Oyster Point Park, Cleveland

Legend abounds from yesteryear about this secluded spot, from jetties and tidal swimming enclosures to bathing pavilions and oyster harvests. These days, Oyster Point is the domain of dog walkers and bird watchers – with a pensive thinker or two. Its splendour has been returned to the shorebirds for exclusive use and perhaps that is the way it should be. Visit at low tide to see an extraordinary assortment of rare birds mudding for their supper.  

Few visitors to Cleveland would miss a visit to the iconic Lighthouse Restaurant at Cleveland Point. This beautiful building has stood – in one form or another – on a panoramic vista for more than 100 years, spiritually fortifying locals and tourists alike. 

Throughout the seasons, this locale captivates with its bird life. At daybreak, sea birds swoosh the stillness on their way to work; by noon, seagulls ride the breeze like marionettes, awaiting a fugitive chip; afternoon tea is the domain of blue-faced honeyeaters with their sugar-crazed eyes; and at night, Mr Percival the pelican bobs patiently on the leisurely tide to nab pilchards drawn to the restaurant lights.  

No matter the mood or motive, Cleveland Point is always a good idea. 

If walls could talk, the historic Old Courthouse would have rollicking tales to tell. From rudimentary police station, jailhouse and courthouse through to famous seaside restaurant and wedding venue, this humble building has hosted the many highs and lows of humankind and everything in between. Step inside to experience not only an elegant meal by the ocean but to see artefacts of Cleveland’s pioneer past. Many a first date – and last date – have taken place behind the bars of an actual jail cell, shackles dangling solemnly nearby!  

On second thoughts, if walls could talk, this reticent dame would not offer up her secrets. She keeps them to herself, with only the tide and resident ghost as enduring witnesses. 

Although diminutive in size compared to most other lighthouses, Cleveland Point Lighthouse is an essential part of Cleveland's maritime history. It was built in 1864, along with associated jetties and port infrastructure, to serve the area’s growing colony and trade industries. Constructed in a unique timber hexagonal design and originally hosting a kerosene lamp, it is all that remains of Cleveland’s shipping past. 

Currently, the restored and heritage-listed lighthouse is faithfully maintained by the local council and is one of only two surviving lighthouses of its kind in Australia. Despite no longer serving any navigational purpose for seafarers of Moreton Bay, the charming red and white lighthouse remains a beacon for Clevelanders who draw comfort from its eternal posting on the point. 

Fading Lady is the only appropriate title to give this ageing yet gracious home. Sitting back from the road behind elderly shrubs and a picket fence, one gets a sense that much life has happened here. Cricket matches were no doubt held on the expansive front lawn and many a famous Redlands strawberry was consumed within. 

With new apartment buildings creeping ever closer, perhaps the march of progress may reduce it to just memories in the coming years.   

A gorgeous coffee shop resides next door, and many locals adore this glimpse of yesteryear on their way to grab a favourite pick-me-up. 

Going to the One Stop Café for a morning coffee has become a ritual for many, perhaps on their way to work or to get a haircut at the salon next door. The 60s/70s façade has housed many previous businesses, from dress shops to realtors, all who have witnessed the changing streetscape over the years. Its current identity as a coffee shop is the ideal spot to sip a cappuccino against the sounds of bacon frying and locals chatting and contemplate the day ahead.

The heritage-listed cottage of Fernleigh at Toondah Harbour is imbued with the bucolic charm for which the Redlands was once known. Sitting behind an arbour entwined with vines, the verandah shadows hint at the slower pace of a bygone world. 

Thought to be built in the 1860s as a holiday home for Brisbane builder William Taylor, it also served as schoolhouse and general store for the settler community. 

One can imagine afternoon tea is still taken there, at the stroke of half past three, in the shadows of the candle nut trees, looking out across the bay.  

Like a miniature cathedral in a snow globe, historic Saint Paul's Anglican Church shakes with tree shadows in its idyll by the sea. Built in 1873 by renowned architect and engineer James Furnival (who oversaw construction of the second Brisbane Bridge, now the location of the Victoria Bridge), the heritage-listed parish was one of the earliest to serve the colony of Queensland. 

Those with keen eyes will notice the white cross atop the steeple rises above the neighbouring fig to radiate with sunlight all day long.  

Since its construction in 1851, Queensland’s oldest pub has never wavered in its commitment to serve the traveller a drink alongside one of the grandest views in all the Redlands. Sitting above a rise at Toondah Harbour, with views out to Stradbroke Island, the Grand View Hotel remains a Cleveland institution. 

Originally a single-storey dwelling named the Brighton Hotel, it underwent significant changes over the years to become the beloved heritage-listed structure it is today. 

Perhaps a little faded in parts, who can blame this old gent of a building from nodding off amidst the bustle of afternoon patrons, with Queensland's oldest Banyan tree beside it as company? Renovation plans are underway to provide new amenities to a younger crowd and the old building will thankfully be preserved, along with all the precious memories.  

