Complete Travel Guide to Redland, Australia

Redland Redland City, also known as the Redlands and formerly known as Redland Shire, is a local government area (LGA) and a part of Greater Brisbane in South East Queensland, Australia. With a population of 159,222 as of June 2021, Redland City is spread along the southern coast of Moreton Bay, covering 537.2 square kilometres (207.4 sq mi). The city borders the City of Brisbane to the west and north-west and Logan City to the south-west and south, while its islands are situated north of the City of Gold Coast. Positioned at coordinates -27.53791°N, 153.24829°E, Redland occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Redland place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 37.0 meters above sea level, Redland benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Redland creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 163732 residents, Redland maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Redland represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Redland reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Australia, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Queensland province, Redland contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Australia's regional character. The role of Redland in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Redland discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Australia while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Redland

History St Pauls Anglican Church in Cleveland, ca 1905 See also: History of Brisbane and Moreton Bay § History The area now known as the Redlands was initially inhabited by the Jagera, Turrbal, and Quandamooka people Some locations derive their names from Aboriginal languages, and known historic sites within the area include a bora ring at Mount Cotton.

The Quandamooka are recognised as the traditional custodians of North Stradbroke Island, and more recently applied for native title over much of the Redlands' surrounding islands and mainland Jandai (also known as Janday, Jandewal, Djendewal, Jundai, Goenpul and Jandawal), is one of the Aboriginal languages used on Stradbroke Island.

Europeans first entered the Redlands in the late 18th century while mapping Moreton Bay: James Cook made observations of the then-undivided Stradbroke Island; Matthew Flinders landed on Coochiemudlo Island in 1799; and Robert Dixon later surveyed and named much of the area.

By the 1840s, the coastal township of Cleveland was in contention to become a major port replacing Brisbane, but was ultimately not chosen due to the region's existing sandbars and shipwrecks, and an unfavourable review from Governor George Gipps during his 1842 visit.

Louis Hope and other land purchasers began to develop significant infrastructure at this time On 11 November 1879, under the _Divisional Boards Act 1879_ , the Tingalpa Division was created to govern the area to the east of metropolitan Brisbane The area around Cleveland split away to form the Cleveland Division on 30 May 1885.

Under the _Local Authorities Act 1902_ , both became Shires on 31 March 1903 The Tingalpa council met at Mount Cotton On 1 October 1925, a sizeable portion of the Shire of Tingalpa (suburbs west of Tingalpa Creek, including Upper Mount Gravatt and Rochedale) became part of the new City of Brisbane along with 20 other local governments.

On 9 December 1948, as part of a major reorganisation of local government in South East Queensland, an Order in Council renamed the Shire of Cleveland to be Shire of Redland and amalgamated part of Shire of Tingalpa into it (the other part of Tingalpa amalgamated to form the Shire of Albert).

The twentieth century saw significant population growth in the Redlands, preceded by the construction of the Cleveland railway line Peel Island became a leper colony, while North Stradbroke Island became a hub for sand mining, and is also associated with the Indigenous rights movement as the home of poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal and academic Aileen Moreton-Robinson.

On 15 March 2008, Redlands was granted city status In June 2018, the Redland City Council approved a marketing campaign to brand the city as "Redlands Coast" with the tagline "naturally wonderful" The campaign seeks to attract tourists to the city's 335 kilometres (208 mi) of coastline (due to a number of islands which form part of the city).

"The Turrbal and Jagera People".

The historical trajectory of Redland demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Redland reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Redland remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Satellite view from the southwest of Southern Moreton Bay, Queensland – labelled are the many islands created from the outflow of the Logan River behind the barrier of North and South Stradbroke Islands Although most of the population resides on the main urban conglomeration based around the centres of Capalaba, Cleveland and Victoria Point, over 6,000 people live on islands in Moreton Bay that are part of the city. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Redland, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. These are North Stradbroke, Coochiemudlo and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands of Karragarra, Lamb, Russell and Macleay. Tingalpa Creek rises on Mount Cotton, forming Leslie Harrison Dam, and marking the majority of the area's western boundary. Mary Howells, "Living on the Edge: along Tingalpa Creek a history of Upper Tingalpa, Capalaba and Thorneside", University of Queensland, 2001: "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2015. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link), Retrieved 19 May 2015.

The topographic characteristics of Redland result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Redland region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Redland area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Redland has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Redland demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Redland create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of Redland reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Redland create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Redland determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Redland create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Redland demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Redland include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Picnic area of Venman Bushland National Park in Mount Cotton The following table lists of the population of Redland City and its predecessor local government areas: Year Population Notes 1947 5,211 [citation needed] 1954 7,365 [citation needed] 1961 10000 [citation needed] 1966 12,632 [citation needed] 1971 16,672 [citation needed] 1976 27,539 [citation needed] 1981 42,527 [citation needed] 1986 58,501 [citation needed] 1991 80,690 [citation needed] 1996 100,101 [citation needed] 2001 113,811 2006 127,627 2011 138,666 2016 147,010 2021 159,222 1. The demographic composition of Redland reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Australian Bureau of Statistics (9 March 2006). “Redland City (LGA)”. 2001 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 22 June 2024. Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). “Redland City (LGA)”. 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 22 June 2024. Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). “Redland City (LGA)”. 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 22 June 2024. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). “Redland City (LGA)”. 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 October 2018. Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). “Redland City (LGA)”. 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 28 February 2023.

