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We Got Bored of Surfing, So We Tried Out the Best Paddleboarding Spots in Brisbane for You
Sometimes, you just have to let the wind carry your hair and let the water dictate where you flow to feel a special kind of freedom. And if you’re like us and crave that adventure and freedom on the water, the best paddleboarding spots in Brisbane await.
We’ve looked at amazing establishments and bodies of water that would make for ideal paddleboarding spots. The best part is that the farthest among them is only two hours away at most from Brisbane.
So get that swimwear ready and wax those boards, because we’re here to catch some waves, some sun, and some fun!
Brisbane River
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Website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Brisbane/Brisbane-River-Stand-Up-Paddleboarding/d363-23170P6
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Beginner
- Experienced
Address: State Route 15, New Farm QLD 4169
Actually, you don’t even have to go far out of Brisbane to paddleboard. There’s already a viable paddleboarding spot within the city: the Brisbane River! Plenty of space for everyone here.
As for an ideal stretch of the river on which to paddleboard, anywhere near the Story Bridge and the Botanical Gardens is a good location. You also get a pick of good riverside cafes and restaurants once you get tired of paddling.
However, don’t expect urban paddleboarding to be as relaxing compared to when you’re out in nature. You’re still subject to pollution, vehicle noises, and less clean water.
Still, Brisbane River is the best paddleboarding spot we can recommend in Brisbane for people of early experience levels– and especially for newbies.
| Pro Tip Paddle early in the morning so you can avoid boat traffic much easier. |
Pumicestone Passage – Bribie Island
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Website: Bill’s Boat Hire & Bike Hire
Contact Details: 0408 102 100
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Beginner
- Experienced
- Expert
Address: Benabrow Avenue, Bellara, Moreton Bay Area Queensland 4507
Approximate Travel Time from Brisbane: 1.5 Hours
Another paddleboarding spot near Brisbane that’s also great for beginners would be the Pumicestone Passage. It’s a 35-kilometer stretch of calm waters that’s perfect for anyone intimidated by currents and waves.
The area itself, Bribie Island, is a picturesque beauty with a white-sand beach ready to accommodate you once you’ve had fun with the blue.
The island is quite small, of course, so don’t expect the luxuries and comforts of a resort. It’s also subject to high tides during certain seasons.
If you’re here to experience nature, Pumicestone Passage is also excellent since you might see dolphins, turtles, and dugongs if you’re lucky. Just don’t pet them or get too friendly with them, especially the dolphins.
| Pro Tip Bring a high SPF sunscreen as there’s not much shade in this area. |
South Bank Parklands
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Website: The Parklands
Contact Details: +61 7 3867 2111
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Beginner
- Experienced
Address: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane QLD 4101
South Bank Parklands or The Parklands combines the best of both worlds. It’s situated within Brisbane but also carves its spot in the riverbank for a man-made resort and waterpark.
Of course, you can paddleboard here, it’s more accessible compared to other locations. One advantage of paddleboarding here is that you don’t usually have to contend with boat traffic, they have dedicated spots where ships can’t disturb you.
The Parklands also has a large pool and an artificial beach where even your kids can train for paddleboarding or other watersports.
The whole place is a complete area too, with restaurants, theaters, hotels, and other amenities. Should a beginner get tired, you can always take them somewhere more relaxing.
| Pro Tip They have paddle board yoga classes in case you want to save time with exercise. |
Tangalooma Island Resort – Moreton Island
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Website: Tangalooma Island Resort
Contact Details: +61 1300 652 250
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Beginner
- Experienced
- Expert
Address: Tangalooma, Moreton Island QLD 4025
Approximate Travel Time from Brisbane: 2 Hours
Tangalooma Resort is a proper non-urban destination and it’s around two hours away from Brisbane, which is worth the wait and trip. It has one of the bluest and most refreshing ocean waters in Australia.
In fact, Tangalooma Resort is among the 100 best beaches in the world according to Lonely Planet.
Paddleboarding is just one of the many activities you can partake in at Tangalooma Resort along with scuba diving, dolphin feeding, ATVs, and just feasting on seafood.
Tangalooma Resort also has its paddle board rental service, so you don’t have to bring your bulky ones in the car.
Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Pierce Brosnan have paddle-boarded in here, that’s how you know it’s top-notch for that kind of watersport. Even a former James Bond couldn’t resist.
| Pro Tip Try to go for their midweek stay (Sunday-Friday) for discounts and Wild Dolphin Feeding. |
Wellington Point
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Experienced
- Expert
Address: City of Redland, Queensland 4160
Approximate Travel Time from Brisbane: 30+ minutes
We’re scaling things back down a bit for some of you who are more financially cautious. Welling Point is a residential coastal locality in Queensland. While it lacks the stunning beaches of Moreton Island, it’s a wide-open blue space, waiting for your board.
The calm, bay-like waters should provide a relaxing session, though the occasional strong winds might dissuade beginners. It’s also famous for its sunsets, and if you’ve been aching for that atmospheric sunset paddleboarding pic, this should be your spot.
