An Insider's Guide To Brisbane Beaches

Brisbane is blessed with a stunningly sunny climate, boasting some of the warmest year-round temperatures of any Australian capital city.

When the mercury rises in Brisbane, there are plenty of refreshing swimming spots to cool down in, as well as a wealth of sea and sand options to enjoy.

Searching for the perfect patch of sand to place your towel on? Whether you prefer a scenic gem close by or you’re happy to drive further out, here’s our selection of the best Brisbane beaches.

Family-friendly | Dog-friendly | Surf-friendly

Family-friendly beaches

Is there anything more wholesome than a family day out at the beach? From first paddles and learning to surf, to joyful picnics and building sandcastles, it’s a quintessential summer experience that has to be done.

With little ones in tow, safety and organisation are key, so we’ve got you covered with the following family-friendly beaches.

Streets Beach, South Bank

A family walking on the beach and in the water surrounded by buildings. — Spend a family day at Streets Beach. (Image: Sam Lindsay/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Starting with Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, the iconic Streets Beach is the closest beach to Brisbane CBD, located in South Bank.

As a bucket list item all on its own, here you can relax next to the sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white, sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. The beach is free to use and patrolled by qualified lifeguards all year round.

Alongside Streets Beach sits two other aquatic spaces – the Boat Pool and Aquativity, the latter being an interactive water-play park for kids.

Shorncliffe Beach, Shorncliffe

Shorncliffe beach Brisbane — The still waters at Shorncliffe will leave you in a peaceful state of mind.

Just 25 minutes from Brisbane CBD is Shorncliffe Beach – a sleepy seaside village with a flat, safe stretch of beach that’s ready and waiting to be explored.

Head in the early morning and you’re guaranteed a stunning sunrise, filled with colourful, expansive skies as far as the eye can see. In the daytime, do some stand-up paddleboarding, or let the kids frolic in one of the surrounding play areas.

Suttons Beach, Redcliffe

Sutton's Beach Brisbane — Take a dip at Suttons Beach.

Keep travelling 20 minutes north from Shorncliffe and you’ll find Suttons Beach in Redcliffe, a gorgeous strip of sand that is perfect for families. With sweeping views overlooking Moreton Island, the small waves here are ideal for those who want a gentle paddle.

Head to the north end for shady grass areas and Suttons Beach Playground, as well as outdoor showers, toilets, BBQs, and picnic shelters. Or to stretch your legs alongside a scenic backdrop, make your way to the south end and follow the path around to Woody Point via the Gayundah wreck. Suttons Beach is patrolled by the Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Club .

Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island (Mulgumpin)

A beach and the ocean with shipwrecks. — Dip your toes in crystal clear water at Tangalooma Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you want a real holiday feeling with a dose of adventure, take a 75-minute ferry over to Moreton Island (the third-largest sand island in the world) for a slice of beach paradise.

Only a few metres walk from Tangalooma Island Resort (which has food, drink, and other facilities available), Tangalooma Beach is a beautiful white sandy stretch with calm waters, making it inviting for a swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or even just to float around. There’s also a nightly attendance of a family of wild dolphins if you want to stick around and catch the last ferry back to Brisbane afterwards.

For families with older kids who are looking for more action, spend your day exploring the eight-kilometre-long beach by quad bike, sandboarding the 100-metre-high dunes, or snorkelling the famous Tangalooma Wrecks.

Banksia Beach, Bribie Island

A car driving on a beach. — Bribie Island is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Brisbane is spoilt with neighbouring islands, including Bribie Island – Queensland’s only offshore island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The journey takes about 90 minutes from the CBD.

This relatively untouched spot at Banksia Beach offers exquisite coastal scenery, low-key bush camping spots, popular boating and fishing areas in the famous Pumicestone Passage , as well as excellent birdwatching opportunities and spring wildflowers.

