Beaches near Brisbane

You can plan a beach adventure on virtually any day in the sunny Queensland capital. With about 280 sunshine days a year and a laid-back Aussie atmosphere, Brisbane is the place to be if you love the sun, sand, and surf. Plus, you don’t have to go far because numerous beaches near Brisbane are easy to reach even by bus or train.

When looking for water adventures, people often think of the Brisbane River, a major river that flows through the city and empties into Moreton Bay, the world's third-largest sand island. But if you want to do more than kayaking or sailing along the river, check out the best beaches in Brisbane and across Queensland.

Leave your maxi dresses at home, as they can be a bit heavy and hot in the Australian summer. Bikinis, board shorts, swim trunks, and flip flops (or what Aussies call ‘thongs’) are comfortable and practical, and don’t forget your hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. If you have more items than necessary for the beach, store them with Bounce for a more relaxed and carefree adventure.

A local's guide to beaches near Brisbane

From well-known family-friendly spots for swimming and sunbathing to secret coves with crystal-clear waters just a hop, skip, and jump from the city center, this guide covers the best Brisbane beaches to add to your bucket list.

Cylinder Beach - North Stradbroke Island

Embark on a scenic journey to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and stop at Cylinder Beach, one of the island’s most popular beaches. It’s a beloved surf beach, but don’t expect to find those monster waves that will challenge even the most experienced surfers. With gentle waves, Cylinder Beach is perfect for boogie boarders, body surfers, and those who are still finding their surf groove.

This sandy beach doesn’t get crowded, so you can have a peaceful day riding the waves, watching the sunset, or simply enjoying the views across the water. There are also nearby campgrounds, restaurants, and nice areas off the beach with tables, seats, and electric BBQs.

The best way to get to Cylinder Beach from Brisbane is to join a tour of North Stradbroke Island. You can pick a day trip with wildlife and beach time, which often includes a 75-minute break time, a photo stop, and swimming at Cylinder Beach. Otherwise, you have to catch a taxi or hire a car to Toondah Harbour, Cleveland, for a ferry to the island.

With all there is to do here, extra bags are sure to get in the way. Plus, space may be limited if you're doing a bus tour. Store suitcases and heavy backpacks with Bounce in advance, and you can spend a carefree day in the sand.

South Gorge Beach

While you're on North Stradbroke Island, don’t miss the chance to visit the South Gorge Beach located in the small coastal town of Point Lookout. It’s a small beach near Main Beach, known for its awe-inspiring rock formations. Some of the activities to enjoy here are fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and swimming, but you can also explore the Point Lookout Markets near the beach. They open every Sunday and feature local delicacies, arts, and crafts.

Unlike Cylinder, South Gorge is not patrolled, so always be cautious when surfing or swimming as rips and strong currents are around most of the year. If you’re ready to dry out, explore the 1.2-kilometer North Gorge Walk and prepare your camera for stunning views of nature and encounters with unique Australian wildlife. And if you have loads of camera gear that you don't want to carry to other beaches or around Brisbane, Bounce can store it all safely.

Suttons Beach

Gentle waves, a patrolled swimming beach, play equipment, picnic shelters, and beach showers are some of the things you’ll find at Suttons Beach. A drive here from downtown Brisbane is only less than an hour, so it’s a nice escape from the buzzing city but you’re not too far from the Brisbane Central Business District. Public transport takes longer (about an hour and a half) and involves a trip from Roma Station to Kippa-Ring Station and then a bus to Anzac Ave. 

Sutton Beach is a favorite weekend destination in Redcliffe. It’s free to enter the beach, and there’s free parking, free BBQs, and ample grassy areas for picnics. The beach has lifeguards for added peace of mind with small waves and the beautiful Moreton Island in the background. A short walk from the beach is Redcliffe's Settlement Cove Lagoon, a man-made lagoon with palm trees and recreational areas for all ages.

Bongaree Beach

If you’re planning a trip to Bribie Island for a quieter and more secluded beach experience, head to Bongaree Beach. It’s easily accessible from Brisbane if you have a car, taking only about an hour. The fastest route is along the M1 Motorway, a major highway that connects the city to the famous Gold Coast. If you don’t have a car, it will take close to two hours to make the trip and involves about 40 minutes of walking and two transfers.

If you have kids, be sure to bring them; the water is calm and shallow, and there’s plenty of space for the little ones to run around. You can also take your date, a friend, or colleagues for leisurely walks, swimming, building sandcastles, wading, or simply taking in the spectacular scenery. Plus, the locals are welcoming and friendly, so it’s an amazing place to meet new people.

Woorim Ocean Beach

Also located on the picturesque Bribie Island, Woorim Ocean Beach is a surfer’s paradise, less than a ten-minute drive from Bongaree Beach. It’s the closest surf beach north of Brisbane, so expect to find a lot of surfers, especially during the peak surfing season (winter months June to August). The waves typically average between 0.5 and 1 meter, so you can still swim. But, the waves do get bigger at times and rips and drags are common, so be careful.

If you’re not much of a surfer and not a confident swimmer, don’t worry; you can still visit this beach and have a great time. Woorim Beach has great fishing, so grab a reel and relax with the gorgeous nature around you. If you have the gear and supplies, why not go bush camping and explore new landscapes?

Streets Beach

Let’s start from the closest beach to Brisbane CBD, the iconic Streets Beach. It’s proud to be the country’s only inner-city, man-made beach and an oasis in the heart of the bustling Brisbane City. It’s part of the South Bank Parklands, where you can swim, sunbathe, have a picnic, and take a nice stroll along the palm tree-lined walkway.

The kids and the young at heart will also enjoy the nearby Boat Pool and Aquativity, which features a fun interactive water park. The sandy beaches and pools are all free, and qualified lifeguards patrol the area seven days a week.

If you’re coming from downtown Brisbane and would like to get some exercise on your way, Streets Beach is only about 20 minutes’ walk across the Victoria Bridge. Alternatively, catch any of the 120, 130, and 180 buses that leave from the Queen Street bus station. It will drop you two blocks from the beach at the South Bank busway station.

One thing that will help you enjoy your time on Brisbane beaches more is luggage storage. Bounce isn’t just for suitcases. Since the beach is in the city, you may have picked up new shopping bags or have a day bag you no longer need. Leave these items with us and hit the beach with only your towel.

Sun, sand, and adventure are waiting for you on the beaches near Brisbane and beyond. There are so many that it's hard to cover them all, and spots like Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Flinders Beach, and Sylvan Beach are all also worth visiting nearby.

Beaches in Brisbane aren’t the ideal place for your bags and suitcases. Sand and water can damage your items and looking after your luggage while you enjoy the beach can be tedious. Whether you're taking a quick dip on a hot summer day or waiting to catch the perfect wave, Bounce luggage storage provides a secure and convenient location to store your belongings.