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Beaches close to Brisbane

We love living in Brisbane but we also love nothing more than ‘heading to the coast’. On our doorstep there are the watery playgrounds of Moreton Bay but for those who want waves, pumping surf and open beaches, take the drive either north to the Sunshine Coast or south to the Gold Coast.

Most beaches have sections patrolled by Surf Life Savers. For your safety, always swim between the red and yellow flags. Surf Life Saving clubs are also common at most beaches and many are a good place to enjoy a cold ale or cheap meal. All have amazing views.

Bribie Island

Between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast is Bribie Island. The surf side of the island only ever has small surf which is great for young children. The lee side of Bribie has beautiful clear waters for fishing, boating and swimming in Pumicestone Passage. Take a day cruise too. Bribie is just under an hour’s drive from the city.

Sunshine Coast

Caloundra
Escape to Caloundra - the nearest Sunshine Coast beach to Brisbane, about an hour’s drive. It’s a great family spot, with options for surfing at Kings Beach and stillwater paddling at nearby Golden Beach on Pumicestone Passage. Take a look at a photo taken from Bulcock Beach at sunset.

Mooloolaba
Shimmering rock pools and good surf make Mooloolaba very popular. It’s a busy place with lots of ocean view cafes and plenty of apartment accommodation options. It’s become more developed in recent years, with a fantastic streetscape, made for pedestrians. It’s also home to one of Queensland’s most amazing surfside, council-owned caravan parks.

Coolum
Coolum is another example of a beautiful open beach on the Sunshine Coast. You can drive from the Bruce Highway to take the scenic route through waving fields of sugar cane. Maybe you can be there when Coolum hosts its amazing annual kite festival in September?

Noosa Beach and river
Noosa’s Main Beach has arguably some of the most expensive real estate in Queensland. But anyone is welcome to lay their towel for free on the lovely, north-facing beach. Hastings Street, behind the beach, has dozens of places to eat, be seen and spend money.
If you have little kids, then the narrow sandy beaches and calm water of Noosa River are perfect.
Surfers will prefer the big swells and open beach of Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach and south to Peregian Beach. Find more at Noosa Tourism.

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Gold Coast

The eight lane freeway connecting Brisbane to the Gold Coast means that it’s easier than ever to get to the southern beaches and attractions of the glitzy Gold Coast.

Southport is the first stop and the Broadwater is a paradise for boats, jet skis and anything with paddles. Plus there is a swimming enclosure and fantastic children’s playground beside the water. Head past Seaworld to get to the relatively deserted open spaces of the Southport Spit.

Main Beach
Walk out of the luxury shops on Tedder Avenue, onto the sands of Main Beach.

Burleigh
The home of many surf carnivals and grassy parks beside the water.

Kirra Beach
A massive sand beach, with views over the water to the sparkling skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise. The beachfront boardwalk is a good walk, around into Coolangatta and eventually across the border into New South Wales. Although further south, Kirra is still only a day trip from Brisbane.

Read more about these and other Gold Coast beaches on the Gold Coast City Council's website.

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