Recently we returned to my hometown of Redcliffe for a family wedding. We could have driven back to our home in Brisbane, but as it was a family occasion I decided to stay overnight. There are plenty of accommodation options in Redcliffe. We chose to stay at The Sebel Margate Beach, a modern boutique hotel, only a short 40 minutes drive from Brisbane. Our time in this beautiful bayside suburb was magical and armed with my local knowledge here are some of my tips for a Redcliffe mini break.
We arrived in Redcliffe early and enjoyed coffee and cake at the lovely Bazil & Co located across from the tranquil foreshore at Scarborough. Bazil’s impressed with its quality selection of cakes and treats from all over the world. There were French patisseries, choux buns, decadent carrot cake, delicious filled doughnuts, cannolis just like Nonna would make from Gerbino’s and biscuits from around the world. It was very hard to choose.
We finally decided on warm banana bread and a lemon curd tart to share between three, washed down with several piping hot lattes. Coffees were Segafredo, made expertly by our barista.The treats were just as good as they looked and we vowed to come back again to this little gem of a café. Seated outside we could enjoy the breeze on a hot day whilst gazing across the water.
Our next surprise was the beautiful oasis of Reid’s Place on Scarborough Road. Reid’s has a wedding lawn and gazebo, is a cottage style B&B and is well known throughout the Peninsula and surrounds for its impressive high teas. The gardens are beautiful and well maintained, with fountains, roses and arbours. A highlight was checking out the vintage cars which transport the Bride and Groom to their reception venues. We will be back to test drive the high teas in the quaint surrounds.
Whilst the bridal party were having photographs taken we headed back to Margate Beach to check in to The Sebel. The friendly staff welcomed us and we headed up to our beautiful room which boasted an amazing balcony with magnificent views across to Moreton Island. The family met us downstairs at the inviting Sunny’s café and restaurant where we ordered a few snacks and champagne. All was beautiful, with their hot chips, arancini balls and spring rolls scoring a ten out of ten from the boys.
There is a deck overlooking the water and plenty of room inside with a cool and modern seaside vibe. A rooftop pool bar is open on certain days, but alas not today. The 180 degree views would be spectacular. You can relax by the pool or visit the on-site fitness centre, perfect for the business traveller looking to unwind after a busy day.
The Deluxe Rooms boasted everything we needed and were decorated in a laidback beach style. A black and white photo of historical Redcliffe gently papers one wall and tones of white, beige and tan with a hint of gold instantly relax you.The beds were extremely comfortable and the shower pressure was great. (This can be a bugbear of mine with other hotels). The suite was spacious with a fully equipped kitchenette and a minibar. There is a hairdryer, wifi and state of the art television which all scored big ticks from me.
We ventured back up to Scarborough where we all enjoyed dancing the night away, laughing in the photo booth and celebrating the bridal couple at the Waters Edge, Scarborough. This purpose built event space has wonderful views from its deck over the marina and beyond which created a lovely atmosphere. Everything went so smoothly and all too soon we were creating the tunnel to say goodbye to the happy couple.
Waking up the next day we whiled away some time on our balcony whilst watching the locals swimming, walking and stand up paddle boarding by the bay. It’s a relaxed vibe and one where you feel like lazing the day away. Sadly we packed up and said goodbye to our little haven. This was the first time I’d stayed at a hotel in over a year and it was the perfect place to reintroduce myself to a mini break close to home.
Breakfast at Sunny’s was delicious and inventive. Freshly squeezed apple juice and an almond milk latte rehydrated this weary wedding guest. For breakfast I can thoroughly recommend the Chilli and Spring Onion Corn Fritters with poached eggs, hollandaise and avocado served with beetroot hummus and dukkah. There was a good kick of chilli and the fritters and eggs were cooked to perfection. A lovely way to start the day!
If we’d had more time I would’ve strolled along the foreshore and on to Sutton’s Beach, before checking out Bee Gees Way and some of the many new boutiques to be found along the Redcliffe Seafront. Families can enjoy the Settlement Cove Lagoon.
We will definitely be back to stay again. It was peaceful, relaxing and friendly everywhere we went. Redcliffe is the perfect destination for a day trip, mini break or a longer vacation and with its calm waters, chilled vibes and amazing new restaurants and views, there is something for everyone in this city with a vibrant coastal village atmosphere.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
Leave a Reply