This sweet little art shop is like a step back in time, a reminder of the era of Ma-and-Pa stores, when staff wore aprons and credit was just a hand-shaken understanding. 

Beginning life as a general store, Shore Studio is now a quaint hub providing art supplies and creative classes to professional and budding artists alike. 

On any given day, it's red and white striped awnings and bay windows lift the spirits of passersby. If you’re lucky, an elegant greyhound in a matching striped jumper will be standing on the porch steps, just waiting for her portrait to be painted!  

On the red shores of Toondah Harbour sits one of Queensland’s oldest and most historic parks. A quiet location scattered with gnarled trees and oyster shells, it was the very spot in 1841 that Sir Governor Gipps landed in his quest to establish a capital city for Queensland. 

Most things in life come down to timing and it was no different for the fate of Cleveland. Low tide meant mud and midges, both of which afflicted the Governor in spades. Thus, the mighty Shamrock sailed out of Cleveland as swiftly as the incoming tide allowed and into the more dependable conditions of the Brisbane River, of where the capital was declared.  

With established eucalypts providing safe haven to koalas, G.J. Walter Park provides a peaceful vantage across to Cassim Island, home to countless migratory shore birds and all manner of introverted bird and sea life. Visit at daybreak to see Toondah in golden glory. 

A church has stood at this location on Passage Street in three forms since 1909 until the present day. 

Lying in the shadow of a tall palm, this charming structure was built in 1961 as the second version of the church, however was replaced in 1980 and now serves as the church hall. Incredibly, the original church has also been retained on site and is lovingly utilised. If you look closely, all three churches can be glimpsed in this painting!

The contrast of apricot bricks with green trim, frilled with a garden of pink geraniums, catches the eye as you amble past. Much calm and fortitude emanate from this place of fellowship. 

Sitting in the shade of a poinciana tree, this 50s/60s retro building was once a local hub known as Despots Cash and Carry, an all-goods grocer for an earlier generation of Clevelanders.  

These days it is known as Westpac Corner, hinged by pedestrian crossings and neighbouring the famous Redlands Meat Hall. Perhaps, one day, when bank branches are sadly gone for good, it will become a beloved grocery hub or ‘milk bar’ again. 

How precious the memories are for many and hopefully this humble structure will be retained for generations to come. 

Cast with palm shadows and ancient rust, the Lighthouse Restaurant basks in the afternoon sun. Opposite, the ocean glitters behind silhouettes of families picnicking on the grassy expanse and boaters heading back to shore. 

A fish and chippery, café, gelateria and fine dining restaurant are all on offer at this spectacular location, which although living through many adaptations over the century, remains a gathering point for Redlanders and visitors from afar.

The facade of this hidden cottage gives little away, however it’s dormer window never ceases to wink with sunlight. Every year, the hedges get a little higher and the fence palings fewer, but hopefully this secret gem can resist the bulldozer’s bite and continue in its post as Cleveland Point’s reclusive darling.  

Modestly located between the Lighthouse Restaurant and an extravagant contemporary mansion, you’d be forgiven for missing this slice of Cleveland history. But as you circle Cleveland Point, you’ll notice a jumble of mast shadows lead your eye to Cleveland Yacht Club. Enabling sailors of every calibre to unite, socialise and compete, this humble structure exudes the nautical spirit of Cleveland.  

Built in 1956, the ‘old margarine factory’ as it was locally known, was a characterful structure that sadly succumbed to decay and demolition by 2023. Beginning life as a fruit processing plant which closed due to lack of success, it was proposed to become a horse abattoir before locals put their foot down at the intolerable idea. Instead, Nutta Products moved in and commenced production of Daffodil and Meadowlea margarine as well as Eta peanut products until its closure in 1969. 

Its identity since then has become an enigma although perhaps it was utilised by the neighbouring mechanic over the years, also since demolished. Residential unit blocks are to be built in its place but they are unlikely to replace the character of the mysterious ‘old margarine factory’. 

Anzac Day services in Cleveland are a sight to behold. Renowned as the second largest dawn service in Queensland – just behind the Elephant Rock service in Currumbin – locals flock to the memorial precinct to pay tribute to the men and women who selflessly served our country. 

The original Anzac Memorial Park on the corner of Passage and Shore streets was opened in 1920. However, with Anzac Day crowds growing significantly each year, a new 

Anzac Centenary Park on the land opposite was commissioned in 2015. 

Graced by the solemn statue of a digger in reverse arms to acknowledge the fallen, the memorial includes an inscribed display of all the battles Australia has fought valiantly in. The way sunshine hits the digger's bowed hat as flags rustle above makes this park a sacred location all year round. 

This aspect of the Grand View Hotel is intriguing, with the bright blue and lime green bottle shop garage contrasting against the mustard of the Grand View facade. 

Dappled with the shadows of Queensland’s oldest Banyan tree, this side of the hotel is strewn with locals having a lean and a yarn over a beer or three under the famous striped awnings.