Best Beaches Near Brisbane 2025: Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Moreton Island

Brisbane itself sits on a river, but world-class beaches are never far away — 45 minutes to the Gold Coast's Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, an hour to the Sunshine Coast's Noosa and Coolum, or a ferry to the pristine sands of Moreton Island. This guide covers the best beaches accessible from Brisbane for a day trip or weekend escape.