The Redlands - Historic Drive
This fascinating drive takes in some of the Redland’s most significant heritage sites .
1. Wellington Point, end of Main Road- Wellington Point has always been a well-loved day trip, as it is a great spot for a swim, a picnic or barbeque or a spot of fishing off the jetty. Once, the "Point" was cut off from the mainland by a low gully known as Kangaroo Gully. The history of Wellington Point dates back to the mid 1800s, with some of the most significant buildings from that era still being used today.
2. Whepstead Manor, 563 Main Road, Wellington Point- When travelling back along Main Road (3.7kms), you will see Whepstead Manor. The building of Whepstead was initiated by Gilbert Burnett, manager for Captain Louis Hope who was the father of Queensland’s sugar industry. Whepstead, originally known as Fernbourne, was completed in 1889 and has a floor area covering 150m2 over two levels with an attic. The streets surrounding Whepstead offer glimpses of quaint houses built around the turn of the century which have been lovingly restored by dedicated people over the years.
3. Ormiston House, Wellington Street, Ormiston- Turn left into Old Cleveland Rd East and left again into Wellington Street (5.2kms). Ormiston House is one of the best remaining examples of colonial architecture in Queensland. This beautifully restored house dates back to 1862 and has magnificent gardens overlooking Moreton Bay. The house is open most Sundays between March and November from 1.30pm to 4.00pm. Call Redlands Tourism on 3821 0057 for opening dates and times.
4. St Andrew’s Church, Wellington Street, Ormiston- Also in Wellington Street (600m from Ormiston House) is historic St Andrews Church - a quaint tudor-style church in picturesque surroundings. Founder of the Queensland sugar industry, Captain Louis Hope had the church built in 1868, and often took the services himself due to a shortage of ministers! The interior hall measures only 30 feet by 18 feet.
5. Cleveland Point Heritage Precinct, Shore St, Cleveland- Turn left off Wellington Street into Sturgeon Street and follow the road to Shore Street. Turn left and drive along Shore St to Cleveland Point (7.2kms). Call into Redlands Tourism (1 Passage Street) for a free heritage trail map. The Cleveland Point Heritage Precinct boasts many historic buildings such as the Old Courthouse, Cassim’s Hotel and Saint Paul’s Anglican Church. Other points of interest include the Grand View Hotel - Queenslands oldest licenced hotel, the Old Schoolhouse Gallery, a Pioneer Cemetery, the Cleveland War Memorial, Queensland’s oldest Banyan tree and Old Moreton Bay fig trees.
6. Redland Museum, 60 Smith Street, Cleveland- While in Cleveland, visit the Redland Museum located adjacent to the Cleveland Showgrounds.
- The Museum has fascinating displays of the area’s past.
- Open Monday to Friday 11am - 3pm, Saturday 1pm - 3pm and Sunday 1pm - 4pm. Disability access & toilets.