Southern Queensland SUPERYACHT GUIDE

BRISBANE

Surrounding Brisbane are some incredible attractions and sights to experience, both on the water and on land, which can be enjoyed as pre-planned day trips. Day trip discoveries

Afloat: ghostly ruins, delicious dining

On the doorstep of Brisbane are the stunning Moreton Bay cruising grounds and, together with its islands, they provide a pristine playground for all to enjoy. Moreton Island is one of the world’s largest sand islands and its beaches offer visitors clean white sand along with calm waters within the bay for diving and snorkelling.

For a day trip from the Brisbane River, take a tender support vessel into Moreton Bay. First stop is to check out some local history with a morning visit to St Helena Island (Noogoon), just 4km from the river mouth off the Bayside suburbs of Wynnum and Manly. sthelenaisland.com.au

The island was a convict prison back in the 1860s and it gained a reputation as the ‘hell home of the Pacific’ as the conditions and severe punishments were well-known and, as an island, there were very few escapes. It became a prison farm in the 1920s and eventually closed completely in 1932. It is now a National Park and the building ruins are Heritage- listed.

Book with Cat o’Nine Tails Cruises in advance. Arrange to meet them at the island for a pre-arranged private tour. The island has a jetty and arrangements can be made for the tender to remain alongside for the duration of the tour. Cat o’Nine Tails often use actors and singers to depict some of the more dramatic moments in history on the island. And, if there is a preference to visit at night, there is a Ghost Tour for some fun and adventure in the dark! https://tinyurl.com/yxh3zjgf

parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/st- helena-island/about/culture

Brisbane

Leaving St Helena Island, it is a short trip into Manly for lunch at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly Boat Harbour.

The club has two dining options – a more casual menu at the Boardwalk Café or dine at Ancora Ristorante (Wed-Sun) with a fabulous Italian menu. Both outlets overlook the marina and outdoor seating is available.

Call RQYS in advance to book dining reservations and to use the visitors dock in the marina. Non- members welcome with sign-in at reception. Return to downtown Brisbane by tender or by car. rqys.com.au/food-beverage

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SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND SUPERYACHT GUIDE

SUPERYACHT AUSTRALIA