Redcliffe, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Redcliffe Queensland
Suttons Beach, a popular spot in Redcliffe
Redcliffe Location in Queensland
Population	10,460 (2021 census)
• Density	2,490/km2 (6,400/sq mi)
Established	13 September 1824
Postcode(s)	4020
Elevation	12 m (39 ft)
Area	4.2 km2 (1.6 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	19.8 km (12 mi) NE of Strathpine 28.1 km (17 mi) SE of Caboolture 32.1 km (20 mi) NNE of Brisbane CBD 71 km (44 mi) S of Caloundra
LGA(s)	City of Moreton Bay
State electorate(s)	Redcliffe
Federal Division(s)	Petrie
Localities around Redcliffe: Newport Scarborough Moreton Bay Kippa-Ring Redcliffe Moreton Bay Margate Margate Moreton Bay

Redcliffe is a town and suburb located on the coast in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. It's found on the Redcliffe Peninsula, which sticks out into Moreton Bay. Since the 1880s, Redcliffe has been a popular place for holidays by the sea in South East Queensland. In 2021, about 10,460 people lived in the suburb of Redcliffe.

Where is Redcliffe Located?

Redcliffe is on the north-east side of the Redcliffe Peninsula. It sits on the western shore of Moreton Bay. The town is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) north-north-east of the Brisbane city center. Redcliffe is the main business area for the entire Redcliffe Peninsula and its nearby suburbs.

The Story of Redcliffe

Before Europeans arrived, the Redcliffe Peninsula was home to the Ningy Ningy people. Their name for the area was Kau-in-Kau-in, which means "Blood-Blood," likely referring to the red cliffs.

A special Aboriginal meeting place called a Bora ring used to be between Kippa-Ring and Anzac Avenue. Aboriginal people from far away, like Noosa, would travel here for important ceremonies. Sadly, it was removed around 1950.

The name "Redcliffe" comes from "Red Cliff Point," given by explorer Matthew Flinders. He named it after the red cliffs at Woody Point. Redcliffe was Queensland's very first European settlement in 1824. However, it was soon left behind for a new site in Brisbane.

First European Settlement

Redcliffe holds a special place as the first European settlement in Queensland. Matthew Flinders first visited the area on 17 July 1799. Later, explorer John Oxley suggested "Red Cliff Point" to Governor Thomas Brisbane for a new Moreton Bay penal colony. Oxley noted that ships could easily land there close to the shore.

The penal colony was set up at Redcliffe on 13 September 1824. Lieutenant Henry Miller led 14 soldiers, their families, and 29 convicts. But after just one year, the settlement was moved. They went south to a spot on the Brisbane River at North Quay. This new location, about 28 kilometers (17 miles) away, had a more reliable water supply. This move led to the start of Brisbane, which is now Queensland's capital city.

Growing as a Seaside Town

Portwood Estate map from 1878, showing an early plan for a railway line.

In the 1860s, Redcliffe became a farming area. Then, in the 1880s, it grew quickly as a popular seaside holiday town. In 1878, land was sold in an area called Portwood Estate. It was described as "large, elevated, picturesque, salubrious," meaning it was a great place to live. The map from that time even showed a railway line planned for Redcliffe. However, the actual Redcliffe Peninsula railway line didn't open until October 2016, 138 years later!

A beachside path in Redcliffe in 1906.

Redcliffe State School opened around 1888. It later combined with Humpybong State School in 1909.

From 1911, a special boat called the Koopa made regular trips to Redcliffe jetty. People would travel by steamer from Sandgate pier to Woody Point Pier. In 1935, the Hornibrook Bridge was finished. This bridge connected Clontarf (in Redcliffe) to Brighton (in Brisbane). It made it much easier for cars to get to Redcliffe, leading to fast growth. Because of the bridge, the steamer trips stopped.

Our Lady Help of Christians School opened in January 1922 but closed in 1995.

Redcliffe Presbyterian Church in Prince Edward Parade, built in 1937.

Redcliffe State High School opened on 3 February 1958.

The Bee Gees in Redcliffe

In 1958, the Gibb family moved to Redcliffe from England. Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb later became the famous music group, The Bee Gees. In 1959, a local race car driver named Bill Goode hired the brothers. They sang for the crowds at the Redcliffe Speedway from the back of a truck. This was their very first public performance in Australia!

