers. The owners have said their priority remains supporting employees and musicians while working to secure a new premises.

Since being acquired during the COVID period, the business expanded its workforce and continued regular live music programming.

Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe — *Photo Credit: CactusJacksRedcliffe/Facebook*

A Strong Local Response

Community feedback following the announcement highlighted the venue’s role in live music, employment and milestone celebrations across Redcliffe. Messages of support were widely shared online, with many patrons referencing long-standing connections to the venue.

The response has been cited as a contributing factor in the short extension being granted.

Looking Beyond the Current Site

Cactus Jack’s will continue operating at its Redcliffe location during the extension period while actively searching for a new home. Further updates are expected if a relocation is confirmed, with the owners indicating the intention is for the business to continue beyond its current premises.

Published 17-Jan-2026