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A Day at Raby Bay Foreshore Park That’s Worth Every Minute
When you’re juggling the needs of your energetic kids and your own desire to just chill by the water, finding the perfect beach can feel like a mission. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But after spending a day at Raby Bay Foreshore Park in Cleveland, just 30 minutes from Brisbane, I’m convinced it’s one of the best beach destinations for families and dog lovers.
Raby Bay Foreshore Park is popular year-round for its laid-back coastal charm and welcoming facilities. Here, you can swim in shallow water or let the kids burn off energy in the expansive playground.
If you want to experience it, I’m laying it all out here—what to pack for a truly smooth-sailing and one for the books day trip at Brisbane’s top family and dog-friendly beach.
Things To Know about Raby Bay Foreshore Park
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Address: Masthead Dr, Cleveland, QLD 4163, Australia
Contact Details: (07) 3829 8999
Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Admission: Free entry
Raby Bay Foreshore Park is one of Cleveland’s favorite coastal spots. It’s perfect for laid-back weekends by the water. It’s a family-friendly park with calm swimming beaches and a playground that keeps kids entertained for hours.
The sunsets here are seriously stunning. You can grab some takeaway from the nearby cafes and watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange as the boats drift by.
Just a heads-up: it’s a popular spot, so come early if you want the best picnic patch.
How to Get There
The drive to Raby Bay from Brisbane was smooth and straightforward. We left Brisbane around 8:30 AM and were pulling into Masthead Drive in Cleveland just after 9:00 AM.
It only took about 30 minutes, and we found plenty of parking along the foreshore. We snagged a spot close to the BBQ shelters, which made unpacking the picnic gear super easy.
If you’re coming by train, Cleveland Station is nearby. The area is walkable if you’re up for a light stroll.
Beaches and Swimming Area
– Image from: mariahpaige18
We headed straight for the beach. One of the best parts? The three man-made beach coves. The water was crystal-clear and shallow, making it perfect for a slow wade or float.
Bonus: One of the beach coves is a dog off-leash area. So if you’re bringing your furry friend, they’ll have their own beach to run and swim leash-free. The water in this section was just as gentle, and everyone was respectful with their pets.
Some areas also have netted swimming zones, which add an extra layer of peace of mind if you’re worried about safety or about marine creatures.
Dog-friendly Features
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As dog owners, we really appreciated how pet-friendly Raby Bay is. That one dedicated off-leash beach cove was such a highlight. It’s big enough for pups to really stretch their legs and play with other dogs, and there are waste bins and water bowls around to keep things tidy and convenient.
Outside the dog beach, your pet needs to be on a leash. But there’s so much room to explore on the walking paths and grassy areas. Our dog loved it, and we loved seeing other pet owners enjoying the space respectfully.
Picnic and BBQ Facilities
– Image from: bohobythebayside
By noon, we were all ready to eat. Luckily, we had set up near one of the free electric BBQs, and it was already hot and clean.
We grilled up sausages and veggie skewers while the kids dried off and played nearby. There are plenty of picnic tables and shady spots. However, they fill up quickly, so it really pays to arrive early.
Tip: Bring everything you need (utensils, paper towels, drinks, etc.) because while the facilities are great, stores nearby can get really busy.
Tips for First-Timers
If you’re planning your first visit to Raby Bay Foreshore Park, here are a few things we learned from experience that can help make your day smoother.
Pro Tips:
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Trust me, the best BBQ spots and shaded picnic tables go fast, especially by mid-morning. If you’re planning to cook lunch or set up near the playground, try to arrive by 9:00 AM. Early birds definitely get the best views and the prime picnic real estate!
- Come sun-ready with hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
While there are trees and some covered areas, a good chunk of the beach and the grassy areas are exposed to direct sunlight. By midday, it gets hot.
We went through more sunscreen and water than I expected. Bring a cooler with drinks, umbrellas, or a beach shade, and dress light. It’s better to overprepare than overheat.
- Check the tides before you go.
The water at Raby Bay is tidal, so the swimming conditions can vary depending on when you arrive. I found that the coves are clearest and most swimmable around high tide. At low tide, the water can be shallower and a bit murkier.
You can easily check tide times online the night before. Plan your water activities around them to get the most out of the beach.
- If you’re bringing your dog, pack for them too.
This park is a doggy paradise, but you’ll need to come prepared. I brought:
- A spare towel for drying off
- A lead, especially for walking to and from the off-leash area
- Poop bags (although there are bins, it’s best to bring extras)
- A collapsible water bowl to keep your pup hydrated
- Their favorite toy as it makes fetch on the dog beach 10x more fun!
Also, be mindful of the heat as hot sand can burn paws, and the off-leash area has limited shade. Try to let them swim or walk earlier in the day if it’s going to be warm.
- Consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter vibe.
We first went on a Saturday, and while the energy was great, it was definitely busy. On a midweek return visit, I was amazed at how peaceful the park felt.
If you’re after a more relaxed experience and easier parking, aim for Monday to Thursday mornings. It’s perfect for solo trips, picnics with small kids, or training your pup without distractions.
- Pack as if you won’t leave until sunset.
Between the beach and paddleboarding, we ended up staying longer than we expected. I was glad we packed extra snacks, a portable speaker, and even a change of clothes.
Our Sample Itinerary to Raby Bay Foreshore Park
Here’s what our day at Raby Bay Foreshore Park looked like:
9:00 AM – We arrived at the park around 9:00 AM and found a great shaded spot with a view of the beach.
9:30 AM – The kids couldn’t contain their excitement and decided to swim while I relaxed on the sand.
10:30 AM – After an hour of swimming, we hit the playground and took a walk along the foreshore path.
12:00 PM – At around noon, we had a BBQ lunch and a picnic under the trees.
1:00 PM – Since we brought the dogs with us, we allocated time at the off-leash cove and a short paddle along the shoreline.
2:30 PM – Wound down with a walk, watched the boats, and slowly packed up just before sunset.
