Redland City Ekka public holiday will be on Monday August 10 - Here's what you can do in the area this long weekend

In May the Redland City Council voted to keep the Ekka public holiday on Monday, a decision councillors said would support local businesses.

Also read: Monday Ekka holiday to stay

The long weekend is bound to attract visitors to reconnect with nature on the Redlands Coast.

From exploring tracks, trails and parks, kayaking or picking up some local goodies at Cleveland Markets on Sunday - there is plenty to do.

Renowned as one of the best land-based whale watching spots on the east coast of Australia, North Stradbroke Island is the perfect spot to see whales.

Walk the North Gorge walk from Point Lookout, have a picnic or enjoy the ocean view and watch whales breaching.

The area is also home to a host of other wildlife including dolphins, turtles, sharks, eastern grey kangaroos, eastern ospreys, and white-bellied sea eagles.

Lying between Cleveland, Thornlands and Alexandra Hills, the picturesque conservation area is a haven for wildlife and has an extensive network of tracks and trails for bushwalkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. Dogs are welcome provided they are kept on a leash.

Tracks are graded as either very easy, easy or more difficult to help you know what to expect along the way.

Enter the Redland Track Park at the following locations:

The park reserve is open 4am-10pm daily.

Start your day with a paddle to Cleveland Point for a morning coffee at the lighthouse and stroll along the water.

The winter months provide beautiful conditions to explore creeks, canals, mangroves and open waters to see dolphins, dugong, turtles and sea birds along the way.

If you do not own a kayak or canoe, connect with a local operator for craft hire or a guided tour to secluded locations only accessible by kayak. From introductory short tours to multi-day expeditions, they cater for all levels.

There are exciting new play spaces and equipment at the new Thornlands Community Park.

Head to the park for a family day in the sunshine. The park features an all-inclusive playground with a giant treehouse, nature play areas, a flying fox, swings and seated areas and barbeques.

The park is at the intersection of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road and Waterline Boulevard.

Also read: Thornlands Community Park opens

The Redlands boasts a collection of local history and arts.

Enjoy major art galleries - Redland Art Gallery in Cleveland and Capalaba, the Old Schoolhouse Gallery in Cleveland and the thriving arts community of Macleay Island which more than 200 artists, writers and musicians call home.

Also read: Art exhibitions at RICArts

Mainland and island museums tell a coastal story of growth and change that spans more than 20,000 years. Visit North Stradbroke Island Museum and the Redland Museum.

The Redland Museum will celebrate National Science Week on Monday, August 10 with a Science Fun Day. There will be morning and afternoon sessions.

Logan's Ekka public holiday will be on Friday August 14.

Mayor Darren Power said the City of Logan's public holiday aligned with other parts of south-east Queensland, including Brisbane and Gold Coast, but encouraged people to support the newly-launched Think Local, Buy Logan campaign.

Read more on what to do in the Redlands this weekend here.