Redcliffe Named a Growth Hotspot in McGrath Report 2026

Redcliffe has once again captured national attention, with property expert John McGrath naming the seaside suburb among Queensland’s top picks for growth in 2026. The McGrath Report 2026 identifies Redcliffe as a “standout for both lifestyle and long‑term investment.”


Read: Redcliffe Peninsula Line: A Community on Track for Change


Situated on the Moreton Bay peninsula about 35 kilometres north of Brisbane, Redcliffe is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere and growing appeal among buyers seeking lifestyle and value.

Photo credit: John O’Brien/Google Maps

“Located in Brisbane’s highly sought-after Moreton Bay region, Redcliffe offers strong investment potential driven by its coastal lifestyle appeal, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and proximity to Brisbane CBD,” McGrath said in the report.

“Buyers are drawn to its coastal lifestyle, upgraded infrastructure, and affordability relative to inner-city suburbs, driving sustained demand and capital growth,” he added.

A market on the rise

According to realestate.com.au, Redcliffe’s median house price is listed at $900,000, up 11.2 per cent in the past 12 months, with 119 houses sold between November 2024 and October 2025. Despite the price increase, the suburb remains more accessible compared to some inner‑city coastal markets.

Market commentators point to factors such as proximity to Brisbane, beachside lifestyle and increasing buyer activity as reasons behind the trend. The combination of these factors is helping to underpin Redcliffe’s position as a suburb of growing interest in south‑east Queensland.

Local improvements shaping the future

Photo credit: Redcliffe Hospital/Google Maps

Several local facility and service upgrades are underway that support Redcliffe’s ongoing appeal. Documents show that Redcliffe Hospital will be expanded with at least 210 new overnight beds. Also scheduled is a $44 million upgrade to the Redcliffe Police Station. Such improvements to health, community and public service infrastructure contribute to the suburb’s attractiveness for buyers who value amenity as well as location.

The lifestyle advantage

Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons

Beyond investment considerations, Redcliffe offers lifestyle features that appeal to many home‑buyers. Morning walks along the foreshore, family outings at Suttons Beach and cafés and boutique retail along the waterfront remain part of the everyday experience. With scenic views across Moreton Bay and direct access to employment centres in Brisbane, the suburb offers a coastal location with city convenience.


Read: Redcliffe Hospital Overhaul: 210 New Beds and Expanded Services Confirmed


Looking ahead

As 2026 approaches, Redcliffe continues to show positive signs of growth and buyer interest. Price strength, buyer activity and infrastructure improvements all point towards sustained confidence in the area. For local residents and prospective buyers alike, Redcliffe’s rising profile reflects both its liveability and its long‑term investment potential.

Published 5-November-2025

Redcliffe to Brisbane by Ferry? Bay Cats and Air Taxis in Bold City Plan

Self-flying air taxis taking off from Redcliffe and high-capacity metros connecting Scarborough are key features of an ambitious new strategy to prepare the City of Moreton Bay for a population of one million.



Redcliffe residents could one day swap their car commute for a “Bay Cat” ferry or a self-flying air taxi under a bold new transport strategy being championed by the City of Moreton Bay.

This vision is part of the council’s ‘City of Tomorrow’ strategy, a 10-year plan presented at the recent 2025 Moreton Bay Leaders’ Forum in Redcliffe. The strategy aims to address the region’s booming population, which is expected to double to 1 million over the next 30 years. With the 2032 Games on the horizon, the council is asking the State and Federal governments for funding to build critical infrastructure now, noting that, for too long, funding has not kept pace with population growth. Mayor Peter Flannery said the city needs these projects to tackle congestion, create jobs, and unlock housing, arguing that doing nothing is not an option.

Ferries and Flying Taxis

air taxis
Photo Credit: Wisk Aero

The plan proposes major new travel options centred on the peninsula. One key idea is a Moreton Bay ferry service, dubbed “Bay Cats,” which could link Redcliffe Pier with Brisbane’s Riverside. The council believes this service could offer travel times similar to or even faster than driving on the congested Bruce Highway and would boost tourism. It is seeking $500,000 for a feasibility study and a trial service.

Even more futuristic is the push for advanced air mobility. This would involve using local facilities, such as the Redcliffe Aerodrome, as hubs for all-electric, self-flying air taxis. The council sees this as a serious transport option for the 2032 Games and is already looking at partners like Wisk, a developer of four-seat autonomous aircraft.

