travel

Everyone's raving about this festival near Brisbane and yep, it's kid-friendly.

Redland City Council
Thanks to our brand partner, Redland City Council

If you're craving the vibe of a weekend away — minus the packing stress, melted car snacks or budget blowout — Redlands Coast AdventureFest is for you.

Happening just outside Brisbane from May 16 to 25, this 10-day festival is all about fun, freedom and fresh air — the kind that clears your head and gets everyone off their screens (willingly!).

It's a city-wide celebration designed to help you explore the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast your way — from active adventures and foodie finds to art, nature connections, wellness escapes and kid-friendly activities that won't end in meltdowns.

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Sounds good? Thought so.

What is Redlands Coast AdventureFest?

Redlands Coast AdventureFest is a "choose your own adventure"-style festival, designed to let you explore the region in a way that works for you.

It's delivered by Redland City Council and puts a well-deserved spotlight on Redlands Coast as a true adventure destination.

It celebrates everything this beautiful part of the world has to offer, with events set across the bay, mountains and conservation reserves.

You'll find trail runs, mountain biking, a state hillclimbing championship and the always-iconic Straddie Salute Triathlon Festival. There's even a tree-climbing competition for arborists (yes, that's a real thing and yes, it's as cool as it sounds).

Image: Supplied/Instagram/@redlandscoast.

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If you're more "food, art and chill" than "sweaty lycra and medals", you're also very much in the right place.

There are culinary tastings, picnics and wine pairings, art workshops, guided nature walks (where you can spot koalas!), pre-loved market stalls and even a water lantern festival and night sky viewing for those who like their adventures a little slower and a lot prettier.

Image: Supplied.

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Come for the…

Free fun and entertainment.

If you only make it to one thing during AdventureFest, make it the Redlands Coast AdventureFest Fun Day, happening Saturday, May 17, at Raby Bay Harbour Park.

It's totally free, runs from 10am to 5pm, and is packed with the kind of all-ages, family-friendly entertainment that makes the festival a standout.

There will be jetpack water shows, interactive wildlife presentations, mini sports and games for the kids (and the kids at heart), live performances, delicious local eats and giveaways.

Image: Supplied.

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And making a special appearance? TV favourite Ranger Stacey, who'll be bringing her animal know-how and signature energy. If you've got kids, they'll be glued.

But even beyond the Fun Day, the program is packed with good stuff. Expect a blend of community-led events, council-run experiences and special offers from local tourism operators and businesses — so there's something happening in every corner of the coast.

And the best part? You can do it all without even leaving Brisbane's backyard.

Stay for the…

Connection to the community, even if you're just visiting for a day.

The festival isn't just about ticking off an events list; it's about connecting with the people who make Redlands Coast so special.

You could be chatting with local artists at an art workshop or sampling local produce at the food stalls, and you'll find that everything feels genuine, warm and full of heart.

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And the whole festival gives you a chance to step right into the heart of Redlands Coast — from exploring its scenic spots to discovering hidden treasures in local cafes and markets.

What's so unique about it?

What really sets the festival apart is how flexible it is. The whole "choose your own adventure" format means there's no pressure to stick to a packed itinerary or be in a million places at once.

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Think of it more like a buffet: grab what you're into, skip what you're not and go back for seconds when the kids ask to.

How you do the festival is completely up to you.

Maybe it's a full weekend away soaking up the coast, or just a quick trip for the Fun Day. Maybe it's a food tasting here, a wellness workshop there and a solo wander through a walking trail in between.

And because everything is dotted across the coast, you've got the perfect excuse to explore new corners of Redlands Coast — trust me, the setting alone is worth the trip.

Why does Mamamia recommend it?

This is the rare kind of event that ticks the "fun for the whole family" box without also being secretly a bit of a chore for the adults.

There's something for everyone — whether you're a family with kids of wildly different ages (and attention spans), a couple wanting a break from the usual weekend routine, or someone craving adventure, a new view and a really good snack.

And you don't need to spend a fortune or commit to a full weekend to have a great experience.

It's local, fresh, low-pressure and genuinely enjoyable. And that's why we love it.

Okay, what's the practical stuff I need to know?

Here's what you'll want to pop in your calendar.

Redlands Coast AdventureFest runs from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 25 2025, with events across the Redlands region — from the coastline to the hinterland to the islands.

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The Redlands Coast AdventureFest Fun Day happens Saturday, May 17 at Raby Bay Harbour Park from 10am-5pm, and it's free. This part is free, so no tickets, no fuss — just show up and enjoy.

Check out the full Redlands Coast AdventureFest program online to discover what's on.

Feature Image: Supplied/Instagram/@wellingtonpointfarmhouse/.

Redland City Council
Redland City Council invites you to choose your own adventure on Redlands Coast. Explore, connect, and celebrate the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast though an action-packed 10-day program of epic events and experiences from 16-25 May. Whether you're seeking events that get your heart racing, restore your soul, create lasting family memories, allow you to immerse yourself in nature or indulge your inner foodie, Redlands Coast AdventureFest has an adventure for everyone.

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