The beaches in Brisbane are full of sun, swells, and natural splendor. The region’s subtropical weather means there are lots of perfect days on the calendar. If you adore white sand or want to jump in the clear water, surf, paddleboard, or snorkel, Brisbane is for you.
The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast nearby are also full of golden sands, charming beach towns, and renowned surf spots. From the buzz of Surfers Paradise to the secluded coves of Coolum Beach, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a saltwater adventurer or a simple beach wanderer gathering sand between your toes, Brisbane’s exquisite beaches have you covered.
Streets Beach
Streets Beach
When it comes to beaches in Brisbane, Streets Beach in South Bank Parklands, a large riverside park and culture area, is hard to beat for location and easy urban access, as it’s an artificial beach right in the middle of the city.
Streets Beach, bordering a small man-made lagoon, is ideal if you need to take a beach day but don’t want to lose the city vibe. The pure white sand beach blends with the turquoise lagoon waters, making it a great spot for a swim or spending time by the shore.
There are lifeguards on duty, so it’s family-friendly. Nearby, you’ll find the South Bank precinct, which has plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops to explore after you’ve had enough beach and sun.
With its stunning views of Brisbane’s skyline, Streets Beach is a neighborhood hit, a convenient sandy destination in the heart of Brisbane for tourists and city dwellers alike.
Coochiemudlo Island
Coochiemudlo Island
Coochiemudlo Island, or “Coochie,” is a secluded haven, a short ferry ride from Victoria Point, about 22 miles southeast of Brisbane. Its beachside charm comes from the crystal-clear waters for swimming, kayaking, and paddling.
You can take your pick of soft sand beaches around the island, located in southern Moreton Bay, where you can soak in the sun and relax by the water. Mangroves cover the island, giving it a pristine, natural feel, which also creates a haven for birders and nature enthusiasts.
The entire island is walkable in an hour or so, with varied coastal scenery. Coochiemudlo will provide you with a slice of serenity that’s harder to find in the busier parts of Brisbane. It’s a wonderful day trip where you can get away from it all and enjoy the nature, sand, and sunshine that Australia is known for.
Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island
Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island
If you relish beach life but also need something to do apart from sprawling out on the sand, Tangalooma Beach, on Moreton Island, is a stunning retreat that’s only a ferry ride away from Brisbane.
This beach is celebrated for its azure water and endless stretches of white sand. Two main attractions here are feeding wild dolphins by hand—a truly amazing experience—and the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island
The Tangalooma Wrecks are a group of submerged ships that have been transformed into a snorkeling and dive spot. The underwater habitat here is packed with coral, fish, and sea life, including the shy and beautiful, albeit venomous blue-ringed octopus.
A trip to Tangalooma Beach, one of the best beaches near Brisbane, should be jotted down on your itinerary if you’re a true aquatic lover looking for engaging activities by the sea.
Burleigh Heads Beach, Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads Beach, Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads Beach, about an hour’s drive away from Brisbane, is an incredible Gold Coast location famous for its surf breaks, visited by surfing enthusiasts from across the globe.
Even if you’re not a surfer, walking through the headlands at Burleigh Head National Park makes a visit here worth the effort, with incredible 360-degree coastline views from scenic locations like Tumgun Lookout.
The beach itself is heaven for sunbathers and surfers, with plenty of shady areas available underneath the Norfolk Island pine trees near the shoreline.
You’ll also find the trendy James Street precinct close to the beach, filled with chic cafés, boutiques, bars, and eateries to visit after your sandy day at Burleigh Heads Beach, combining the epitome of natural beauty with a vibrant beachside community.
Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island
Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island
Cylinder Beach, on North Stradbroke Island, south of Moreton Island, is a superb destination if you’re searching for a laid-back beach only a short ferry ride from Brisbane.
This crescent-shaped beach is known for its shallow waters, making it the perfect place to go swimming when you’re not in the mood to confront the tide. Its water is clear and the sand golden, making it ideal for beach sports and sunbathing.
If you’re new to surfing, Cylinder’s waves are gentle enough that you might catch your first wave. And thanks to the Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club, you can rest assured that watchful eyes and helping hands are never too far away.
Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island
For a bit of excitement, venture over to Point Lookout for outstanding coastal views, and the chance to see migrating humpback whales from the latter parts of May until November.
Redcliffe Beach
Redcliffe Beach
Redcliffe Beach, a quick drive north of Brisbane in the seaside town of Redcliffe, is an easy-to-access beach made for an easygoing day by the ocean. The water here is calm, so swimming is a pure delight.
You can go for a walk down Redcliffe Jetty, just north of the beach, to admire Moreton Bay, and even drop a fishing line off the jetty and try to catch some fish.
Settlement Cove Lagoon, to the south of the beach, is a community swimming pool that’s great for kids to play in. You’ll also find some public barbecue areas nearby for an oceanfront picnic.