Earning Public Trust

air taxis
Photo Credit: Wisk Aero

Before these air taxis can become a reality, operators acknowledge a major hurdle: winning over the public. Industry insiders state that gaining public trust, both from passengers and from people on the ground, is a firm requirement for the service to begin.

Safety is being called the number one priority. The aircraft are being developed to meet the same high standards as other commercial passenger planes. In Australia, this means a rigorous certification process with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The companies involved hope to build community confidence through this process and, over time, establish a record of safe flights.



Easing the Squeeze on the Ground

While air and sea travel are on the horizon, the strategy’s highest priority is fixing the gridlock on local roads. The council is pushing for an expedited 2032 delivery of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative to divert freight and long-distance traffic.

The plan also calls for new rapid transport to better connect the city from east to west. This includes high-capacity metro lines to link Newport and Scarborough with Kippa-Ring Station, and another from Clontarf and Margate. This push comes with stark warnings: modelling shows that by 2036, boom gates at some level crossings south of Petrie could be down for an entire hour during peak periods if nothing changes. Other projects include a new peak-hour express train from Petrie and a rapid bus from Waraba to Caboolture, which is also slated for a major revitalisation.

The advocacy effort, presented at the recent Moreton Bay Leaders’ Forum, aims to build on past successes. Mayor Flannery noted that a previous forum helped secure $15 million in state funding for the new Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital.

Published Date 04-November-2025

Hand Injury Forces Zac Watson to End AUSX Season in Redcliffe

A hand injury sustained during the opening round of the Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship in Redcliffe has forced SX1 rider Zac Watson to withdraw from the remaining rounds of the season as he continues to recover.



Injury and Season Impact

During the Redcliffe round, Watson crashed in the first final and initially feared a broken scaphoid. Later scans revealed damage to his trapezium, a nearby bone in the hand. The 21-year-old was ruled out of the Sydney round in Cronulla and later confirmed he would sit out both the Melbourne and Adelaide events to focus on recovery.

Watson said limited preparation time and his priority to heal properly influenced his decision. The Redcliffe race marked his final appearance with Rising Motorsports after two years with the team.

Zac Watson
Photo Credit: Zac Watson/Instagram

Background and Recent Statement

Watson shared on social media that he would step away from the remaining rounds and begin preparing for 2026. He thanked Rising Motorsports for their support and the opportunities provided throughout his time with the team.

Earlier in the season, Watson competed in the MXGP rounds in China and Australia, switching from Triumph to KTM machinery before AUSX. Due to the short turnaround, he had only a few days of supercross training before the Redcliffe event.

AUSX Supercross
Photo Credit: Zac Watson/Instagram

Recovery Outlook

Watson initially expected to recover in about three weeks after confirming the injury was not to his scaphoid. However, the timing between rounds and his focus on long-term performance led to his decision to end his AUSX campaign early.



The setback concludes an active year for Watson, who placed fifth in the ProMX standings and is linked to a move to the KTM Racing Team in 2026.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Redcliffe Researcher Runs 50km Daily To Support Para-Athletes

A University of Queensland researcher and occupational therapist from Redcliffe is taking on a 50-day challenge to raise funds for a program that supports athletes with disabilities across Brisbane.



Inspiring Effort From A Redcliffe Researcher

Redcliffe occupational therapist and University of Queensland researcher Dr Jess Hill is leading a large-scale fundraising effort to increase access to sport for people with disabilities. In line with Occupational Therapy Week held from 27 to 31 October, she has committed to running 50 kilometres each day for 50 days to raise $50 000 for ParaSTART, a program developed at UQ to assist individuals with moderate-to-severe disabilities and high-support needs.

ParaSTART
Photo Credit: JustGiving

Building Opportunities For Inclusive Sport

ParaSTART began in 2017 with three participants who had severe cerebral palsy and had never taken part in swimming. The project has since expanded to include track and field activities, now engaging 47 athletes with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal injury, stroke and brain injury.

Dr Hill’s research focuses on how performance-based sports training can enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for people with high-support needs. The program has demonstrated improvements in motor function and participation.

50 Days, 50 Kilometres, $50 000 Goal

Starting 1 November, Dr Hill will run 50 kilometres each day for 50 consecutive days across Brisbane. Her 50×50×50 Challenge aims to raise $50 000 to purchase ten frame-running bicycles, enabling ParaSTART to include more children and adults with disabilities in sport.

