18 Best Beaches Near Brisbane
Brisbane might not be renowned for its beaches, but if you’re looking for some vitamin-sea, there are some great options. We’ve put together a list of our favourite places to surf, sunbathe, snorkel or take the dog for a walk, all in easy reach of the city. Book your favourite GoGet , grab some sunscreen and a towel, and we’ll see you out there!
Surf Beaches Near Brisbane
Woorim Ocean Beach, Bribie Island
The ocean-facing side of Bribie Island is the perfect place to learn to surf. At 90 minutes from the CBD it’s one of the nearest patrolled surf beaches to Brisbane and the gentle swell makes it ideal for novice surfers. Not a surfer? No worries, with white sands and crystal blue waters, it’s a gorgeous spot to spend a day by the water.
Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island
One of North Straddie’s busiest beaches, Cylinder Beach is patrolled every day of the year and the smaller waves make it ideal for beginner body boarders and surfers. Book into the local Surf School to get some tips, or simply relax in the sun on one of Queensland’s best beaches. And don’t just take our word for it; Surf Life Saving Queensland twice recognised Cylinder Beach as Queensland’s best beach in 2018 and 2019. Even better, there’s no need to go home at the end of the day! Take your tent with you and make a weekend of it.
Frenchmans Beach, North Stradbroke Island
This is one for the surfers and swimming is not recommended! The best time to visit is in winter due to the westerly winds and with the large swell, rips and no lifeguards, this really is one for experienced surfers only. Non-surfers can enjoy the stunning views or explore the nearby rock pools. Access to the beach is either around Dune Rocks if coming from Deadman’s Beach, or via a very steep walkway from the main road.
Deadmans Beach Foreshore, North Stradbroke Island
Deadman’s Beach, next to Frenchman’s Beach, is also surfable. Like Frenchman’s, it’s not patrolled so the nearby Cylinder Beach is a safer option for families. But Deadman’s is a terrific place to visit, whether you want to paddle out into the waves, or just take a leisurely stroll down the shore. The narrow shoreline is surrounded by rocks, and more are scattered in the water.
Surfside, Moreton Island
Locals refer to the 27km stretch on Moreton Island’s eastern side as “surfside” because of the fantastic waves and consistent surf. A word of warning; there are no lifeguards here and there are hazardous rips so keep an eye out!
Honeymoon Bay, Moreton Island
The island’s northernmost beach, the remote Honeymoon Bay, is just 50 metres wide and flanked by 15-meter-high limestone bluffs. This picture-perfect beach could be straight out of a postcard, and is a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. Large waves, rips and concealed rocks can make swimming hazardous at times so take care.
Bayside Beaches Near Brisbane
Streets Beach, South Bank
Streets Beach is a Brisbane sanctuary right in the middle of the bustling city. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to swim at Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach. Kids can enjoy a splash around in the lagoon, which is swell-free and constantly patrolled by lifeguards. Once you’ve built up an appetite, there’s no shortage of nearby food and drink options to enjoy.
South Gorge Beach, North Stradbroke Island
You can cool down at one of Queensland’s most stunning beaches, South Gorge Beach, which is tucked between Point Lookout and North Gorge Headland. Locals and tourists alike are drawn to the area’s protected waters and natural beauty, and after you’re ready to dry off, the breathtaking nearby North Gorge Walk is just waiting to be discovered. As you stroll the beach path, keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and rays.
Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe
This fantastic bayside park and beach is just south of Sandgate, close to the Shorncliffe Pier. There is a great adventure playground in Lower Moora Park and a calm, sandy bayside beach that’s great for a splash for kids. Enjoy a picnic or make use of one of the BBQs nearby.
Margate Beach, Redcliffe
Located on the Redcliffe Peninsula, Margate Beach is yet another magnificent option for a summer visit. Families with young children love swimming here because of the immaculate golden beach and protected waters. As the longest sand beach on the mainland along, with a 2-kilometer refurbished timber boardwalk alongside it, it’s the perfect place for strollers, bikes and scooters.
Suttons Beach, Redcliffe
Just 40 minutes from the CBD, this is a breeze to get to and a great beach option for little ones. With lifeguards on duty over summer weekends and small waves, it’s the perfect spot for some family fun. There’s also heaps of free parking, BBQs, and a big grassy area for picnics.
Scarborough Beach, Redcliffe
Another famous beach in Redcliffe is Scarborough Beach, which is known for its serene shallow waters at low tide that extend for about 20 metres before dropping off into deeper ocean waters. Great for families, a journey down to the rocky end of the beach will take you to volcanic rock pools where, if you approach slowly enough, you can observe crabs scuttling across the rocks.
Wynnum Foreshore
A tidal pool from the 1930s, the Wynnum Wading Pool is on the National Register of Historic Places and the perfect place to cool off when the weather warms up. There’s a nautical-themed playground nearby featuring a whale pool and plenty of slides, swings and climbing areas making this a fabulous place to take the kids. Visit on a Sunday and stop by the nearby Manly Creative Markets to indulge in a spot of shopping.
Dog-friendly Beaches Near Brisbane
Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Cleveland
Raby Bay Foreshore Park beach is now canine central. Puppies will enjoy running and splashing about with one another in the shallow bayside waters. You’ll find a large off-leash area on the beachfront, where grass, sand, and the ocean make a puppy amusement park. Just follow Masthead Drive to find it.
Nudgee Beach, Nudgee
A favourite with Northside dog owners, Nudgee Beach is a great spot to take your four-legged pal (remember to book a pet-friendly GoGet!). Nudgee Beach, one of Brisbane’s greatest dog-friendly beaches, is bordered by the Boondall Wetlands Reserve and invites four-legged friends to play fetch in the tidal areas where the seas are calm and the sand is ample.
Red Beach, Bribie Island
Red Beach, located near the southernmost point of Bribie, is beloved by locals and their pets. It offers a dog- and child-friendly swimming area along with an off-leash white sand beach. Moreton Island can be seen in the distance and, if you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins frolicking in the water.
Brisbane Beaches for Snorkelling Enthusiasts
Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island
An absolute must for underwater enthusiasts! Snorkelling the collection of shipwrecks at Tangalooma Beach on Moreton Island is spectacular. The 15 submerged ships here were scuttled to build a breakwall for small boats, but they also unintentionally created a dive destination teeming with marine life. Lookout for yellowtail, kingfish, and lionfish as well as moray eels, turtles, dolphins, and stingrays. To get there, jump on a ferry from Brisbane. No gear? No problem, you can rent on the island, or book a tour with River to Bay, Adventure Moreton Island, or Australian Sunset Safaris. Kayaks and SUPs are also available if you’d prefer to stay above the surface.
Bulwer Beach, Moreton Island
Bulwer Beach, with its ivory sands and clear waters, is accessible by 4WD only and located further down Moreton Island’s coast – so this is one you’ll need to find a non-GoGet to get to. There’s a shallow wreck nearby that is great for snorkelling and the water clarity is fantastic! It’s also a popular spot for fisherman.
What are you waiting for? Get out and explore your favourite beach today. No wheels? No problem! We’ve got the perfect plan for you.
