Redland Bay Cycling Paths

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I've recently discovered (and have rapidly fallen in love with) the beauty of Redland Bay, and last weekend I returned with my bike to check out the waterside cycling paths.



Before heading off on this journey I did a quick Google search of the area and came across a number of cycling sites that discussed this lovely winding route, including Redland City Council , Briscycle.com and Brisbane Bay Cycle Stay . I assumed with this much promotion that our trip along the edge of the bay would be a busy one… I have never been more wrong. I did not see a single other cyclist on our journey. In fact I can count the number of people I saw on one hand… the man walking his dog, the mother pushing her snoozing babe in a pram and the fishing duo. That is it!



Now it's not like we travelled a short distance, we did ride for close to 8kms but the paths were practically empty. This is a major plus for unsteady riders, or perhaps a family pushbike outing. The track was many flat with some easy slopes here and there, making it a perfect track for beginning riders. That is not to say that long-term riders aren't going to enjoy soaking up the peace and tranquility flying past both sides of those turning wheels.

The path weaves along the edge of Redland Bay and has magnificent views of the kayaks, boats and other marine vessels floating lazily between you and Stradbroke Island. Whilst it is nice to work up a sweat by speeding along, the view to our right was just far too spectacular to miss, so we would stop regularly to take in all its beauty.



The path itself was an interesting one as well. It travelled through ever-changing landscapes. Sometimes you were at the bay then all of a sudden you would be in dense bush, or a golf green, occasionally crossing a bridge or cycling past a park and one time I could have sworn that once we got around the next bend we were going to be in tropical Bali or Thailand. At one point we did get lost in a car park, but that can easily be avoided... obviously we were just too struck by the view.



We expected to eventually come across a lane of cafes but I think one of the reasons we saw almost no one on our journey is that the area has been pretty much left untouched. Luckily we had packed a couple of bakery delights and we enjoyed a morning snack snuggled by the edge of the water. I would recommend bringing a picnic lunch and further improving what is already a truly relaxing and calming ride.



On the journey back we picked up speed but did stop at the enclosed swimming hole. Whilst it is too cold to swim there at the moment, I think I will definitely be returning later in the year. That way after working up a sweat I can jump straight into the bay to cool myself down with the Dugongs.



If you are a keen rider and an early riser I would even recommend arriving before sunrise and enjoying a breakfast picnic as you watch the pelicans fly through the orange sky... and THEN jump on the bike and speed off into the distance.

I couldn't think of a more perfect way to start the day.

#cycling
#escape_the_city
#free
#outdoor
#parks
#redland
#redland -bay
%wnbrisbane