Due to its close proximity to our spectacular Queensland coastline, there are a number of breathtaking snorkelling spots to be found just outside of Brisbane’s vibrant city heart. Teeming with colourful coral reefs, submerged shipwrecks, and fascinating underwater ecosystems, these snorkelling locations near Brisbane all offer the ideal environment for your next snorkelling adventure with the family.
The Tangalooma Wrecks
When it comes to incredible snorkelling experiences near Brisbane for the family, we really can’t go past the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island. 15 boats were deliberately sunk near the shore many years ago, resulting in a stunning man-made reef that’s complete with a thriving ecosystem of underwater sea life. The sands are white, the water crystal clear, and the whole island is a magnificent family-friendly destination in itself.
Discover beneath the surface: Colourful fish, turtles, dugongs, and wobbegongs, as well as turtles!
Distance from Brisbane: Just over one hour’s passenger ferry ride from Holt Street Wharf, or 90 minutes by vehicle (4WD only) and passenger barge from Lytton, Port of Brisbane.
Cook Island
Just off Fingal Headland on the Tweed Coast lies Cook Island. A simple 15-minute boat ride from the Northern NSW mainland to the island will present you with not only spectacular beaches, but a lively underwater treasure trove waiting to be discovered. A well-loved snorkelling destination due to its stunning reef filled with a variety of turtles, fish, and other marine life, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and, from June to November, you could even spot humpback whales!
Discover beneath the surface: Coral reef, colourful fish, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
Distance from Brisbane: 1.5 hours (drive plus boat ride).
Cudgen Creek
Located at Kingscliff and just over 90 minutes’ drive south of Brisbane, Cudgen Creek is a picture-perfect oasis that also offers a delightful snorkelling experience for all ages. When the tide is in, the small creek area becomes a postcard-worthy blue lagoon, filled with both salt water from the ocean and fresh water from the neighbouring lake. Perfect for snorkelling and exploring the fish that reside within the clear, shallow waters, this is a favourite spot for Brisbane Kids who want to run between both the cooling creek water and the gentle ocean waves.
Discover beneath the surface: Small fish and stingrays.
Distance from Brisbane: Just over 1.5 hours’ drive.
Flinders Reef
Home to over 200 species of fish and 100 species of coral, Flinders Reef is the only true coral reef near Brisbane that is accessible by boat. Located about 5km north-west of Moreton Island, the reef’s vibrant underwater display draws a number of different snorkel and dive tour groups daily. It is also home to a turtle cleaning station, and families love to watch as the turtles wait in line for fish to remove parasites from their shells.
Discover beneath the surface: Tropical fish, colourful coral, turtles, manta rays, and wobbegongs.
Distance from Brisbane: Just over 1.5 hours by boat.
North Stradbroke Island
It probably comes as no surprise that the pristine waters of North Stradbroke Island provide a number of desirable snorkelling locations. Just off the jetty at Amity Point are a series of rock walls that draw a number of feeding marine creatures. For more serious action though, the waters off Point Lookout, Deadman’s Beach, and South Gorge also have a thriving underwater life. Water visibility is stunning here.
Discover beneath the surface: Colourful fish, turtles, giant manta rays, and dolphins.
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour by passenger and vehicle ferry.
Gold Coast Seaway
Just a short drive south from Brisbane, the Gold Coast Seaway is also a fantastic spot for snorkelling. Just near the south wall, eager underwater enthusiasts can discover a variety of local fish, rays, and other marine life.
Discover beneath the surface: Colourful fish, eagle rays, and seahorses.
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour’s drive from Brisbane.
Mudjimba Island
Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island is located just off Mudjimba Beach on the Sunshine Coast. The island itself is pretty easy to get to by boat or even kayak/paddleboard, and will gift anyone who makes the trip with an underwater world filled with colourful coral and fish. The more protected western side of the island is the best snorkelling area, with a large ledge of coral and plenty of fish.
Discover beneath the surface: Dolphins, turtles, stingrays, crayfish, wobbegongs, eel, and starfish.
Distance from Brisbane: 1.5 hour’s drive from Brisbane to Mudjimba Beach, then a quick boat or kayak paddle out to the island.
Peel Island
Peel Island is heritage-listed and can be found just 4km off the coast of Cleveland. The calm, pristine waters of Horseshoe Bay and Platypus Bay are the main snorkelling hotspots on the island, with the latter being the most popular due to the historic shipwreck found there. There is also an artificial reef on the northside of the island. The only way to get there is via boat or as part of a tour.
Discover beneath the surface: Colourful fish, turtles, dugongs, and dolphins.
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour’s boat ride from Cleveland.
Wave Break Island
For the less-experienced snorkellers, Wave Break Island offers a calm, safe and stunning environment to explore. Located within the Gold Coast Broadwater, visitors can get there by boat or even on a kayak. Home to one of the highest amounts of fish in Australia, the long sandy beach on the eastern edge is one of the island’s greatest attractions due to the many marine animals that can be found in its calm waters and at the seawalls on either side of it.
Discover beneath the surface: Large schools of different fish, stingrays, and wobbegongs.
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour’s drive from Brisbane, then a quick trip by boat or kayak.
If you are on the look out for places to dive below the surface near Brisbane, you may also be interested in our roundup of The Best Beaches Near Brisbane.
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