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12 Best Brisbane Beaches
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items Brisbane may not have the same profile for ocean swells on coastal white sands and commercial coastal strips like its neighbours, Gold Coast (1 hour south) and Sunshine Coast (1.5 hours north) (aka the “Coasts”), but Brisbane beaches are hidden gems ...
I remember walking and picnics at the sandy shorelines of bayside coves, and hearing experiences of friends camping and 4WDing (or failing) the beaches of the islands. I still enjoy Manly and Cleveland for walks and boat watching.
Sheltered bay shorelines, pristine islands with ocean-facing surf breaks, and unique urban beach experiences offer families the opportunity to wet their toes in the water and stroll sandy shores in glorious sunshine.
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I remember walking and picnics at the sandy shorelines of bayside coves, and hearing experiences of friends camping and 4WDing (or failing) the beaches of the islands. I still enjoy Manly and Cleveland for walks and boat watching.
Sheltered bay shorelines, pristine islands with ocean-facing surf breaks, and unique urban beach experiences offer families the opportunity to wet their toes in the water and stroll sandy shores in glorious sunshine.
This page contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, including Amazon links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Sections
5
Mainland Beaches
Bay Island Beaches
Day Trips, Accommodation, & Transportation
Other Coastal Attractions outside Brisbane
What to Pack
Mainland Beaches
These family-friendly spots feature calm waters and walkable shorelines, patrolled areas for peace of mind while swimming, and enough space to spread out without fighting crowds.
Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach attracts families year-round. Lifeguards patrol the beach during operating hours. The beach provides tropical paradise feelings without leaving the city.
Streets Beach
Shorncliffe is 25 minutes north from the Brisbane CBD (“downtown” district) and the historic pier extends into Bramble Bay with calm waters and a sandy shoreline. It’s a nice spot for the sunrise, fishing from the pier, strolling the sand, and sampli...
Shorncliffe Beach and Pier north of Brisbane
Farther north from Shorncliffe to the Redcliffe area, many Brisbane families go to this small patrolled beach for that classic beach day experience. Paul's parents would take us to Redcliffe as kids for that fluffy sand beach without travelling to th...
You can also check out adjacent Redcliffe Beach, the nippers training at the Surf Life Saving club, the historic jetty, and some man-made lagoons in addition to the nearby shops and restaurants.
You can also check out adjacent Redcliffe Beach, the nippers training at the Surf Life Saving club, the historic jetty, and some man-made lagoons in addition to the nearby shops and restaurants.
Suttons Beach in Redcliffe, North of Brisbane
Check out my ultimate 3 day Brisbane Itinerary for more things to see and do in Brisbane
Ultimate 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary (2025)
This strip of sand to the Brisbane River has a designated off-leash area with dog runs and obstacles. It’s a fun spot for families with a variety of green spaces to run, innovative playground equipment and structures, and walking the sand. Note, dogs...
Colmslie Beach Reserve in Brisbane
The long waterfront promenade is perfect for dog walking, with designated swimming areas and nearby café strips. Weekend markets add extra entertainment, making it a complete family destination.
Manly is one of my favourite locations for its relaxed vibe, diverse range of activities and shops.
Another close spot is Wellington Point for cafes and a sandy cove for families. There is a small island to walk to for some fun discovery but watch the tide coming in. I got more wet than I expected walking back to shore when the tide came in.
Manly is one of my favourite locations for its relaxed vibe, diverse range of activities and shops.
Another close spot is Wellington Point for cafes and a sandy cove for families. There is a small island to walk to for some fun discovery but watch the tide coming in. I got more wet than I expected walking back to shore when the tide came in.
Wynnum / Manly / Lota Foreshores east of Brisbane central
Bay Island Beaches
The island beaches offer that sense of adventure and solitude that makes family memories truly special, all within easy reach of the city. Look for the local fish and chip shop at the coastal and bay spots for takeaway to enjoy on the beach.
Tip: Speak like a local: Shorten “Bribie Island” to just “Bribie” (pronounced BRY-bee) and “North Stradbroke Island” to “Straddie” (pronounced STRAD-dee). Try saying “I’m off to Bribie/Straddie for the weekend” and a Brisbanite will nod their head.
Further north again from Redcliffe is Bribie Island, which is easily accessible by car via a small vehicle bridge. It seemed weird to travel to an ‘island’ across a small bridge but it had sandy beaches and gentle waves so we went.
It’s about 90 minutes north of Brisbane, making it perfect for day trips without the ferry logistics across to other bay islands. On the protected western side of Bribie Island, this spot offers incredibly calm waters, camping, boating, fishing, and ...
Transportation Tip: During peak season and peak times, the bridge can become a bottleneck of traffic so plan accordingly.
It’s about 90 minutes north of Brisbane, making it perfect for day trips without the ferry logistics across to other bay islands. On the protected western side of Bribie Island, this spot offers incredibly calm waters, camping, boating, fishing, and ...
Transportation Tip: During peak season and peak times, the bridge can become a bottleneck of traffic so plan accordingly.
Banksia Beach on Bribie Island
Across the bay from Brisbane city is Tangalooma Beach (known to locals as “Tangalooma”) on Moreton Island and is known for the dolphin-feeding experiences, sand dunes, and snorkeling the sandy shipwrecks. The crystal-clear waters and resort facilitie...
Tangalooma Beach on Moreton Island
A small strip of sand on the northeast pocket of Straddie and home to a seaside village. It’s a lovely spot for kayaking, birdlife and dolphins, calm waters, and a little fishing off the jetty. Local cafes and fish’n’chip shops are favorites at sunse...
