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The Best Beaches in Brisbane
When you think of Brisbane, beaches might not be the first thing that springs to mind. You’d probably picture skyscrapers, blazing sun, or maybe even kangaroos in business suits (hey, stranger things have happened).
But, surprise, surprise! Brisbane beaches do exist, and they’re more than just sand and sea; they’re pockets of paradise waiting to be discovered.
Get ready to dig your toes into the hidden treasures of Brisbane beaches!
1. Streets Beach
Address: Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Website: https://visit.brisbane.qld.au/inspiration/swimming-at-south-bank
Contact Details: +61 7 3029 1797, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 6:00 AM-8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Streets Beach, nestled within the 17-hectare South Bank Parklands, is Australia’s sole man-made beach within the heart of a bustling metropolis. It allures visitors with its clear lagoon, white sandy shores, and subtropical vegetation.
The lagoon, designed to replicate coastal charm, features palm trees, pebbled creeks, and shady areas amid subtropical greenery. Streets Beach is free for all and is under the vigilant watch of experienced lifeguards throughout the year.
Adjacent to Streets Beach, visitors can explore two more aquatic attractions: the Boat Pool and Aquativity, a water-play park designed for children.
Streets Beach offers both a peaceful escape and a secure environment to savor Brisbane’s inviting ambiance, making it suitable for relaxation or family-friendly water adventures.
| Pro tips: • Streets Beach has fantastic picnic areas, so pack a tasty lunch and enjoy a scenic meal under the shade of the nearby trees. |
2. Shorncliffe Beach
Address: Park Parade, Shorncliffe QLD 4017
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Shorncliffe Beach, a tranquil coastal destination, is located less than a half-hour’s drive from central Brisbane. Known for its inviting waters and a well-maintained playground, it’s a top choice for local families seeking a day by the sea.
Adjacent to the famous Shorncliffe Pier, this beach is not only a picturesque spot but also offers easy access to delightful fish and chips from nearby waterfront eateries.
What sets Shorncliffe Beach apart is its suitability for coastal strolls. Couples, families, and solitary joggers can embark on the scenic 1.5-mile ‘Lovers’ Walk’ along the waterfront leading to Sandgate.
Additionally, early risers can revel in stunning sunrises, with the expansive skies serving as a mesmerizing backdrop. During the day, visitors can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding or let children play in the adjacent recreational areas.
| Pro tips: • If you enjoy fishing, the nearby Shorncliffe Pier is a great spot for casting a line and trying your luck. |
3. Tangalooma Beach
Address: Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island QLD 4025
Website: https://www.tangalooma.com/moreton-island/beaches
Contact Details: +61 1300 652 250
Tangalooma Beach, a serene escape just over an hour from Brisbane, is part of Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine surroundings.
One of the unique attractions of Tangalooma is the opportunity to interact with native wildlife in their natural habitat. Each evening, wild bottlenose dolphins visit the shores, allowing resort guests to hand-feed them.
Beyond dolphin interactions, Tangalooma offers a wide range of activities, with more than half of them being free.
From guided snorkel tours at the Tangalooma Wrecks to thrilling adventures like sand tobogganing, ATV quad bike rides, and Segway tours, there’s something for everyone.
The island provides a range of beachfront accommodation styles and exclusive holiday houses with stunning views over Moreton Bay and the Glasshouse Mountains.
| Pro tips: • Try the Desert Safari tour, which includes sand tobogganing. It’s a thrilling adventure that offers fantastic views of the island. • Some activities can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to book in advance to secure your spot! |
4. Suttons Beach
Address: Marine Parade, Redcliffe, QLD 4020
Sutton’s Beach, located just a 40-minute drive north of Brisbane, is a family-friendly patrolled beach known for its calm waters.
It offers a safe and enjoyable environment with small waves that provide fun for kids and a refreshing dip for all ages. The beach is well-equipped for families, featuring free parking, expansive grassy areas, complimentary BBQ facilities, and scenic bike tracks.
Lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas ensure safety, and the area includes various amenities such as a band rotunda, picnic shelters, play equipment, bikeways, beach showers, toilets, and disabled access.
Adventure enthusiasts can follow the scenic bike path southward to explore the Gayundah Wreck and enjoy picturesque views of Moreton Bay.