Redcliffe has a few Sunday markets to keep you entertained as well, should you happen to be in town, with everything from local produce to handicrafts. It’s also a great place to find some tasty fish and chips and fresh seafood, adding to your beachside fun.
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s best beaches, a slick piece of Gold Coast real estate an hour or so south of Brisbane. This City of Gold Coast suburb, often referred to as “Surfers,” is famous for its golden beach and world-renowned surf breaks, so, if you’re hunting for some awesome waves, you’ll want to visit.
The beach, backed by tall apartment buildings, is bound to make you smile, whether you’re a surfer looking for swells or you just want to lay out in the sun.
The entire area is alive with movement, from the streets nearby teeming with cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops to the meter maids wearing golden bikinis and the buff meter men in golden swimsuits, as well as the long beachfront where you can engage in all kinds of watersports.
Surfers Paradise is where you should go if you want a big beach with lots to do and see, making for a delightful break by the sea.
Third Bay, Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach
If you’d like to find some more secluded beaches near Brisbane, Third Bay, just south of Coolum Beach, is a heavenly slice of the Sunshine Coast. It’s 90 minutes north of Brisbane and will offer you a quiet beach experience away from the crowds.
After you hike down a long trail staircase, passing through a bushland reserve, you’ll find rocks all around you, along with a lovely beach nook where you can swim, snorkel, spearfish, or relax on the sand.
It’s also a nice place to visit if you’re a nature lover, with paths that take you to different lookouts over the bay. For the surfer, you can jump on the waves coming in when the swell is right. Third Bay’s sheltered location makes it a special place, offering you intimate contact with the ocean and the surrounding terrain.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park will provide you with a unique waterfront setting along the Brisbane River. Instead of a sandy beach by the sea, you’ll be treated to grassy banks, shaded picnic areas, and spots to chill out by the river, as well as the scenic Kangaroo Point Riverwalk.
This riverside park, south of Story Bridge, rests below sandstone cliffs, and comes with pretty views of some of the tallest buildings in the city, making it a fantastic place for a river day.
You can rent kayaks nearby, take a walk along the river, rock climb or abseil on the cliff face, have a restful picnic by the river, or go for a drink or meal at a restaurant close by like Joey’s while enjoying the views.
Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast
Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast
Coolangatta Beach, less than an hour and a half south of Brisbane, is a smart option if you want a bit of beach life on the Gold Coast, with some great surf and a carefree vibe.
The beach here is wide and sandy with smooth waves that are suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers. Coolangatta has lots of eateries and shops to explore as well, making an afternoon or day trip to the region well worth your time.
Once you arrive, you can go for a stroll along the beach, passing by Rainbow Bay Beach on your way to the iconic Snapper Rocks and Point Danger—a legendary surfer’s point break—or else stay put and sprawl out on the golden sand.
The atmosphere at Coolangatta Beach is more laid back than many other parts of the Gold Coast, letting you get away from city noise while basking in the natural wonder of this sublime stretch of sand.
Read: Most Beautiful Places in Australia
Suttons Beach
Suttons Beach
Suttons Beach in Redcliffe, south of Redcliffe Beach, is a patrolled swimming beach perfect for anyone looking for a day on the beach near Brisbane. It’s an open strand of sand with calm water, perfect for a splash in the ocean.
The beach is backed by trees, lawns, a walking path, and a parking area, offering easy access to the shore. You’ll also find public barbeque spaces here.
The walking route along the foreshore will provide you with some spectacular views across Moreton Bay, and there’s a colorful playground nearby.
Deadman’s Beach, North Stradbroke Island
Don’t let Deadman’s Beach’s morbid-sounding name put you off. It was named after skeletal remains found here in 1956. This magnificent beach, on the northeastern tip of North Stradbroke Island, is an amazing spot for some quiet time by the ocean.
This well-sheltered beach was designed by Mother Nature for a refreshing dip in the water or some afternoon sunbathing. You’ll come across rock ledges and rock pools surrounding this gorgeous expanse of sand, adding to its secluded feel.
Deadman’s Headland Reserve and Deadman’s Beach are also places where you might glimpse kangaroos at close quarters or dolphins surfing in the waves offshore. During migration season, you can see humpback whales as well.
Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
Woorim Beach is a brilliant destination on Bribie Island, a little over an hour north of Brisbane, with plenty of golden sand where you can meander down the shore, go swimming, set up a fishing pole and try to catch some fish, or else catch some waves on your surfboard.
Picnic tables and benches dot some of the grassy areas close to the beach, and cafés and restaurants are nearby. With a friendly atmosphere and the pristine sand and water, Woorim Beach is a great afternoon beach outing near Brisbane.
Read: Best Things to Do in Brisbane
Gold Coast
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