The campaign, hosted by The University of Queensland through JustGiving, has already received early donations in support of the cause.

Redcliffe occupational therapist
Photo Credit: JustGiving

Overcoming Barriers In Disability Sport

Having grown up with four autistic siblings, two with high-support needs, Dr Hill has seen first-hand the barriers that people with disabilities face when trying to access mainstream sport. High equipment costs and limited opportunities to try different sports often restrict participation. Through ParaSTART, she hopes to provide early exposure to sport and encourage future Paralympic pathways.

Looking Ahead

As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, initiatives such as ParaSTART are helping increase disability sport participation across Queensland. Dr Hill’s work and connection to Redcliffe highlight how local professionals contribute to creating a more inclusive sporting environment.



Donations to the 50×50×50 Challenge can be made via UQ’s JustGiving page.

Published 31-Oct-2025

Redcliffe Cancer Patients to Get Vital Care Closer to Home

Hundreds of Redcliffe residents facing cancer will soon receive life-saving radiation treatment locally as construction begins on a new, highly accessible oncology centre in the community.



A New Era for Local Treatment

Cancer
Photo Credit: GenesisCare

The new centre is a project by oncology provider GenesisCare and is scheduled to be ready in mid-2026. It will be the company’s 10th facility in Queensland and is a key part of the new $30 million Altiva Health medical precinct being built by Allamanni Developments. Once fully operational, the clinic expects to provide care for more than 450 patients each year using high-quality, evidence-based radiation treatments.

Ending the Long Commute for Care

For many local families, the new facility will mean the end of exhausting and costly trips for treatment. GenesisCare’s Queensland Medical Director, Dr Marie Burke OAM, explained that accessing care close to home is critical for patients already facing significant emotional and physical challenges. She noted that many residents currently must travel to Chermside or the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for radiation therapy. Removing this travel burden is seen as extraordinarily valuable for patients and their support networks.

An Integrated Health Hub

Cancer
Photo Credit: GenesisCare

Located at the Altiva Health development on Silvyn Street, the centre is designed to be part of a connected health hub. It will operate alongside one of Qscan’s flagship medical imaging and radiology clinics, giving patients convenient access for diagnosis, staging, and treatment all in one area. 

The site is also a short distance from Redcliffe Hospital’s existing medical oncology and allied health services, allowing for comprehensive care without long commutes between appointments.



Accessible to All

Dr Burke also emphasised that treatment will be accessible to the entire community. She clarified that private health insurance is not required for the outpatient services, as 80 to 90 per cent of the cost is covered by Medicare. 

The centre also plans to offer fee flexibility for those who are financially disadvantaged, ensuring cost is not a barrier to care. Federal Member for Petrie, Emma Comer, and State Member for Redcliffe, Kerri-Anne Dooley, both visited the site and expressed their support, agreeing on the profound importance of allowing residents to receive care within their own community, close to family.

Published Date 30-October-2025

Redcliffe Gears Up for a Spooktacular Community Night by the Sea

Families and friends across Moreton Bay are set to descend on Redcliffe’s picturesque foreshore for a night of Halloween-themed fun, as the coastal community transforms into a bustling hub of spooky celebration and local spirit at the annual Festival of Frights.



The Redcliffe Festival of Frights will take place on Saturday, 25 October, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. along Redcliffe Parade. Entry is free, making it one of the region’s most accessible community events.

Festival of Frights
Photo Credit: Supplied

A Community Celebration with a Spooky Twist

Now in its fifth year, the Festival of Frights continues to grow as one of Redcliffe’s most anticipated seasonal events, drawing locals and visitors alike to the waterfront. This year’s twilight market promises more than 200 stalls featuring handmade crafts, Halloween-inspired treasures, sweet treats, and gourmet street food from across South-East Queensland. Attendees can expect live music, DJ performances, roving Halloween characters, and a lively atmosphere designed to bring people of all ages together.

Festival of Frights
Photo Credit: Supplied

The celebration is more than just costumes and candy — it is an opportunity for the Redcliffe community to showcase local creativity, support small businesses, and come together for a shared experience. With family-friendly activities including a spooky train ride, dance workshops, a scavenger hunt, and a kids’ disco, organisers say the festival is designed to offer something for everyone, from the youngest trick-or-treaters to adults looking for an evening out.

A Night of Fun and Friendly Competition

One of the highlights of the evening is the ever-popular Best Dressed Competition, encouraging attendees to arrive in their most imaginative Halloween outfits. Registration for the contest can be completed here, and participants are encouraged to secure their free event ticket in advance here.