The beach’s proximity to fish and chip shops, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops adds to its appeal, allowing you to explore unique shopping experiences and enjoy a wide variety of dining options.
| Pro tips: • If you have a four-legged friend, feel free to bring them along. The path is dog-friendly, and dog bowls and waste disposal facilities are thoughtfully provided. • Keep an eye out for special events at Sutton’s Beach, including the annual Redcliffe Festival of Sails held on Easter Good Friday. It’s a fantastic time to experience the bustling festivities in this scenic location. |
5. Main Beach
Address: 24 Kennedy Dr, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, QLD 4183
Website: https://www.visitredlandscoast.com.au/
Contact Details: +61 1300 667 386, [email protected]
Main Beach on North Stradbroke Island spans 38 kilometers, offering rugged coastal charm and a strong connection with nature.
Accessible only by 4WD vehicles, this untamed paradise is a haven for camping, fishing, and surfing. You’ll need a vehicle access permit from Minjerribah Camping to reach Main Beach.
At the southern end of the beach, there are 200 unpowered campsites dispersed across 15 distinct camping areas. Pets are welcome as long as they’re kept on a leash at all times.
Main Beach is a springboard for excellent fishing experiences, bushwalking adventures, wildlife encounters, and the joy of watching majestic whales glide by between June and November.
It’s a habitat where you might spot koalas perched in the island’s gum trees or kangaroos taking leisurely strolls along the beach.
As a surfing destination, Main Beach caters to a wide range of skill levels. For beginners, the waves are gentle, while those seeking a challenge can embrace larger, more powerful waves around the corner from Cylinder Beach.
| Pro tips: • Ensure your vehicle is well-equipped for sand driving. Lower tire pressure for better traction on the beach. |
6. Raby Bay Foreshore Park
Address: Masthead Dr, Cleveland QLD 4163
Website: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20133/parks_and_foreshore_reserves/140/popular_parks
Contact Details: +61 7 3829 8999, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Raby Bay Foreshore Park is a hidden gem that offers picturesque waterfront dining. It’s easily accessible and provides a range of facilities.
With ample parking, wheelchair-accessible amenities, including a Liberty Swing, and spacious recreational areas along the waterfront, it’s a fantastic spot to cool off, have a picnic, or simply relax while gazing out over the bay.
It has well-maintained footpaths that cater to walkers, dog owners, cyclists, and scooter enthusiasts. Meanwhile, a shaded playground equipped for all ages keeps the little ones entertained.
Three sandy coves with calm waters and sandy beaches create a unique attraction, perfect for swimmers of all ages. And for those seeking adventure, you can easily rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards right by the shore.
Moreover, the park is a dog-friendly haven, with a designated off-leash area, complete with essential amenities like rubbish bags, bins, and water bowls.
| Pro tips: • Less than a 40-minute drive from downtown Brisbane, this beach also offers opportunities to spot dolphins in the tranquil, wave-free waters. |
7. Cylinder Beach
Address: North Stradbroke Island, Redlands Coast Area, QLD 4183
Website: https://www.visitredlandscoast.com.au/
Contact Details: +61 1300 667 386, [email protected]
Cylinder Beach has earned the title of Queensland’s best beach, not once, but twice, according to Surf Life Saving Queensland. It’s nestled between the picturesque Cylinder and Home Beach headlands at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).
It has seasonal lifeguard service and camp sites in the dunes, offering a unique camping experience just steps away from the water’s edge.
Cylinder Beach also has convenient amenities. A shaded foreshore reserve provides picnic areas, parking spaces, and facilities for visitors to make the most of their time here.
Additionally, this beach is strategically located, offering proximity to various accommodation options, additional beaches, dining establishments, and the renowned North Gorge Walk.
This land-based whale-watching location provides visitors with a remarkable opportunity to witness these majestic creatures along Australia’s eastern seaboard.
| Pro tips: • Keep an eye on tide times, as they can influence your experience at the beach. High tide offers excellent swimming conditions, while low tide is great for exploring rock pools. |
8. Woorim Ocean Beach
Address: Woorim QLD 4507
Woorim Ocean Beach on Bribie Island is a sought-after destination for beginner and intermediate surfers due to its accessible location, gentle waves, and surf conditions.
