Brisbane Best Beaches Guide 2026 — Top Beaches Near Brisbane for Swimming, Surfing and Day Trips

Brisbane Beaches 2026 — Overview

Brisbane itself is a river city without ocean beaches, but it is surrounded by outstanding beach destinations within 1-2 hours' drive. The Gold Coast (south, 1 hour) and Sunshine Coast (north, 1 hour) are the most famous, but the Moreton Bay islands and the Redcliffe Peninsula offer excellent alternatives closer to the city. Here's a guide to the best beaches near Brisbane.

Closest Beaches to Brisbane (30-60 minutes)

• Redcliffe Beach and Woody Point — Redcliffe Peninsula, 35km north of Brisbane CBD. Moreton Bay swimming beaches, calm and protected. Not surf beaches but great for families and day trips. Pelican Park is nearby.
• Bribie Island — 1 hour north of Brisbane. Southern end accessible by bridge. Long exposed ocean beach on the east; calm Pumicestone Passage on the west. Good surfing and family swimming.
• North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) — 30 minutes from Brisbane by ferry from Cleveland. Home Beach (Point Lookout) has world-class surf; the north passage is calm for families. One of the world's largest sand islands.

Gold Coast Beaches (1 hour south)

• Surfers Paradise Beach — The Gold Coast's iconic beach backed by high-rise towers and the Surfers Paradise Esplanade. Patrolled year-round. Consistent surf.
• Broadbeach — Quieter and more residential beach experience than Surfers Paradise. Pacific Fair and The Star Gold Coast nearby.
• Burleigh Heads — One of Queensland's most beloved beach-town combinations. World-class right-hand point break surf (Burleigh point), national park, excellent restaurants and relaxed village atmosphere.
• Coolangatta Beach — Southern Gold Coast. Multiple beach breaks including Snapper Rocks (WSL Gold Coast Pro venue), Rainbow Bay and Greenmount.

Sunshine Coast Beaches (1 hour north)

• Noosa Main Beach — Patrolled beach in Noosa Heads National Park. Calm for swimming; National Park surf spots (Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay) nearby.
• Mooloolaba Beach — Patrolled beach backed by the Mooloolaba Esplanade cafe strip. Good family swimming.

Moreton Island (2.5 hours ferry)

Moreton Island is accessible by ferry from Pinkenba (Brisbane) and offers pristine beaches, the historic Tangalooma resort, whale watching (July-October), and the famous Tangalooma Wrecks for snorkelling. A spectacular day trip or overnight destination.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.