Amity Point (Pulan) on Straddie
As the island’s most popular surf break, this beach with a 32km sandy shoreline on the east side of the island offers various peak locations best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Easy access from Dunwich ferry terminal (25 minutes) and local surf shops make it convenient for visiting surfers.
Main Beach is a beautiful beach in Australia, not just the Brisbane area, with pristine waters and more commercial activity with restaurants and shops compared to other pockets of Straddie.
Easy access from Dunwich ferry terminal (25 minutes) and local surf shops make it convenient for visiting surfers.
Main Beach is a beautiful beach in Australia, not just the Brisbane area, with pristine waters and more commercial activity with restaurants and shops compared to other pockets of Straddie.
Main Beach on Straddie (Minjerribah)
This consistent gentle surf break within a sheltered bay is popular with Brisbane surfers seeking alternatives to the crowded Gold Coast spots and the more challenging breaks of Main Beach. The beautiful natural setting and camping options make it pe...
Cylinder Beach on Straddie
This ocean beach provides reliable surf conditions with 4WD access to less crowded northern sections and you’ll see gentle swells of 0.5m-1.0m as the break is sheltered by Moreton Island. Local families love combining surfing with regular beach activ...
Woorim Beach on Bribie Island
Day Trips, Accommodation, & Transportation
There are day trips from Brisbane to handle the driving for you. This is especially appealing if you don't have access to a 4WD vehicle for the bay islands or experience driving on sand. You can also hire a car from downtown Brisbane.
If you're making your own way to Moreton you'll have to book a ferry. Cars and passengers are allowed but make sure your vehicle is a genuine 4WD and you're experienced driving on sand.
Moreton Island Ferries
Passenger and vehicle ferries to North Stradbroke Island. Make sure your vehicle is a genuine 4WD and you're familiar driving on sand. Bookings essential to get across the bay.
North Stradbroke Island Ferry
Ditch the worry of 4WDing on the sand and have someone lead you (and drive you) around this beautiful island for the day. It is an easy way to get to the island with transportation sorted for you.
North Stradbroke Island Tours
Let someone else handle the ferry and logistics from Brisbane and enjoy sand boarding, beaches, and more at Moreton Island
Moreton Island Day Trip Cruises
Take advantage of someone else driving on the sand to scenic spots on the island. It's a trip without a ferry ride and smaller than Moreton or Straddie but still lots to explore on beaches and bushland, wildlife, and lagoons.
Bribie Island Day Trip from Brisbane
Check out car rentals in Brisbane if you want more mobility than public transportation. If you plan on headed to the islands make sure you have an 4WD vehicle and check your rental policy.
Car Rentals in Brisbane
One of the primary places to stay if you're not camping on Moreton Island, unless you find some local accommodation.
Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island
Quality seafood if you're up the north end of Straddie
Rufus King Seafoods Amity Point Straddie
Many folks camp at Straddie and this spot on Cylinder beach is a great locale to a nice beach
Camping at Cylinder Beach, Straddie
If you're intent on staying a few days and not camping, check out places to stay
Where to Stay on North Stradbroke Island
This newer addition to Straddie has been getting great reviews, especially for it's pizza and views. Try a tour, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Aussies love their micro-breweries and sample boards are popular.
Aussies love their micro-breweries and sample boards are popular.
Straddie Brewing Co for tours, tastings, and tucker
This tiny shack has been serving fresh seafood daily for years and it has a loyal following. Be like a local and grab your prawns here, and try a famous prawn roll. It's like the equivalent of a lobster roll in Maine, USA.
The Prawn Shack at Point Lookout for fresh seafood and prawn roll
Other Coastal Attractions outside Brisbane
If you want to add something extra to your beach visit then there is plenty available. The bay features whale watching (seasonally) and the Coasts offer hinterland hiking and adventures, wineries, theme parks, and more.
There are many activities and options at the Sunny Coast for a day trip instead of the islands. Try hiking or exploring the Glasshouse Mountains, or local markets at Eumundi. There are many great beaches of course, and Australia Zoo.
Sommer likes the relaxed less-commercial vibe of the Sunny coast more than the Gold Coast.
Sommer likes the relaxed less-commercial vibe of the Sunny coast more than the Gold Coast.
Sunshine Coast Tours & Excursions
There are many activities and options at the Gold Coast for a day trip instead of the islands. There are theme parks like Dreamworld, Movieworld, and Wet'n'Wild water park - all are great day experiences that are different. I've enjoyed each one over...
The Outback Spectacular is worth booking for the Aussie meal and ‘outback’ rodeo-style show experience.
Of course, there is the Gold Coast hinterland for hiking, wine tasting, and exploring like Mt Tamborine.
The Outback Spectacular is worth booking for the Aussie meal and ‘outback’ rodeo-style show experience.
Of course, there is the Gold Coast hinterland for hiking, wine tasting, and exploring like Mt Tamborine.
Gold Coast Tours & Attractions
Unforgettable moments with these sea giants
Whale Watching from Brisbane
Now I would rather hit the beach then a theme park, but with that said, I have been to almost all the theme parks at the Gold Coast and if your travel with kids of any age this could be something different to do!
Theme Parks & Attractions on the Gold Coast
Spend a day with wildlife at the iconic Australia Zoo with Steve Irwin ‘Crocodile Hunter’ legacy.
Transfer pickup from South Bank
Transfer pickup from South Bank
Visit crocodiles and other wildlife at Australia Zoo
What to Pack
You will want to make sure you packed for your trip, especially if your headed to the beach and the sun!
Check out our list of what to pack for your Australia trip!
What to Pack for Your Trip to Australia, by a local