Dog-friendly beaches

Let’s not forget our four-legged friends who love to hit their step count at the beach. Not only does a trip here keep them active, but it’s a great opportunity to enjoy off-leash time, have a paddle, and socialise with other dogs.

Fortunately, Brisbane is surrounded by an abundance of coastal inlets, so there’s always somewhere nearby to let your dog have some off-leash fun. Here are some of the most highly recommended dog beaches in Brisbane.

Colmslie Beach Reserve, Murarrie

Shaded on the sandy bank of the Brisbane River, you’ll find Colmslie Beach at the end of a foliage-clad parkland. The parkland comes complete with flying foxes, slides, picnic spots, and bike tracks, which are all fit for a day of exploring before you cool off in the water. It’s also a completely off-leash area, meaning well-trained dogs can enjoy the reserve too.

Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Cleveland

A woman on a paddle on the water. — Spend the afternoon on a paddle in Cleveland. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Just 30 minutes south of Brisbane is this local gem, complete with three swimming coves with sandy beaches. The calm waters are suitable for all ages, and you can hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard right on the shore. The area is dog-friendly, with a designated off-leash area, complete with rubbish bags, bins, and water bowls.

Manly Foreshore, Manly

Manly Foreshore in Brisbane — Dogs are welcome to wander off-leash on the foreshore. (Image: Brisbane Marketing)

Also on the south side of Brisbane is Manly Foreshore, where dogs are welcome to wander off-leash on the foreshore (the area between the high and low tide mark). Head to the beach area at the end of Davenport Drive, between the southern rock wall and the northern rock wall.

Sandgate-Brighton Foreshore, Sandgate

Sandgate beach. — Walk along Sandgate and enjoy the fresh air. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Similar to Raby Bay and Manly, Sandgate is the north-side equivalent of off-leash freedom on the foreshore. The area runs from the stairs to the foreshore on the corner of Flinders Parade/Second Avenue in Sandgate, all the way to the corner of Park Parade/Zeehan Street in Shorncliffe.

Queens Beach North, Redcliffe

Dogs can be exercised off-leash at any time along the Flinders Parade beachfront between the stairs and the northern rock groyne, on sand and water only.

Red Beach, Bribie Island

Nestled on the southeast point of Bribie Island, Red Beach is an especially popular dog-friendly beach. This eight-kilometre beach can be accessed from Tully Street and allows for leashed dogs to run, swim and play. Red Beach generally doesn’t experience rough waves, which is perfect for dog owners to take a relaxing dip with their pooches.

Surf-friendly beaches

For those who want to catch a wave, the Gold Coast isn’t the only go-to place to surf – you might be surprised by what Brisbane’s beaches have to offer.

Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Surfers in the water. — Cylinder Beach is a paradise on earth for surfers. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

North Stradbroke Island is packed with picturesque swimming spots along its shores, and one of the best is Cylinder Beach.

Situated between the Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands, you’ll find smaller, accessible waves and greater protection from obtrusive winds. The spot is expertly patrolled and is one of the most consistently beautiful surf options on the island.

Main Beach, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Surfers in the ocean. — Enjoy the ride at Main Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Speaking of North Straddie, it would be remiss not to mention the great Main Beach attraction that calls this island home.

This popular surf beach stretches for 38 kilometres along the eastern side and is a popular option for strong swimmers and surfers, thanks to stronger breaks than the opposing Cylinder Beach. This spot is also protected from the northerly winds by a large headland.

Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

Bribie Island Brisbane — Tropical beauty on Bribie Island.

Back to Bribie Island, Woorim Beach is a popular surfing spot and the closest surf beach north of Brisbane. Surf Lifesaving Queensland advises that the area typically sees a low shore break that closes out in bigger surf. With Moreton Island protecting Bribie from southerly swells, waves average between 0.5 and one metre along this beach, but can be much larger.

If you thought you had to travel to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast to find popular beaches, you thought wrong!

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

An insider’s guide to the best Brisbane beaches