Heading to the residential suburb of Kallangur for a holiday? Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or solo, this centrally-located town holds a rich history and acts as a gateway to nearby sights and scenes. Head here for a look into Australia’s war history with monument sightseeing along Memorial Avenue, settle in for pub favourites and sharing plates at the Kallungur Tavern and paddle along the peaceful waters of Lake Kurwongbah. Discover the best of Kallungur and Greater Brisbane with our handy guide below.
A Trip Down Memorial Avenue
When driving around the Moreton Bay region, you’ll notice a common theme running through the major towns. ANZAC Avenue is the main road and thoroughfare that stretches from the coastal town of Redcliffe, all the way to Petrie. As the name suggests, ANZAC Ave pays tribute to the ANZACs who fought in the First World War, with many of the towns featuring memorial sites and statues. Turn your Greater Brisbane holiday into an engaging history expedition with a drive through the heritage-listed ANZAC Memorial Avenue. Starting in Mango Hill, you’ll pass by the 11th Light Horse Memorial which commemorates the regiment with a statue and plaque. In town in Kallangur, there are three memorial sites on the map, so it’s worth parking the rental car to discover the area on foot.
The Vietnam Veterans Place is the perfect setting to relax with a packed lunch or picnic while learning about the ANZACs. A quaint site tucked away from the main road, discover the dedication rock, Roll of Honour and flag station among the picturesque gardens. Only a 15-minute walk away, the Town Centre Memorial Gate displays statues of soldiers and signage describing the impact of the war on the Pine Rivers community. Pause for a moment here and sit beside the statued townsfolk, imagining what life would be like during this time. Next on the list is the Naval Memorial under the water tower at Curruthers Park. This monument features telegraph poles painted to represent Australian naval history and sits under a 33-metre-high painted water tower - part of the Australian Silo Art Trail. The final ANZAC memorial in Kallangur is the HMAS AE2 submarine replica at the Ruth Whitfield Memorial Park. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the monument showcases the importance of HMAS AE2 during WWI. Lastly, reflect on the day’s teachings at the ANZAC Park Remembrance Site in Petrie. Here you’ll find a colourful mosaic tile artwork among several other monuments in the park.
Day Trips Within Reach
Moving away from the tree-lined streets of the suburbs, take the rental car out to Bribie Island, the only Moreton Bay island accessible by car. Ready to dive into beautiful blue waters and collect seashells on the shore? Turn your suburban holiday into a beach day getaway with a visit to Woorim Beach. Beloved in Bridie, the waters are especially perfect for fishing, surfing and even swimming if the tide is low. Let your hair down and embrace the beachy vibes with a bite to eat at Pigface Seafood Cafe. With a huge menu comprising everything from ocean fresh fish to salads, sandwiches and steak, take advantage of outdoor dining on a sunny day for the best views of the beach. Across from Woorim, flutter on down to the Bribie Island Butterfly House. Wander through the colourful sanctuary and bring your camera along to capture magical moments! On the other side of the island, delve into maritime memories at the Seaside Museum. With First Nations stories, a collection of preserved fish and interactive exhibits, you can even bring the kids along for a fun and educational family activity.
For a day trip out closer to Kallangur, discover the vibrant Redcliffe Peninsula. Well-known as the town where the Bee Gees grew up, Redcliffe certainly celebrates this notoriety with a 70-metre beachside walkway dedicated to the band. Music lovers can stroll along Bee Gees Way and pose for photos with statues of the band, read about the disco music makers’ history and enjoy a nighttime light show set to their greatest hits. On the shore, visitors can take a dip in the man-made Settlement Cove Lagoon. From a kids' water play area to a miniature riverbed, the whole family will enjoy a sunny day spent swimming in the lagoon. Nearby you’ll find the Beatles-inspired Yabbey Road Cafe where you can dig into traditional English-style fish and chips for lunch. Once the sun sets, the Woody Point Jetty is a spectacle on the southern shore with twinkling lights reflecting off the water. Head here with an ice cream from The Big Kid Ice Creamery and watch the sunset on the horizon.
From the tranquil suburb settings of Kallangur and Petrie to the epic shorelines of Bribie Island and Redcliffe, see it all in a Thrifty rental car!