Major city · Australia
Redland CityThe Redlands
Base in Cleveland for one night, then take the ferry to North Stradbroke Island for 1–2 nights; skip Redland City as a standalone stop if you only have Brisbane time.
Redland City is the southeasternmost local government area of Greater Brisbane, about 30 km from the CBD by road and reachable by the Cleveland train line. It is the least-visited of the five Greater Brisbane LGAs and has few tourist facilities of its own; the main draw is North Stradbroke Island, the world's second-largest sand island, reached by ferry from Cleveland. Most travellers use Cleveland as a one-night staging point for the island rather than as a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (mild, dry); Sep–Nov for whale watching off Stradbroke
- avoid Dec–Feb (hot, humid, storm season); school holidays for ferry crowds
- Airport
- BNE
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Redland City000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Redland City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBNE Brisbane Airport (About 40–50 min by car via the tolled Gateway Motorway (M1) to Cleveland; no direct train from the airport to the Redlands.).
- Getting aroundThe Cleveland line runs from Brisbane (Roma Street) to Cleveland station, the primary rail stop in the Redlands.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedHostel or motel bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or apartment double room, a night, per roomA$190 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or apartment double room, a night, per roomA$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$110 (≈ US$75) · Mid A$190 (≈ US$130) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BNE Brisbane Airport (About 40–50 min by car via the tolled Gateway Motorway (M1) to Cleveland; no direct train from the airport to the Redlands.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Apr–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Feb (13 rain days), driest Aug (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Redland City: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The Cleveland line runs from Brisbane (Roma Street) to Cleveland station, the primary rail stop in the Redlands. Redland City has no motorways; from the Brisbane CBD it is about 30 km on urban roads, a bit over half an hour without traffic. A car is useful for Capalaba, the art galleries and the island's far beaches; buses are limited and infrequent. Ferries to North Stradbroke Island leave from Cleveland.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
North Stradbroke Island
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h from Cleveland
Ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich, then bus or car to Point Lookout
World's second-largest sand island; beaches, fishing, surfing and Aboriginal cultural sites. Better as 1–2 nights than a rushed day return.
Brisbane CBD
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Cleveland line train to Roma Street or Central
Easy rail link; useful for a half-day in the city.
Capalaba
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive or bus from Cleveland, about 20 min
Redland Art Gallery branch and a suburban mall; only worth it if you are already nearby.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Cleveland
Main town, train terminus, ferry terminal for North Stradbroke; motels and the visitor centre on Raby Bay Harbour.
Raby Bay
Canal-side apartments and restaurants, a short drive or walk from Cleveland station.
Capalaba
Inland shopping and services; cheaper beds but no ferry access, about 20 min drive from Cleveland.
North Stradbroke Island (Dunwich / Point Lookout)
Stay on the island to avoid a same-day ferry return; Point Lookout has the surf beaches and most accommodation.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–250 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- A$280 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or apartment double room1 × 1 night × A$190 | A$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$190 | A$380 |
| Cleveland line train from Brisbane, one way2 × A$8 · check | A$16 |
| Ferry Cleveland to Dunwich, one way2 × A$22 · check | A$44 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$68 |
| Trip total≈ A$374 per person per day, bed included | A$748≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Fish and chips (takeaway) | A$12–20 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Pub meal | A$20–35 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Ferry Cleveland to Dunwich, one way | A$20–25 (≈ US$14–17) (check) |
| Train Brisbane to Cleveland, one way | A$7–9 (≈ US$5–6) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No motorway access: allow extra time from Brisbane in peak hour.
- Ferry and train timetables are limited in the evening; check the last service before booking a late dinner.
- Summer heat and humidity Dec–Feb; carry water on island walks.
- Some island beaches have strong currents and no patrolled swimming outside peak season.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Redland CityThe Redlands
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
Most embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra or Sydney; the US and UK have consulates in Brisbane (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Brisbane to Cleveland: about A$7–9 (≈ US$5–6), about 1 h (check)
- Ferry Cleveland to Dunwich: about A$20–25 (≈ US$14–17), about 25–50 min (check)
- Taxi Cleveland to Capalaba: about A$30–40 (≈ US$20–30) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the ferry terminal? — Where is the ferry terminal?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Tipping is not expected in Australia.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Redland City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (mild, dry); Sep–Nov for whale watching off Stradbroke · avoid Dec–Feb (hot, humid, storm season); school holidays for ferry crowds · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry and train timetable fixtures for Cleveland, so last-service cutoffs can go green.
- Walking clusters for Cleveland (museum, lighthouse, galleries) and Point Lookout.
- Island stay pages with verified ferry times and beach access notes.
- Arrival fixtures from Brisbane Airport and CBD by road and rail.
Sources
- officialRedland City Council
- officialVisit Redlands Coast
- secondaryWikivoyage: Redland City, revision 5158233 (CC BY-SA 4.0)