Let us help you find the best Brisbane suburbs near beaches. When you think of beaches near Brisbane, most people’s minds automatically go to either the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast. But did you know you don’t actually have to jump in the car for an hour or so to spend time on golden sands and beneath salty waves?
That’s because there are actually quite a few suburbs in Brisbane that are situated only a stone’s throw from a beach. If you are keen to live in Brisbane but are also chasing those beach-side feels, check out our list below of the best Brisbane suburbs near beaches.
Best Brisbane Suburbs near Beaches – Southside
West End / Southbank – Streets Beach
First on our list is probably one of the most well-known Brisbane beaches that sit literally right in the city centre. Streets Beach at Southbank may be man-made, but it provides city dwellers with the perfect inner city oasis, complete with long white stretches of sand, refreshing waters and also a lagoon. It even comes with city and river views!
The hugely popular inner city suburbs of Southbank, West End and South Brisbane are well known for their hippy, laid back and friendly community feel and are all an easy stroll away. As Southbank is the home to a wealth of entertainment, eateries and parklands, these are some of the best suburbs and areas with a beach nearby you will find.
Wellington Point – King Island
If you have ever adventured the low tide walk from Wellington Point to King Island then you can understand just how magical and spectacular this part of Brisbane is. And living in a suburb that has its only private island only a literal walk away is surely a drawcard in itself. Located only 25km from Brisbane city, Wellington Point is a small but bustling, friendly, seaside suburb that comes alive on weekends when the locals hit its pointy end.
Surrounded by water on both sides and is more like a reserve, but if you time your visit correctly with the tides, the waters part and a beautiful sand bridge appears – linking Wellington Point locals with King Island. There are great big shady picnic spots on the mainland and shell-filled sand walks to explore. One tip – just make sure you head back before the tide comes back in otherwise you may have to swim back to shore!
Wynnum / Manly / Lota – Foreshore and Pandanus Beach
Fast becoming some of the most sought after suburbs in Brisbane due to their water views and close proximity to the city is the neighbouring area of Wynnum, Manly and Lota. The foreshore they are famous for stretches from Elenora Park in Wynnum to the tidal mangrove swamp at the mouth of Lota Creek and boasts draw cards such as numerous green parks, Pandanus Beach, Wynnum Jetty and Wading Pool, Manly Beach and boat harbour and Fig Tree Point. Expansive views of Moreton Bay and its islands are seen from most properties that line the foreshore.
The area is hugely popular with locals and tourists, with the area directly surrounding Wynnum’s Whale Park at bursting point on summer weekends and holidays. The area promotes an active outdoors lifestyle and if you live here you will be drawn to take part in one of the many popular pass times of picnics and promenading, walking, cycling, fishing, boating, informal sports and games, swimming, windsurfing and birdwatching.
Cleveland – Raby Bay Foreshore
Cleveland’s prestigious suburb of Raby Bay is filled with architecturally-designed homes, many with private boat berths and backyard pontoons, a beautiful beach and a harbour. Only 45min from Brisbane’s centre, Raby Bay Foreshore Park has three swimming coves with white-sanded beaches that are well-known for both their dog-friendly attitude and calm, tranquil waters. The suburb is filled with residents keen to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind, with an outdoorsy and more relaxed lifestyle promoted easily by the locals. With alfresco dining, a wide range of recreational activities, incredible playgrounds, sunny beaches and plenty of fabulous dining and entertainment options on offer – Raby Bay is one of the best suburbs you will find in Brisbane that is near a beach.
Best Brisbane Suburbs near Beaches – Northside
Redcliffe – Suttons Beach / Scarborough Beach / Lower Moora Park
If you want beachside holiday feels in a beautiful Brisbane suburb, then you really need to look no further than Redcliffe. Home to numerous beaches that are dotted along its peninsula and also a stunning pier, Redcliffe is home to many festivals and events including the ever-popular annual Redcliffe Kitefest. The main city centre has an old-world feel about it but the waterfront is vibrant and new, with the weekly Waterfront Markets bustling with visitors every Sunday.
Suttons Beach is a family-friendly spot with gentle, small waves perfect for a relaxing paddle or swims for little ones. There are BBQ facilities, an impressive playground and plenty of beautiful big shady trees to relax under. Nearby Scarborough Beach has calm shallow waters that stretch out for miles at low tide. The volcanic rock pools found at the rocky end are home to plenty of small crabs and water life waiting to be found. Finally, just alongside the gorgeous Shorncliffe Pier lies Lower Moora Park, which is home to yet another beautiful, calm beach and a hugely impressive playground.
Margate – Margate Beach
Located east of the Redcliffe Peninsular is the sleepy seaside village of Margate. The perfect suburb if you are looking for a quiet and small village feel, the suburb’s main attraction is the beautiful Margate Beach, which is one of the longest mainland stretches of sandy beach along the shores of Moreton Bay Marine Park. Stretching for 2km, the beach contains spectacular golden sands, sheltered waters and views across to Moreton Island.
To the northern end of Margate is Scotts Point Bathing Pavilion built in 1937, this historic landmark gives an insight into the popular beach life of a time gone by.
Nudgee – Nudgee Beach
Sandgate, Brighton and Shorncliffe
In groups across social media, we often see families ask- where should we move in Brisbane if we want to be near the water? 99% of the time Sandgate and Shorncliffe are mentioned and it’s easy to see why. All three suburbs cover the esplanade from the Hornibrook Bridge down to Nudgee Beach. It features some Brisbane’s best playgrounds such as Lower Moora Park and Decker Park. Fish and Chip shops are dotted along the way and one short walk or drive will make it easy to understand why people want to raise their family in Brisbane.
One of our favourite things to do as a family on a Sunday is to head to Sandgate on low tide and walk out on the mud flats to spot the soldier grabs. We finish our visit with some fish and chips and a picnic in Arthur Davis Park. Dogs are welcome and plentiful but they need to be on lead to protect the migratory bird species that come here.
Scarborough – Scarborough Beach
Scarborough lies at the very tip of the Redcliffe Peninsular, overlooking Moreton Bay, and is home to many beautiful beaches and foreshore parks. With a lifestyle that promotes a quieter bayside living than its nearby Redcliffe, Scarborough is popular with those who are seeking a sea change without the tourist numbers and large-scale events.
Scarborough Beach is the previous winner of Queensland’s Friendliest Beach, making it the jewel in the crown of the Moreton Bay Region. It is a well-maintained and safe swimming beach that is perfect for kayaking (kayak hire is available) and sailing and offers plenty of foreshore parklands and pathways to wind down on. It is also famous for its fishing and is known as one of the best fishing spots in Redcliffe.
Whether you relocate to one of the best Brisbane Suburbs near beaches or you just settle for a suburban Brisbane block, we have good news for you. Brisbane, like many Australian cities, is close to the coast and unless you head to a region inland, you are very likely to be within an hour of ocean views (at the very most).
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