Do be warned that Wellington Point (and Wellington, in general) can get cold and windy. So if you want to be in your swimsuit, you might want to choose days that are warm. This is where weather forecasts come in handy.
| Pro Tip Ask the locals about the wind conditions as the gusts can sometimes become too strong for watersports. |
Enoggera Reservoir – The Gap
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Website: Walkabout Creek Adventures
Contact Details: 07 3517 4954
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Beginner
- Experienced
Address: 60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap, QLD 4161
Approximate Travel Time from Brisbane: 25 minutes
Even something as tranquil as a creek can quickly become your favorite paddleboarding spot in Brisbane. Enoggera Reservoir is a low-population area, and something you might find more peaceful compared to resorts, beaches, or waterparks.
For that matter, it can also be an ideal dating spot for a couple kayaking or couple paddleboarding. You can paddle here at your own pace as the whole reservoir has a meditative vibe and atmosphere.
From time to time, you might also see some paddleboard yoga sessions, but they’re quiet and minimalistic anyway.
And if you’re doing a DIY trip, you needn’t worry about paddle boards. There are businesses and organizations in the area that can provide rental services and even paddle board tours for beginners.
| Pro Tip Avoid paddling near the dam wall in case of sudden or emergency water releases. |
Coochiemudlo Island
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Website: Visit Coochiemudlo
Contact Details: Visit Coochiemudlo
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Beginner
- Experienced
- Expert
Address: Coochiemudlo Island, Queensland, 4184
Approximate Travel Time from Brisbane: 2 Hours
Coochiemudlo Island takes its name from the nearby town of Coochie, and despite being an oceanfront, it’s peaceful and quiet. That’s an ideal condition for paddleboarding, as always.
The area is also one of the nearest paddleboarding spots in Brisbane and you can do all kinds of water-related activities apart from paddleboarding such as boat hiring. There’s also a golf club on the island if you prefer to stay dry after paddleboarding.
It would be difficult or expensive to bring your board, sadly since you’ll need to ride a ferry to get to Coochiemudlo Island, but they thankfully have their paddleboard rental service.
In any case, it’s a relatively hidden gem so it’s not that luxurious but the day trip is definitely worth it.
| Pro Tip There aren’t many varied places to eat here so you might want to bring your own food if you have specific cravings. |
Currumbin Creek – Palm Beach
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Website: Alley Designs
Contact Details: 0448348478
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Beginner
- Experienced
- Expert
Address: Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Approximate Travel Time from Brisbane: 1 Hour
Currumbin Creek is near Gold Coast, which makes it convenient for a DIY trip from Brisbane. You’ll want to head to Palm Beach and Currumbin Creek for that dose of salty blue-green paddleboarding water.
Some pockets of water here tend to get stuck between the sandbanks of the coast depending on the tide. This makes certain areas calmer than usual and surprisingly tranquil as far as beaches go.
Thus, paddleboarding can be a relaxed experience in Currumbin Creek. If you are one of the experienced ones, however, you can still test out your skills by heading out farther into the ocean blues.
There are also waves present near the creek mouth, perfect for a moderate challenge. Just don’t head too far out into the sea if you can’t handle it.
| Pro Tip Avoid weekends if you want the quiet shallows. |
North Stradbroke Island
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Website: Anchorage on Straddie
Contact Details: +61 7 3409 8266
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Experienced
- Expert
Address: 112 E Coast Rd, North Stradbroke Island QLD 4183
Approximate Travel Time from Brisbane: 2 Hours
If variety is the spice of your life, then North Stradbroke Island possibly has it all for you, plus paddleboarding opportunities. It’s one of the most famous beach destinations in Australia and there are luxury resorts present if you want something more comfortable.
There are designated areas for paddleboarding here, and you wouldn’t want to stray too far as some spots can quickly turn into surfing beaches. It’s also a famous surfing destination, for that matter– there are lots of big and strong waves here.
Hence, North Stradbroke Island could be a good chance for you if you’re looking to transition from paddleboarding to surfing. If not, then it still has its allure for experienced paddleboarders.
| Pro Tip Try to visit from May to November for a chance to see humpback whales off the coast. |
Redcliffe Peninsula
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Website: Visit Moreton Bay
Contact Details: 0432 730 989
Ideal Paddleboarders:
- Beginner
- Experienced
- Expert
Address: City of Moreton Bay, QLD 4020
Approximate Travel Time from Brisbane: 30+ minutes
Redcliffe Peninsula has a lot to offer both beginner and experienced paddleboarders. The area is versatile since it has both calm waters and open oceans. More importantly, it has paddleboard rentals.
The area is also on the Australian mainland, so there is no need for a ferry, and it’s more convenient to travel by car if coming from Brisbane.
We recommend bringing your own paddleboard if you have one. This way, you can paddleboard as much as you want and not worry about hourly rates.
Regardless of where you stay, Redcliff Peninsula is surrounded by beaches, though you might want to stay on the east side for a picturesque sunrise.
Also, if you’re planning for something grander afterward, Tangalooma Island Resort is just across from Moreton Bay.
| Pro Tip Paddle early in the morning for the calmest tides. |