Festival of Frights
Photo Credit: Supplied

Redcliffe Markets: A Local Staple Every Week 

The Festival of Frights is presented by Redcliffe Markets, an iconic seaside marketplace known for its vibrant Sunday gatherings featuring over 200 stalls from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is organised by Goodwill Projects, one of Queensland’s leading market and event companies, known for curating community-focused experiences that highlight local talent and foster neighbourhood connection.



Published 16-Oct-2025

Queensland Expands Youth Housing with Redcliffe Project

Redcliffe will become home to Queensland’s first Youth Foyer in the Moreton Bay region, offering stable housing to young people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 



Expanding Support Across Moreton Bay

The foyer will provide 40 self-contained units, along with 24/7 on-site support, enabling tenants to develop independent living skills while participating in education, training, or employment. The initiative is part of a wider effort to address rising homelessness in Moreton Bay.

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

In the past 15 months, the Department of Housing has helped over 450 households into social housing and provided rental assistance to more than 3,600 people. An additional $10.1 million has been allocated to eight Specialist Homelessness Services. These services provide temporary accommodation, tenancy support, and emergency housing.

Youth Foyer Model and Community Benefits

Youth Foyers offer a structured environment where young people can learn life skills and gain access to education and employment opportunities. Residents pay roughly 25 percent of their income in rent, with the average stay lasting around 18 months. 

The Redcliffe foyer is strategically located near public transport, services, and TAFE to maximise access to local resources.

Design and Construction Plans

Brisbane-based Arkhefield has been contracted to design the Redcliffe foyer, which will feature self-contained units, shared communal spaces, and private areas for support services. 

This approach ensures a balance between independence and guidance, helping vulnerable youth transition smoothly into adulthood. The project is part of a broader plan to establish eight Youth Foyers across Queensland by the end of the term.

Community Response

Local council officials noted the growing challenge of youth homelessness and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to support vulnerable residents. 



Community organisations have welcomed the initiative, noting the urgent need for more housing and stronger support services to assist local youth.

Published 13-October-2025

Redcliffe To Host New Youth Housing Project For At-Risk Young People

Redcliffe set to welcome a new youth housing project aimed at helping young people aged 16 to 25 at risk of homelessness. 



Early Design and Planning

The proposed Moreton Bay Youth Foyer will offer 40 self-contained apartments with 24/7 support, linking stable housing with education and employment opportunities to help young residents build independence.

The project is in the early design stage, with preliminary plans expected by the end of the year. The Queensland Government purchased the Redcliffe site in 2025 and appointed Brisbane-based Arkhefield to design the development. The foyer replaces earlier proposals in Mango Hill and beside Caboolture TAFE that are no longer proceeding.

Housing Model and Support

Residents will pay approximately 25 percent of their income in rent while participating in education, training, or work. The foyer will provide onsite support to help tenants maintain stable housing, access employment or study opportunities, and develop life skills. 

The model follows the framework of eight youth foyers being delivered across Queensland under the state’s long-term housing plan.

Community Benefits

Local leaders emphasised the positive impact of the foyer on Redcliffe. The project will complement existing services, including the Peninsula Support Hub, The Breakfast Club, and The Salvation Army, creating a network of support for vulnerable young people. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The location provides easy access to public transport, local services, and TAFE facilities.

Next Steps and Considerations

No construction timeline has been announced. The government expects to release detailed preliminary designs before seeking planning approvals. 



Community feedback and consultation will inform final plans, and eligibility criteria for young people will be confirmed closer to the development stage.

Published 13-October-2025

90 Years On, Redcliffe Hornibrook Bridge That Built a Community

An incredible feat of private enterprise born from the Great Depression, the record-breaking Hornibrook Bridge, was honoured by the Redcliffe community on its 90th anniversary for its pivotal role in transforming the peninsula from an isolated outpost to a thriving city.



A Landmark’s Legacy

A special event at the Redcliffe Museum recently marked the 90th anniversary of the bridge’s official opening. The celebration, which took place on a Saturday, brought together a community still deeply connected to the timber and concrete superstructure that first opened to traffic on October 4, 1935.

Julie Hornibrook, the granddaughter of the bridge’s builder, Sir Manuel Hornibrook, delivered a passionate speech about the project, its creators, and the community it served. She said she valued playing a part in bringing her grandfather’s legacy to life and has found that people remain deeply interested in the history of these big builds. She expressed pride that the people of Redcliffe continue to remember and love the bridge and its story.