Families can also appreciate the child-friendly atmosphere, complete with a playground and skate park. Fishing enthusiasts will also find Woorim Ocean Beach ideal for both beach and bay fishing.
The beach is a nearby and accessible surfing spot for those located north of Brisbane. However, it’s crucial to stay informed about changing surf conditions and potential hazards during larger waves.
Woorim also offers a back-to-nature camping experience accessible by 4WD, nestled among the fore-dunes of the eastern beach. There are limited amenities, so preparation is key for campers.
To enhance accessibility, the beach features beach matting and beach wheelchairs for visitors with mobility challenges.
| Pro tips: • Be aware of rips and tidal currents, especially when waves are larger. Take precautions if you’re not a confident swimmer or are with children. • If you intend to drive on the beach, ensure you have a 4WD vehicle and obtain the required permit. Follow beach driving regulations. |
9. Nudgee Beach
Address: Nudgee Beach, Brisbane Area, QLD 4014
Website: https://visit.brisbane.qld.au/
Nudgee Beach, located a short drive from Brisbane’s Central Business District and the city’s airport, provides a serene bayside escape right on Moreton Bay. It’s framed by the Boondall Wetlands to the north and west, with Moreton Bay to the east.
At low tide, the stretch of muddy sand along Nudgee Beach becomes a magnet for Brisbane kids, offering ample space for exploration and play.
The area retains a nostalgic atmosphere, complete with a quaint takeaway shop, picturesque picnic lawns by the bay, and the presence of classic Queenslanders.
Nature enthusiasts can explore walking tracks leading to the Boondall Wetlands and a popular cycling path tracing the Kedron Brook.
The nearby Nudgee Beach dog park welcomes furry companions, while canoe and boat ramps grant access to Moreton Bay’s abundant marine life and scenic views.
Facilities near the Nudgee Beach playgrounds include public toilets, a spacious car park, picnic tables, barbecues, and easy access to the beach itself.
| Pro tips: • Consider wearing water shoes or reef shoes, especially during low tide. The muddy sand can be a bit squishy, and these shoes can make exploring more comfortable. |
10. Frenchmans Beach
Address: Point Lookout, QLD 4183
Frenchman’s Beach, nestled on North Stradbroke Island, is a short walk from Point Lookout, offering a unique and secluded experience.
Access involves descending a long, steep flight of stairs, and while the climb back up may be challenging, the reward is a nearly empty, 1,600-foot expanse of white sand
This 500-meter-long beach is framed by steep, densely vegetated bluffs, and access can be secured either by traversing around Dune Rocks from Deadmans Beach or by descending a marked, steep walking track from the main road.
With waves averaging between 1 and 1.5 meters, this rip-dominated beach provides an ideal playground for surf enthusiasts but requires caution for swimmers.
Frenchman’s Beach is also a favorite fishing spot, thanks to the presence of rips and rocks that attract fishing enthusiasts. It’s a sanctuary for local wildlife too, so you might encounter kangaroos and pods of dolphins.
| Pro tips: • If you bring your dog along, please keep them on a leash at all times to ensure the safety of both your pet and the local wildlife. • The parking facilities are non-formal roadside spaces, with a total of six available. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak times. |
11. Adams Beach
Address: Dunwich, QLD 4183
Nestled on the western side of picturesque Stradbroke Island, Adams Beach emerges as a serene gem among Brisbane’s beaches.
Adams Beach stretches along 700 meters of pristine shoreline. The beachfront opens up to seagrass-covered sand flats, which gradually extend from 100 meters in the north to 300 meters in the south.
As you wander along this peaceful stretch, you’ll notice how the southern end blends seamlessly into a mangrove-fringed shore. To the north, the beach is bordered by the port facilities of Dunwich and the essential jetty for ferries and shipping.
Adams Beach is more than just a beach; it offers camping facilities that add an extra layer of convenience to your stay. The camping grounds provide essential amenities such as toilets, showers, power, and water, ensuring a comfortable experience amidst nature’s beauty.
| Pro tips: • Check in advance if reservations are required for camping, as Adams Beach can get busy during peak seasons. Booking your spot ensures you have a place to stay. • When camping, it’s crucial to pack efficiently. Only bring the essentials to avoid overburdening yourself with unnecessary items. Consider bringing portable cooking equipment for easy meals. |
12. Bulwer Beach
Address: Bulwer, QLD 4025
Bulwer Beach on Moreton Island is known for its crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A unique feature of this beach is the shipwrecked structures of boats along the shoreline, providing an intriguing habitat for schools of fish.
