The curiously named town of Deception Bay lies approximately 30 kilometres north of Brisbane. It is called Deception Bay because when discovered by Lieutenant John Oxley in 1823, he thought the bay was a river because of its unusual shallowness.
Once rich pastoral and grazing land, the area is now an established and growing residential area. Deception Bay's sheltered location and access to both river and bay make it an excellent spot for recreational boating and fishing.
A visit to Cottonwood Walk is a must-do when in Deception Bay. This beautiful area along the esplanade incorporates timber boardwalks, a cycleway, barbecues, viewing platforms and picnic facilities. With glorious views of the bay, it is a perfect spot for a family picnic, with much to see and do for both adults and children.
At low tide, explore the mudflats towards the northeast corner and see if you can find the two unusual baths that have been excavated out of bedrock. Named Bancroft Bath No1 and No2, these curious structures were created in the late 1800s by a local resident Joseph Bancroft as a type of hydrotherapy unit for his sick wife to bathe in the saltwater.
There is also a BMX and skate park in the area where the kids can let loose and practise their latest tricks on wheels....
The Deception Bay Heritage Trail covers about four kilometres and can be completed in a 90-minute stroll. Over 10 unique sculptural markers, made from brushed and painted aluminium on structural aluminium pipe, identify each heritage location.
The abstract forms of the markers were inspired by mangrove leaves in various states of growth and decay, mangrove root systems and the foreshore rock formations that can be seen at the northern end of the Bay at low tide.
Deception Bay Heritage Tail markers include:
Bathing Pool
An Inquiring Mind
Matchbox Mozzies
Mrs Bancroft's Bath
Tinned Meat
Mistaken Identity
Deception Bay Defence
"Next, Please."
Building Community
Eking out a Living
Tradition and Change
Growing up in Deception Bay
From Across the Seas
Boondar
Fishing Traditional Style
Hidden Midden...