Tourism

Sirromet winery bar

A cornerstone sector enabling city growth

Tourism is a key pillar of the Redlands Coast economy, capitalising on the region’s unique blend of island experiences, natural landscapes, cultural heritage and coastal lifestyle.

Located in south-east Queensland, Redlands Coast attracts visitors seeking authentic nature-based, adventure, cultural and lifestyle experiences, while offering significant opportunities for investment in accommodation, hospitality, attractions and visitor infrastructure.

The sector is supported by the Redlands Coast Destination Management Plan 2023–2028 and is positioned for continued growth as domestic and international visitation increases.

Why Redlands Coast

Redlands Coast offers tourism businesses and investors access to a growing visitor destination, underpinned by exceptional natural assets, strong regional connectivity and a diverse range of unique visitor experiences.

  • Strategic location within South East Queensland, with easy access to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Brisbane Airport and major transport hubs.
  • A tourism sector contributing $434 million in output to the local economy.
  • More than 3,100 local jobs supported by the tourism industry.
  • Approximately 400 tourism-related businesses operating across the region.
  • Diverse tourism assets spanning bush, bay, beaches and island environments, creating year-round visitor appeal.
  • Rich Quandamooka cultural heritage, providing opportunities for authentic cultural tourism experiences.
  • Unique visitor experiences that distinguish Redlands Coast from other destinations in south-east Queensland.

Investment opportunities

Redlands Coast is poised for significant tourism growth, creating opportunities across:

  • Accommodation and hospitality, including boutique hotels, eco-lodges, wellness retreats and premium visitor experiences
  • Nature and adventure tourism, leveraging the region's unique landscapes for eco-tourism, outdoor recreation and water-based experiences
  • Cultural tourism, building on the rich heritage of the Quandamooka People through authentic storytelling, guided tours, arts and cultural experiences
  • Tourism infrastructure and events, supported by increased visitation and global exposure associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Future outlook

Tourism is expected to remain one of Redlands Coast’s strongest employment-generating sectors and is forecast to play an increasingly important role in the region’s economy. Growth in international tourism, strong government support, evolving visitor preferences and the global profile generated by Brisbane 2032 present significant opportunities for industry expansion. Emerging trends include increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly experiences, digital visitor engagement, wellness tourism and authentic cultural experiences, positioning Redlands Coast as a leading tourism destination in south-east Queensland.

Latest tourism insights

Case studies

Sirromet

Sirromet is Queensland’s most awarded winery and one of the state’s premier food, wine and tourism destinations, operating from a landmark estate at Mount Cotton on the Redlands Coast.

Established 2000 – 560 acre Mount Cotton estate – 900+ national and international awards – Major tourism destination – Export capable operation

Sirromet is a flagship example of how agribusiness, advanced production, tourism and lifestyle intersect at scale on the Redlands Coast. Founded by Queensland entrepreneur Terry Morris, Sirromet was established to challenge perceptions of Queensland wine and has since become one of Australia’s most recognisable regional wine brands.

While Sirromet’s vineyards are located in the Granite Belt, the winery’s state‑of‑the‑art production, hospitality and tourism facilities are based at Mount Cotton. This location provides the accessibility, scale and natural setting required to support advanced winemaking alongside high‑volume visitor experiences.

Spanning more than 560 acres of bushland, the estate integrates wine production, a cellar door, premium dining, major events infrastructure and on‑site accommodation at Sanctuary by Sirromet. This diversified model enables multiple revenue streams, including domestic and export wine sales, tourism, weddings, concerts and corporate functions.

Sirromet’s wines have earned over 900 national and international awards, positioning both the brand and the region on the global stage. Sustainability initiatives are embedded across operations, including water reuse, waste reduction, composting, energy efficiency and large‑scale solar generation.

Tourism plays a central role in Sirromet’s success, attracting visitors from across Queensland, interstate and overseas. Its proximity to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay supports strong visitation, while major concerts and festivals reinforce its role as a cornerstone attraction on the Redlands Coast.

Sirromet’s continued investment and growth demonstrate the region’s capacity to support complex, high‑value enterprises that combine production, tourism, export and lifestyle in a single destination.

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Why Redlands Coast

Key advantages include:

  • Large landholdings suitable for integrated agribusiness and tourism
  • Proximity to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and domestic/international visitors
  • Natural landscapes that elevate premium food and wine experiences
  • Infrastructure capable of supporting major events and tourism volumes
  • A lifestyle destination that attracts visitors, staff and investment.

“The Redlands Coast provides the space, accessibility and natural setting required to operate a world class winery experience at scale. Sirromet’s Mount Cotton estate allows us to bring together premium wine production, tourism, events and hospitality in one destination, while remaining closely connected to major markets.”

Straddie Brewing Co

Straddie Brewing Co is an award‑winning island craft brewery and destination hospitality venue located in Dunwich on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), positioned as a flagship visitor experience on Redlands Coast.

Established on Minjerribah – Three storey purpose built brewery – Island aquifer water – Major tourism drawcard – Integrated beer, food & experiences  

Located minutes from the ferry terminal, Straddie Brewing Co is a standout example of place‑based manufacturing integrated with destination tourism. The brewery produces a core range of beers inspired by the island’s environment and culture, including Point Lookout Lager, Amity Pale Ale and Myora Springs Gose, with locally sourced aquifer water central to product identity and quality.

Designed as both a working brewery and immersive visitor venue, the facility combines brewing operations with a taproom, rooftop bar, food offering and event spaces. Visitors can view fermentation tanks from within the venue, while the rooftop deck delivers panoramic views across Moreton Bay to the Brisbane skyline.

The business extends into experience‑led tourism through brewery tours, the Rooftop “Beer ’n’ Bed” accommodation, and the world‑first Straddie BrewAIRy Tours, blending scenic flights with curated beer tastings.

With strong local supply chains, acknowledgement of Quandamooka Country and inclusive design, Straddie Brewing Co demonstrates how distinctive, sustainable visitor economy businesses can thrive on Redlands Coast.

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Why Redlands Coast

Minjerribah and the broader Redlands Coast provide a unique platform for destination led food and beverage businesses.

Key advantages include:

  • Strong visitor demand driven by natural assets and proximity to Brisbane
  • Transport connectivity via ferry, water taxi and mainland gateways
  • Ability to anchor manufacturing within immersive tourism experiences
  • Supportive regional tourism and economic development networks
  • A distinctive island identity that strengthens brand storytelling and export appeal.

“Straddie Brewing Co exists because of Minjerribah. The island’s water, landscape and community are integral to every beer we brew and every experience we offer. Being based on the Redlands Coast allows us to create something truly unique that visitors can’t find anywhere else.”

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