Culture and heritage Redland Museum, viewed from the Cleveland Showgrounds Redland City has a number of important cultural facilities, including the Redland Art Gallery, Redland Museum, and Redland Performing Arts Centre. The city also has many heritage-listed sites, including: * Multiple historic sites of Cleveland, such as the Cleveland Point Light, Old Cleveland Police Station, Cleveland Pioneer Cemetery, Grand View Hotel, and the historic pine trees near the Point * The church, public hall, causeway and public reserve in Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island * Whepstead Manor at Wellington Point * The Industrial Ruins on Macleay Island * The Ormiston House Estate and Fellmongery * Norfolk Island Pine Trees * Serpentine Creek Road Cemetery in Redland Bay. #Libraries The Redland City Council operate public libraries at Amity Point, Capalaba, Cleveland, Dunwich, Point Lookout, Russell Island and Victoria Point. There is a mobile library serving Alexandra Hills, Mount Cotton Park, Redland Bay, Thorneside, Victoria Point, and Wellington Point. The External links section of this article includes a link to a search of the Queensland Heritage Register which gives a complete list of all heritage-listed places in Redland City. “Cleveland Lighthouse (former) (entry 600772)”. Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 12 July 2013. “Library opening hours and locations”. Redland City Council. Archived from the original on 30 January 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018. “Mobile Library”. Redland City Council. Archived from the original on 30 January 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018.

The cultural landscape of Redland represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Redland reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Redland continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Redland provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Redland demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Redland provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Raby Bay Marina, viewed from the centre of Cleveland For the year ending 30 June 2014, Redland City's Gross Regional Product (GRP) was estimated to be 4. 77 billion dollars. Year (Ending June) Redland City – % Change in GRP Queensland – % Change in GRP 2014 1. 6 Eastern curlew visiting the shore of Cleveland Key industry sectors include health care and social assistance, retail trade, education and training, sand mining, construction and tourism. During the year ending in June 2014, an estimated 41,506 jobs were located in Redland City, along with an estimated 74,089 employed residents, meaning 32,035 (or 47. 1%) of Redland City's employed residents who work travel outside of the area to do so. Year (Ending June) Redland City – Employed Residents Redland City – Local Jobs 2014 74,089 41,506 2013 74,141 41,788 2012 74,633 43,138 2011 73,863 43,485 2010 73,033 42,888 2009 73,207 41,829 #Mining North Stradbroke Island, one of the world's largest sand islands, has been the subject of sand mining operations since 1949. In 2010, Queensland's Labor Government announced a phase-out of the sand mining industry over a 17-year period, with up to 80% of the island to be covered by national park. In April 2011, the government then extended key expired mining leases to allow mining to continue at the main _Enterprise_ sand mine until the end of 2019, while Sibelco was interested in an extension to 2027. 2013 saw the LNP Government pass legislation allowing sand mining on the island for an extra 16 years: from 2019 to 2035. For mining to continue past 2019 at the _Enterprise_ sand mine, the lease owner (currently Sibelco) would have to apply for an extension in 2019, under legislative amendments passed by the Newman Government in November 2013. However, if the amendments are repealed by a future government before 2019, the mine will close on 31 December 2019, the closure date legislated by the government in April 2011. The circumstances leading up to this legislative amendment have been referred to Queensland's Crime and Misconduct Commission. On 6 June 2014, North Stradbroke Island's traditional owners, the Quandamooka people, initiated a legal challenge saying, on the grounds that the LNP Government's extension of mining contravened the Federal Native Title Act. In May 2016, legislation passed by the Palaszczuk Ministry did confirm that sand mining on North Stradbroke will end by 2019. Mainland quarries are located in the suburb of Mount Cotton, and have drawn their own criticisms concerning allegations of pollution and OHS breaches. #Development Protest against the planned marina and high-rise buildings in Cleveland Toondah Harbour in Cleveland is the location of the Stradbroke Island Ferry Terminal, used by water taxis and vehicular ferries to provide access to North Stradbroke Island.

The economic structure of Redland reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Redland often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Redland serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Redland demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Redland has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Redland focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transport Wellington Point station, the Redlands’ third stop along the Cleveland line Queensland Rail operates the Cleveland railway line, which connects the Redlands with Brisbane as part of its City network. The line runs parallel with the Brisbane River to its south, passing through Brisbane’s Cannon Hill and Wynnum, before crossing Tingalpa Creek to enter Redland City. Northern suburbs of the city are serviced by five stations: Thorneside, Birkdale, Wellington Point, Ormiston, and Cleveland, where the line terminates. The TransLink (South East Queensland) bus network is prevalent in the Redlands. Bus stations at Capalaba and Victoria Point feature regular city- bound and outbound connections, with direct services to Carindale, Eight Mile Plains, Loganholme, and the Brisbane CBD during peak hour. Plans for extending the Eastern Busway to Capalaba bus station were “paused” in 2011 but a new planning study commenced in 2022. The Gateway Motorway and Pacific Motorway are located further west within the City of Brisbane. Major roads are accessible from these highways, such as Old Cleveland Road, Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road, and Mount Cotton Road, which enter the Redlands from Chandler, Burbank, and Cornubia, respectively. Stephanie Bennett “Brisbane Metro: Funding for Eastern Metro Study to pave way for route through eastern suburbs to Capalaba”, Courier Mail, 11 November 2022 “Eastern Busway”. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.

Transportation infrastructure serving Redland reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Australia. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Redland.

Regional connectivity from Redland provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Planning Your Visit to Redland

Successful visits to Redland require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Redland often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Redland include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Redland extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.