A local’s guide to the best Brisbane beaches

Streets Beach, South Bank

Don’t miss out on a chance to swim at Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach. Streets Beach is a Brisbane oasis; where white sand meets a crystal-clear lagoon in the middle of a bustling metropolis.

Patrolled by lifeguards year-round and free from swell, your kids can splash about in the lagoon while you get settled in with a good book in hand. In the heart of South Bank, it's easy to wander to grab something to eat or explore the parklands afterwards. 

Bribie Island

Pack the car and grab the kids: Bribie Island’s calling. The only island in Queensland connected to the mainland by a bridge, Bribie is one seriously convenient day by the seaside.

Protected Pumicestone Passage, the island's western side is the go-to for easy swims and watersports. Banksia Beach and Sylvan Beach are toddler and baby-friendly; while Bongaree Beach’s jetty caters to the older kids.

When it's time to dust the sand off, there's so much more to discover on the island, from eco-cruises and jet ski safaris to a butterfly sanctuary or famous fish and chips. 

Suttons Beach, Redcliffe

Escape the city with a visit to Redcliffe, a meagre 30 minutes from Brisbane’s city centre. History buffs will delight in the region’s background as Queensland’s first site of European settlement, but those too young to care will be happy to frolic amongst the district’s stretch of sand, parks and public jetty, cooling off in Redcliffe’s calm waters, or public pool Settlement Cove Lagoon nearby.

Good to know: there's free parking, ample grass areas for picnics, free BBQs and winding bike tracks along the foreshore to burn off extra energy. 

Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island

Wave chasers, follow us to Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island, aka Straddie. It may be the world’s second-largest sand island, but it has just as much swell, especially for beginners. 

Cylinder Beach's mellow right-handers are ideal for those still getting the hang of things, and the local experts at North Stradbroke Island Surf School are here to show you the ropes. 

All you have to do is get there; jump aboard a 25-minute water taxi, or take the car on the 45-minute ferry from the mainland. 

Main Beach, North Stradbroke Island

Seasoned pros can skip Cylinder and head to the breaks of Main Beach instead. With large swells the norm, this is not the place for beginners to play - but there's 30-odd kilometres of untouched sand to explore.

The most popular spot is to park up at Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club then wander to the sand. For more remote opportunities, advanced surfers could head out on the sand by 4WD to discover their own fun. 

Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

Take to the surf not far from Brisbane's city’s limits at Woorim Beach on the ocean-facing side of Bribie Island.

Brisbane’s closest patrolled surf beach, it offers ideal conditions for beginners thanks to gentle waves that are sheltered from excess swell. Follow your surf session with a barbecue on the neighbouring lawn, where the kids can take advantage of the skate park and playground.

Of course, the Gold Coast's best surf spots are just a short drive south of Brisbane too. 

Brisbane's best beaches for dog owners

Nudgee Beach, Nudgee

Have you discovered Brisbane's canine paradise? Flanked by Boondall Wetlands Reserve, Nudgee Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Brisbane,  welcoming the four-legged to play fetch in the tidal section, where waters are calm and sand plentiful.

Neighbouring Tuckeroo Park is just as pet-focused, integrating a fenced adventure park for more energetic pets.

Red Beach, Bribie Island

Red Beach is an off-leash expanse ideal for pups eager to get away from the big smoke. Close by, Bribie Island also offers dog beach access at the very southern end of Woorim Beach, known as Woody Bay.

Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Cleveland

Hit the road south from Brisbane’s city centre for Raby Bay in Cleveland. While this historic point may be a local favourite for its lighthouse, parks and waterways, it’s just as canine-friendly.

On the foreshore, you’ll stumble upon an expansive off-leash area, where grass, sand, and surf create an amusement park for puppies. To find it, just follow Masthead Drive.

Brisbane's best beaches for calm waters

South Gorge Beach, North Stradbroke Island

Nestled between Point Lookout and North Gorge Headland, South Gorge Beach is your chance to cool off at one of Queensland’s most beautiful beaches.

The protected waters and surrounding beauty attract plenty of locals, and once you're ready to dry out the spectacular North Gorge Walk is waiting to be explored. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and rays as you wander the coastal track. 

Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island

Rest and relaxation are the specialty of Amity Point, a laid-back fishing village on the northwest of the island. A jetty and netted swimming enclosure are the stars of the show here; paddle in the bay’s calm waters or snorkel your way around the rock walls.

Best pack a rod too; the jetty is a popular pier for catching fish.

For snorkelling enthusiasts

Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island

The jewel in Mulgumpin's (Moreton Island) crown is Tangalooma Beach and its collection of shipwrecks. The 15 sunk vessels that reside on the ocean floor here were deliberately scuttled to form a breakwall for small boats, but conveniently created a dive site abundant in marine life.

Explore beneath the surface with snorkel and fins for the chance to meet yellowtail, kingfish and lionfish, as well as moray eels, turtles, dolphins and stingrays. Simply catch the ferry from Brisbane with your own gear, rent a snorkel from Tangalooma Island Resort on arrival, or jump on a tour with River to Bay,  Adventure Moreton Island, or Australian Sunset Safaris. 

Bulwer Beach, Moreton Island

Drive your 4WD further along the coast of Moreton Island and you’ll come across Bulwer Beach, where alabaster sands and crystal waters will greet you. There's a shallow shipwreck here too, which is popular for swimmers, snorkellers, and fishermen alike.

Brisbane's best beaches when you're seeking solitude

Honeymoon Bay, Moreton Island

You need a 4WD to get here, but it's worth the journey. Traverse the north end of Moreton Island and you’ll meet the half-moon shaped Honeymoon Bay.

Home to rougher swell, this is not a place for a swim, but instead pack a picnic and embrace the serenity away from the crowds of other beaches. Once you've got your dose of peace and quiet, venture nearby to Cape Moreton Lighthouse and the equally iconic Champagne Pools.

Deadman’s Beach, North Stradbroke Island

Get to know a different side of North Stradbroke Island with a trip to Deadman’s Beach. Take no notice of the name; the sandy stretch sitting between North Gorge Headlands and Cylinder Beach is breathtaking.

The steep stair access to Deadman’s means that it’s a refreshingly quiet place to swim, but be warned that the beach isn’t patrolled, so proceed with caution.

Ready to sink your toes into the sand? Find more unforgettable Queensland beaches here.