Easy Day Trips Redlands Families Love (No Suitcases Required!)

One of the quiet joys of living in the Redlands is realising you don’t need a packed car, airport queues or weeks of planning to feel like you’ve had a break. Some of the most memorable family days happen close to home — spontaneous, unhurried, and shaped by the simple pleasure of being together.

If you’re looking to make the most of the rest of January (or any sunny weekend, really), these easy day trips are loved by local families for a reason. Think island breezes, open lawns, shaded trails and cafés where sandy feet are welcome.

Island Time, Without the Holiday Fuss

There’s something about stepping onto a ferry that instantly shifts the pace. No long travel days, no suitcases — just a short ride and the sense that you’ve gone somewhere special.

Coochiemudlo Island is a favourite for families with younger children. The calm beaches, shaded picnic spots and easy walking tracks make it ideal for a relaxed half-day adventure. Many locals pack a simple lunch, wander the foreshore, and are home again by late afternoon — refreshed, not exhausted.

For something a little bigger, North Stradbroke Island offers surf beaches, wildlife sightings and spectacular coastal views. Even as a day trip, it feels like a genuine escape — proof that living bayside puts world-class natural beauty well within reach.

Winery Lawns & Long Lunches (Kid-Friendly, Too)

You don’t have to choose between a family day and somewhere beautiful to sit for lunch. Sirromet Winery has become a go-to for Redlands families because it welcomes both.

Wide open lawns, space for kids to run, live music on weekends and a relaxed atmosphere mean everyone feels catered for. Parents unwind, kids explore, and the whole day feels unrushed — the kind of outing that stretches effortlessly from late morning into afternoon.

Bushwalks That Feel Like a Reset Button

Sometimes the best family days are the quiet ones. Venman Bushland National Park offers shaded trails, birdsong, and that cool, earthy stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere.

These walks aren’t about distance or pace. They’re about wandering, talking, spotting wildlife and coming home a little calmer than when you left. Perfect for balancing the busyness of summer.

Waterfront Wanders & Café Stops

Not every day trip needs a destination — sometimes it’s just a change of scenery. An afternoon at Raby Bay Harbour, a sunset walk along the foreshore, or fish and chips by the water can feel just as restorative as a full day away.

Places like Wellington Point shine at this time of year. The tides, the breezes, the open space — they invite families to linger, talk and slow down before routines return.

Why These Days Matter

These small escapes are more than just ways to fill school holidays. They’re reminders of why so many families choose to live in the Redlands in the first place.

Life here offers breathing room — space to connect, explore and enjoy everyday moments without overcomplicating them. When weekends feel this easy, it’s a lifestyle worth protecting and planning for.

And sometimes, a simple day out close to home is all it takes to realise just how lucky you are.