12 Best Brisbane Beaches

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 to discover. 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.

Best Brisbane Beaches for Families

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. 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.

Consider a day trip to Moreton Island or Straddie in my 3 Day Ultimate Itinerary for Brisbane.

1. Streets Beach, South Bank

This man-made lagoon in the heart of Brisbane is unexpected and idyllic. I bring visitors here first because, frankly, I think it’s pretty cool to have a sandy beach in the city area. It’s free to enter, patrolled by lifeguards for water safety, and has everything families need including BBQ areas and playgrounds. It is within the famed Southbank precinct with nearby restaurants, markets, and adjacent arts precincts. I would sometimes walk the precinct at night coming from work to enjoy the calm that comes from nature.

Locals living in South Bank would enjoy the sunshine on the sand during the day. On the weekends, get there early to claim your spot on the sand as it does get busy on hot days. Also check local updates for operating hours as the lagoon undergoes maintenance and temporary closures throughout the year.

Tip: The central Southbank precinct is a hub of public transportation options including train, bus and ferry, so enjoy the trip without taking the car. It’s better for the environment, the journey itself is pleasant, and you’re not hustling for a car park in limited on-street parking or paid parking underground.

Check out this post for more on South Bank Brisbane.

2. Shorncliffe Beach, Shorncliffe

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 sampling the local takeaway food. There are nice walking trails, a parking lot, and public restrooms nearby, including a train station 3 blocks away for public transportation from Brisbane city.

3. Suttons Beach, Redcliffe

Farther north from Shorncliffe to the Redcliffe area, many Brisbane families go to this small patrolled beach for that classic beach day experience. My parents would take us to Redcliffe as kids for that fluffy sand beach without travelling to the Coasts. The protected bay location has soft sand and gentle waves, and the foreshore parkland keeps kids entertained. The parkland area has BBQs, playground, and these days it also has community events, and may even have a wedding.

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.

4. Banksia Beach, Bribie Island

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 birdwatching.

Transportation Tip: During peak season and peak times, the bridge can become a bottleneck of traffic so plan accordingly.

5. Tangalooma Beach, Moreton 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 facilities make it worth the ferry trip to reach this island paradise.

It’s about 75 minutes by fast catamaran ferry from Eagle Farm (near the airport) in Brisbane. Stay in Tangalooma Island Resort as a base to 4WD drive the sand dunes and explore Moreton Island, or take a day trip cruise from Brisbane. Ferry bookings are recommended.

6. Amity Point, North Stradbroke 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 sunset and friends who actually knew how to 4WD on sand would drive up there for the beach. Ferry bookings are required or take a day tour from Brisbane.

Best Brisbane Beaches for Dogs

Dogs are part of the family too and often enjoy splashing in the water like our kids. These dog-friendly beaches have designated off-leash areas, waste disposal facilities, and calm waters perfect for dogs who love to swim. You’ll find some beaches allow dog on-leash but these beaches have off-leash areas. Our dog was very energetic in the car for any travel!

7. Colmslie Beach Reserve, Murarrie

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 aren’t allowed in the main playground and I suggest swimming elsewhere.

8. Manly Foreshore, Manly

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.

9. Sandgate-Brighton Foreshore, Sandgate

This extensive foreshore reserve offers multiple access points and large off-leash areas during permitted hours. The shallow waters are perfect for cautious dogs. It’s a pleasant walk along the promenade, and the parks with picnic areas offer space to roam. It’s a north Brisbane version similar to Raby Bay and Manly which are south of Brisbane.

Best Brisbane Beaches for Surfers

Surfers seeking an ocean break will have to travel north to Bribie or across the bay to Straddie where you’ll find a quieter vibe with consistent waves. The ferry transport, 4WD vehicle access, and camping options add adventure to surf trips while maintaining that authentic, non-commercial feel.

Some of these beaches have a ‘surf cam’ video stream. Check local conditions if you’re planning to surf, and know the peak holiday seasons increase crowds. You will need a genuine 4WD vehicle to navigate the sands – AWD vehicles won’t cut it and you’ll get bogged like my friends discovered. The regulars know this happens and will lend a hand (or a tow winch) to get out.

10. Main Beach, North Stradbroke Island

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.

You won’t find hotels on Straddie with many opting for camping or local accommodation.

11. Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island

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 perfect for surf trip weekends. The break is great for beginners and longboarders.

12. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

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 activities, and there are patrolled areas during peak seasons. Dogs are also welcome at the Lowry Street entrance and east to Buckley’s Hole.

Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast

The world-famous beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast offer a variety of beaches and experiences beyond Brisbane. As is much of the time in Brissie, the vibe you’re feeling will lead you to different beaches. Each beach along the coast has it’s own unique feel and access. There is so much choice within Brisbane, and nearby on the Coasts as well.

A trip to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast is best an early morning trip to get parking and time the tides for surfing. Often the wind picks up in the afternoon and crowds disperse as the shadows from the high rise buildings cool the eastern sand.

Both the Goldie and Sunny Coasts have theme parks, extensive accommodation options, and hinterland to explore and hike. There’s so much to see just beyond Brisbane as well.

Conclusion: Best Brisbane Beaches

While Brisbane’s beaches can be overshadowed by it’s neighbours with high-rise development and theme parks, Brisbane beaches provide authentic Australian coastal and bay experiences without the tourist crowds. From South Bank in inner Brisbane, to outer suburbs, and across the bay to Bribie, Moreton, and North Straddie – there are many spots to discover.

I love the novelty and calm of Streets Beach amid the bustle of city life, and the sandy shores of Manly and other small sandy pockets along the bay hold fond memories growing up by the calm bay waters. My friends like the sandy beaches and camping at Moreton Island and Straddie. Come and get your toes wet!

Check out this list of what to pack for your Australia vacation.

About the Author

G’day, I’m Paul, an Aussie, and I love to travel. I want to experience the wonder of this amazing world, and foster the curiosity of others to discover their own wonder.

My favourite places to travel are somewhere new. I’ve attempted to learn Spanish but still working on it.

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