Bulwer itself is a small holiday and fishing village enveloped by the natural wonders of the surrounding National Park. This location offers a glimpse into the unspoiled beauty of Moreton Island, making it a peaceful escape for those seeking solace amidst nature.
Bulwer is geared to meet the needs of travelers arriving on the island, with amenities including a convenience and liquor store, a taxi service, public phones, and a bait and tackle shop.
While a 4WD vehicle is ideal for exploring the island, it’s not a prerequisite for a memorable holiday here.
Whether you’re relaxing on the white sandy beach, swimming in the calm and clear blue waters, or admiring the shipwrecks, Bulwer Beach provides a unique and tranquil coastal experience.
| Pro tips: • While you don’t need a 4WD to enjoy Bulwer Beach, it certainly enhances your island exploration. If you have one, consider taking it along for a more comprehensive adventure. • Beyond the beach, the surrounding National Park offers numerous walking tracks. If you’re into nature walks, this is a great place to explore. |
13. Honeymoon Bay
Address: Moreton Island QLD 4025
Website: https://www.tangalooma.com/moreton-island/honeymoon-bay
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Honeymoon Bay, a true coastal gem on Moreton Island, boasts an idyllic charm that seems plucked from a postcard. This picturesque haven is situated between the rugged Cape Moreton and North Point, offering a breathtaking escape from the bustling world.
With its half-moon shape and pristine shores, this hidden oasis stretches about 50 meters in width, providing the perfect backdrop for a serene swim.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution when venturing too far into the water, as Honeymoon Bay can be challenging, with its rips, concealed rocks, and powerful waves.
While the beach itself may be relatively small, it’s best experienced with minimal crowds, making it an ideal spot for a quiet and romantic date.
You may consider packing a picnic basket, a blanket, and perhaps a bottle of wine to enjoy a unique evening at this remarkable location.
Honeymoon Bay is also becoming famous as a backdrop for photographs, with its iconic ‘Honeymoon Bay Sign’ providing the perfect spot for capturing lasting memories.
The captivating beauty of this beach, reminiscent of a movie scene, has drawn not only tourists but also newlyweds eager to celebrate their honeymoons here.
Accessible via a scenic 2-kilometer walk from Cape Moreton, this charming beach is well worth the journey, ensuring a unique and memorable experience on Moreton Island.
| Pro tips: • Be mindful of the environment and dispose of your waste responsibly. Use designated bins or take your rubbish with you to keep Honeymoon Bay clean and beautiful. • For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting Honeymoon Bay during off-peak hours or seasons to avoid larger crowds. |
14. Red Beach
Address: Bongaree, Bribie Island (near Tully St)
Website: https://www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/natural-attractions/red-beach-bribie-island
Contact Details: [email protected]
Red Beach in Bongaree, Bribie Island, is an expansive eight-kilometer coastline known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. Accessible from Tully Street, visitors can take a leisurely walk through coastal vegetation to reach the sandy shores of Red Beach.
This beach is a haven for dog lovers, allowing leashed dogs to enjoy the calm waters, making it perfect for families and pet owners. Red Beach connects to Woody Bay, creating an excellent pathway for long dog walks during low tide.
The tranquil ambiance of Red Beach, often visited by dolphins in the morning and offering breathtaking sunsets over Moreton Bay, makes it an ideal spot for transitioning from day to night.
Dog owners should note leash regulations, keeping their pets on a leash along the designated foreshore areas and practicing responsible waste cleanup.
While on Bribie Island, you can explore World War history, hike Bribie Island Bicentennial Trails, and discover Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park with its picturesque lagoon.
The island’s pristine beaches and natural wonders offer various activities, from fishing to 4WD adventures in Bribie Island National Park.
| Pro tips: • Since there are no amenities at Red Beach, come prepared with water, sunscreen, and supplies. Make sure to clean up after yourself and your dogs. • If you’re up for a more extended beach walk, continue along the coastline to reach Woody Bay, another dog-friendly beach. It’s a scenic route best explored during low tide. |