Barry Gibb wrote in 1999 that the smell of oil and the atmosphere at the speedway were amazing. He said, "This was the first public appearance Robin, Maurice and I ever made in Australia." They sang through the loudspeaker, and people threw money onto the track. They also met a DJ who suggested they call themselves the "BG's." This is why Redcliffe is known as the birthplace of the Bee Gees.

Redcliffe Opportunity School opened in 1964 and was renamed Redcliffe State Special School in 1989.

The former Redcliffe Town Council Chambers building in 2016.

The first tall apartment building was built along Marine Parade in 1974. For many years, not many more tall buildings were built. But in the 2000s and 2010s, people became interested in Redcliffe again as a place to live by the sea. Now, you can find many high-rise buildings and mixed-use developments along the coastline.

In 1975, the toll (a fee to use the road) on the Hornibrook Highway was removed. The current Redcliffe Library opened in 2000.

Who Lives in Redcliffe?

In 2021, the suburb of Redcliffe had a population of 10,460 people. The average age of people living in Redcliffe was 44 years old. About 15.5% of the population were children under 15, and 20.7% were people aged 65 and over. Most people (68.4%) living in Redcliffe were born in Australia. Other common birthplaces included England (7%) and New Zealand (6.3%). Most people (86.8%) spoke only English at home.

Important Places in Redcliffe

Redcliffe has several places that are protected because of their history. These include:

• Anzac Memorial Avenue
• Redcliffe State High School buildings
• Redcliffe Fire Station
• Comino's Arcade
• Former Redcliffe Town Council Chambers

Learning in Redcliffe

Redcliffe has two main schools:

• Redcliffe Special School is for primary and secondary students (Years 7-12). It helps students with special learning needs. In 2018, it had 121 students.
• Redcliffe State High School is a government secondary school for boys and girls (Years 7-12). In 2018, it had 1,319 students. It also has a special education program.

There are no regular primary schools directly in Redcliffe. Students usually go to schools in nearby suburbs like Scarborough, Kippa-Ring, or Margate.

Fun Things to Do in Redcliffe

Settlement Cove Lagoon, a popular swimming spot.

Suttons Beach, great for a swim.

Redcliffe Jetty, a place for fishing and walks.

Redcliffe has many fun places to visit:

• Suttons Beach is a great spot for swimming.
• Redcliffe Jetty is perfect for fishing or a stroll.
• Settlement Cove Lagoon is a large public swimming area.
• Redcliffe Museum teaches you about the area's history.
• Redcliffe Botanic Gardens are beautiful gardens to explore.
• Redcliffe Showgrounds host various events.

The Redcliffe Parade area has many restaurants and cafes. On Sundays, the Redcliffe Markets are held along Redcliffe Parade. Thousands of people visit these markets, which are great for local businesses.

Every September, Redcliffe celebrates its history as Queensland's first European settlement with the Redcliffe Festival. This festival takes over the Redcliffe city center, with Redcliffe Parade closed to traffic. Other events during the festival include KiteFest, The Jetty Fiesta, and Spring Break Beach Party.

A special statue and walkway honoring the Bee Gees were opened by Barry Gibb in 2013. He returned in 2015 to open the second part of the walkway.

The Moreton Bay City Council also runs a public library in Redcliffe.

Sports and Recreation

Redcliffe is home to many sports teams:

• Redcliffe City Cyclones (cricket)
• Peninsula Cricket clubs
• Sandgate-Redcliffe Gators (basketball)
• Redcliffe Tigers (Australian Rules Football)
• Peninsula Power FC (soccer)
• Redcliffe Padres (baseball)

The most famous team is the semi-professional Redcliffe Dolphins rugby league team. They play in the Queensland Cup. A new professional team, the Dolphins (NRL), joined the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2023. While they play most of their games in Brisbane, some are played at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe. This stadium is also where the team trains.

• 

  Leagues Club wall

• 

  Redcliffe Leagues Club

• 

  Kayo Stadium

• 

  Stadium view from club

Redcliffe also has the only harness racing track north of Brisbane, at the Redcliffe Harness Racing & Sporting Club.

Getting Around Redcliffe

Redcliffe has a small airport called Redcliffe Airport (YRED). It's located about 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) north-west of Redcliffe in Rothwell.

Public transport in Redcliffe is run by Translink. Most buses connect to train stations like Kippa-Ring or Sandgate. Buses also go to nearby areas like North Lakes and Deception Bay.

In 2016, a new train line opened. It connects the existing Caboolture line at Petrie to Kippa-Ring station. This line serves six stations, including Rothwell and Mango Hill, which is close to North Lakes Westfield and IKEA.

Redcliffe's Weather