10 Best Beaches In Brisbane
Written by Joeri Van Overloop
From hidden lagoons to surfers' paradises and tranquil family-friendly spots; each spot has its unique charm that caters to every beachgoer's dream. In this article, we're embarking on a sun-soaked journey to explore these heavenly havens. So grab your sunscreen, pack up your beach bag and get ready as we dive headfirst into the best beaches in Brisbane - where every grain of sand tells a story.
1. Cylinder Beach, Stradbroke Island
I love visiting Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island when I need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's easily accessible by ferry from Brisbane, making it a great day trip for families and friends.
Cylinder Beach is a popular spot for swimming and surfing, with lifeguards patrolling the beach year-round to ensure safety. The gentle waves make it an ideal spot for families with kids who want to enjoy the water without worrying about strong currents.
For those who love snorkeling, Cylinder Beach has a variety of marine life to discover, including schools of colorful fish and even sea turtles if you're lucky. The crystal-clear water and soft sand make it an ideal spot for a relaxing day at the beach.
If you're looking for a family-friendly beach, Cylinder Beach is definitely worth a visit. There are plenty of amenities available, including showers, toilets, and picnic areas. Plus, the beach is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a great option for everyone.
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2. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
I have visited plenty of beaches in Brisbane, but Woorim Beach on Bribie Island is one of my favorites. This surf beach is perfect for those who love to swim and enjoy water activities. The sand is soft and clean, and the waves are gentle enough for children to play in.
Woorim Beach is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends for a walk or a swim. The beach is family-friendly, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. You can go for a swim, build sandcastles, or play beach volleyball. There are also many picnic areas with barbeques, so you can enjoy a meal with your family or friends.
If you are looking for more adventure, you can go surfing or kiteboarding. The waves are perfect for beginners, and there are many surf schools that offer lessons. You can also rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the beautiful coastline of Bribie Island.
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3. Suttons Beach, Redcliff
During my trip to Brisbane, I have visited many amazing beaches in the area, and Suttons Beach in Redcliffe is one of my top picks. This family-friendly beach is perfect for a day trip with the kids or a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
The sand at Suttons Beach is soft and clean, making it perfect for building sandcastles or just lounging around. The water is calm and shallow, which is great for little ones who want to swim and play. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty during the day to ensure everyone's safety.
One of the best features of Suttons Beach is the playground located right on the foreshore. It's a great spot for kids to burn off some energy and have fun while parents can relax on the nearby benches or picnic tables. There are also public restrooms and showers available, making it easy to clean up after a day at the beach.
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4. Streets Beach, Southbank
After spending some time in Brisbane, I can confidently say that Streets Beach is one of the best Brisbane beaches in the city. Located in the heart of Southbank, this man-made beach is a popular spot for families, locals, and tourists.
One of the best things about Streets Beach is its location in the South of Brisbane. Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, this inner-city beach offers stunning views of the Brisbane city skyline. The sand is pristine and the water is crystal clear, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.
Streets Beach is also incredibly family-friendly. There is a playground nearby, as well as plenty of grassy areas for picnics and games. The lifeguards are always on duty, ensuring that the beach is safe for swimmers of all ages.
Contact:
Address: Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3029 1797
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5. Nudgee Beach
Nudgee Beach is a hidden gem situated in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. It is a family-friendly and dog-friendly beach that is perfect for a day out with the kids or a relaxing walk with your furry friend.
This beautiful beach is surrounded by wetlands, which makes it a great spot for bird watching. You can spot a variety of birds such as pelicans, ibis, and egrets. The boardwalk that runs along the beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a jog.
Nudgee Beach is also a great spot for paddle boarding. The calm waters and the sandy beach make it an ideal location for beginners. You can rent paddle boards from nearby shops or bring your own.
The beach has a picnic area with BBQ facilities, making it a great spot for a family picnic. You can also take a dip in the water and cool off on a hot summer day.
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6. Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island
Tangalooma Beach on Moreton Island is one of the best beaches in and around Brisbane. The beach is located on the eastern side of Moreton Island and is easily accessible by ferry from Brisbane.
Tangalooma Beach is known for its calm waters and white sand, making it a perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The water is crystal clear, allowing you to see the marine life below, including dolphins that often swim close to shore.
One of the unique experiences that Tangalooma Beach offers is the opportunity to hand-feed wild dolphins. Every evening, a group of dolphins visits the beach, and visitors can feed them under the supervision of trained staff. This is a great experience for kids and adults alike, and it's a memory that will last a lifetime.
Apart from the water activities, Tangalooma Beach also has plenty of sand dunes that are perfect for sandboarding. You can rent a board and slide down the dunes, which is a thrilling experience that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
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7. Bongaree Beach, Bribie Island
Bongaree Beach is one of the six beaches located on Bribie Island, which is just a short drive from Brisbane, Queensland. It is a family-friendly beach on the Gold Coast that is perfect to swim, fish, and play in the sand.
This fantastic beach is calm and safe, making it a great place to take kids. It has a playground for children to enjoy, as well as sheltered picnic areas and walkways. There are also toilets available for visitors to use.