From Isolation to Destination

Before the bridge, the Redcliffe Peninsula was a world away from Brisbane. City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, explained that the toll bridge marked the start of a new era of growth, giving the local population direct access to the city for the first time. This connection, he noted, was instrumental in opening up Redcliffe as a premier holiday destination.

The project was described as a game-changer by local councillors. Division 5 Councillor, Sandra Ruck, said the bridge left an indelible mark on the area, revolutionising local transport and transforming the economy for the better. Division 6 Councillor, Karl Winchester, added that the bridge is an intrinsic part of the fabric of Redcliffe and the wider City of Moreton Bay, with many locals holding cherished memories of the structure in its prime.

A Vision Built on Timber and Grit

Building the bridge was a monumental challenge, undertaken at the height of the Great Depression. The project was the brainchild of Sir Manuel Hornibrook, a legendary master builder who showed remarkable ingenuity and patience. Ms. Hornibrook highlighted that projects of this era were built in tough times without computers, demanding innovation and collaborative problem-solving.

Considered one of the greatest works of private enterprise in Queensland, the project required Sir Manuel’s leadership to secure finance, timber supplies, and a workforce. Funding was raised through a government franchise that allowed his company to charge a toll, which remained at one shilling for 40 years. The enormous structure spanned over 2.6 kilometres and required approximately 2.5 million superfeet of hardwood timber. At its completion, it was the longest road viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere.



An Enduring Presence

The Hornibrook Bridge served the community for 44 years. After the adjacent Houghton Highway opened, the original bridge was closed to traffic in 1979. However, it wasn’t the end of its story. It remained a beloved local spot, staying open for people to enjoy fishing, walking, and cycling. The Hornibrook company operated the bridge until 1975, when it was handed over to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

With the opening of the Ted Smout Bridge in 2010, the old bridge was mostly demolished. Today, its striking art deco portals and a section repurposed as a fishing pier at Clontarf are all that physically remain. Yet, even in this new form, a new generation of locals can still enjoy a piece of the history that so profoundly shaped their community.

Published Date 09-October-2025

Coastal Resilience Plans Strengthen Preparedness in Scarborough, Beachmere and Redcliffe

Coastal communities in Redcliffe, Scarborough and Beachmere are working with the City of Moreton Bay to strengthen their resilience against flooding, erosion and rising sea levels through new Local Resilience Plans and preparedness initiatives.



Building Community Preparedness

Taskforces in Scarborough, Donnybrook and Dohles Rocks have finalised Local Resilience Plans aimed at addressing the increasing risks of coastal hazards. These plans, part of the City’s Living Coast Plan, mark a Queensland-first effort to empower residents to take an active role in preparing for natural disasters.

Meanwhile, Redcliffe continues to strengthen its coastal defences and preparedness measures following past flooding, as Beachmere and Toorbul begin discussions on developing their own plans.

Local Resilience Plans
Photo Credit: Pexels

Costs and Local Actions

The City of Moreton Bay estimates coastal hazards currently cause about $42 million in annual damage to buildings, facilities and infrastructure, with potential losses rising to $468 million by 2100 if no action is taken.

Actions proposed under the Local Resilience Plans include flood-proofing homes, improving emergency preparedness and identifying key infrastructure priorities to reduce long-term risks.

Community Involvement Across Redcliffe, Scarborough and Beachmere

Residents have participated in mapping and hazard identification exercises to understand the effects of sea level rise and tidal inundation. The process encourages communities to prepare early and collaborate on localised solutions that reduce exposure to extreme weather.

Redcliffe Scarborough Beachmere
Photo Credit: Pexels

Preparedness Activities and Next Steps

The initiative aligns with Get Ready Week, held from 6 to 12 October 2025, featuring community expos, school workshops and emergency service displays, including the Emergency Service Expo at Bribie Island from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to access the Disaster Dashboard for live updates on severe weather and sign up to the MoretonAlert system for early warnings.

Moving Toward Coastal Resilience



The ongoing development of Local Resilience Plans across Scarborough, Beachmere and nearby suburbs reflects a growing focus on community-led adaptation and preparedness. Through collaboration and planning, the City of Moreton Bay aims to reduce future impacts and strengthen long-term coastal resilience.

Published 7-Oct-2025