One of the highlights of Bongaree Beach is its jetty, which is perfect for fishing. Visitors can bring their own fishing gear or rent equipment from nearby shops. The beach is also located on Pumicestone Passage, which is a popular spot for water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
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8. Bulwer Beach, Moreton Island
I have had the pleasure of visiting many beaches in and around Brisbane, but Bulwer Beach on Moreton Island stands out as one of the best. This gorgeous beach is situated on the north end of Moreton island and offers visitors a serene and family-friendly environment.
The sand at Bulwer Beach is soft and white, making it perfect for a barefoot stroll or a game of beach volleyball. The water is calm and clear, making it an ideal stretch of beach for swimming and snorkeling. In fact, visitors can explore several shipwrecks near the edge of the beach while snorkelling.
Bulwer Beach extends 8.5 kilometers long, providing ample space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the beauty of the beach. The beach is also a good fishing ground for visitors who wish to explore that part of Moreton Island.
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9. Banksia Beach, Bribie Island
Bribie Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Brisbane. It is located on the Sunshine Coast and is a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway. One of the best beaches on Bribie Island is Banksia Beach.
Banksia Beach is a calm and safe beach that is perfect for swimming and relaxing. It is one of the six beaches on Bribie Island and is a great place to spend time with family and friends. This Brisbane beach has facilities such as fishing spots, BBQ, toilets, boat ramps and walks. It is also dog-friendly with an off-leash area, so you can bring your furry friends along for a walk.
The white sand on Banksia Beach is soft and clean, making it a great place to walk and play. The water is crystal-clear and warm, making it a great place to swim and cool off on a hot day. This dog beach is family-friendly and has picnic areas and a playground for kids.
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10. Main Beach, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)
As a beach enthusiast, I can confidently say that Main Beach in North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is one of the best beaches near Brisbane, Queensland. With its crystal-clear water and pristine sand, Main Beach offers a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
If you're an experienced surfer, Main Beach is the perfect spot for you. With its powerful waves, this beach is best on a low to moderate swell and west to north-west winds. The outer bay provides good breaks, and the northern rip channel offers easy access to the beach. However, if you're a beginner, it's best to avoid this beach as the waves can be quite powerful.
For those looking for other experiences, Main Beach offers coastal walks, freshwater lakes, and beautiful scenery. The beach stretches for 33km to Jumpinpin Inlet, providing plenty of space for long walks and exploration.
It's important to note that safety is a top priority at Main Beach. The surf beach is patrolled by lifeguards, and visitors are advised to swim between the flags. It's also important to be aware of the deep rip channels that cut through the inner bar every 200 to 300m.
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FAQ
Q: What are the top-rated beaches for a quiet and relaxing day near Brisbane?
A: If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing day near Brisbane, then you should head to Shorncliffe Beach or Nudgee Beach. Both these beaches are located in the northern suburbs of Brisbane and are known for their serene environment and calm waters.
Q: Which Brisbane suburbs are known for their exceptional beachfronts?
A: Brisbane has several suburbs that offer exceptional beachfronts. Some of the popular ones in the Brisbane region include Redcliffe, Sandgate, and Wynnum. These suburbs are located in the northern and eastern parts of Brisbane and are known for their beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, and lively atmosphere.
Q: How can one reach the nearest beach from Brisbane using public transport?
A: Brisbane has an excellent public transport system, and you can easily reach the nearest beach using buses, trains, or ferries. The most popular beaches that are easily accessible by public transport include Shorncliffe Beach, Nudgee Beach, and Sandgate Beach.
Q: Are there any recommended beaches for safe swimming in the Brisbane area?
A: Yes, Brisbane has several beaches that are ideal for safe swimming. Some of the popular ones include Streets Beach, South Bank, and Sutton's Beach, Redcliffe. These beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and have calm waters, making them perfect to swim.
Q: What beach options are available within Brisbane itself for a quick seaside experience?
A: If you are looking for a quick seaside experience within Brisbane, then you should head to Streets Beach on the South Bank. This man-made beach is located in the center of Brisbane and is perfect for a quick dip or sunbathing.
Q: Between the Brisbane CBD and South Bank, which is the preferred area for beach access and amenities?
A: South Bank is the preferred area for beach access and amenities. It is home to Streets Beach, which is a popular man-made beach and offers a wide range of amenities like changing rooms, showers, and cafes. The beach is also easily accessible from the city center and is a great place to relax and unwind.
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Recommended Hotels In Brisbane
The Westin Brisbane
Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center and spa facilities, The Westin is located in the heart of Brisbane CBD, surrounded by a variety of restaurants, cafes, shopping and amenities. The hotel has an on site resturant and a pool bar. The City Botanic Gardens are located just 1148 feet from the property.
Hilton Brisbane
Hilton Brisbane is just 2 minutes’ walk from Queen Street Mall and 10 minutes’ walk from South Bank Parklands. Guests enjoy an onsite restaurant, a tennis court and a fitness center. The elegant rooms offer stunning city views.Each air-conditioned room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a bathroom with walk-in shower.
Sofitel Brisbane Central
This 5-star Sofitel Brisbane Central hotel features a day spa, an outdoor pool, indulgent rooms and an a la carte restaurant, Suzette Restaurant. It offers direct access to Central Railway Station, or Roma Street Station is just 2625 feet away.All rooms are equipped with satellite TV, bathrobes and slippers, and a fully stocked mini-bar.
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