The Iglu Guide | Blog
5 of the best Brisbane beaches near you
A well-known cosmopolitan city of culture and fine foods, Brisbane is not often associated with beachy living. With so much focus on the vibrant inner-city benefits, it’s easy to forget how close to the water Brisbane actually sits. Offering up a diverse cultural scene spanning from sport to the arts, the area is often over-looked when it comes to all things beachside; but with summer very much on the way, it’s time to think again. If you want to escape the heat and hit the waves without leaving the city limits too far behind, this is for you.
1. The chill – Suttons Beach, Redcliffe
When you want to take it down a notch and escape the city buzz, Brisbane has the perfect solution. Just 36km out from the CBD, Suttons Beach will make you feel like you have landed a million miles away. One of the best swimming beaches in the area, the gentle waves are perfect for beginner waders – as well as those that just love the feeling of the waves gently lapping against our toes as we soak up the sun. When your bum gets too numb, take a walk along the bike path to Woody Point and check out the imposing Gayundah Wreck. This ex-naval ship was deliberately placed and is now nobly appointed to protect the shore from further water erosion. With showers, picnic tables and BBQs all on hand, this is true beach civilisation at its finest.
2. The retreat – Bribie Island
The smallest of the three sand islands in Moreton Bay, Bribie Island is handily connected by bridge to the mainland which makes it oh-so-easy to access and enjoy. A haven for natural beauty, the reserve is protected by Environmental, National and Marine Parks; it is an absolute must-visit for Brisbane residents. The island offers up the best beachy combination of all, with calm protected beaches along one shoreline delivering a more chilled experience, complemented by a long stretch of surf opportunities along the other shoreline that will keep the adventure seekers more than happy. Woorim Beach is a local’s surfing favourite with Bongaree Beach ticking every tropical box. Featuring white sands, blue waters and spectacular marine life, this is as far from the city beat as you can get on a hot summer’s day.
3. Urban vibes – Streets Beach
Who needs to travel anywhere when you can just roll out of bed and hit the water straight away – with all your city comforts right at your fingertips? As Australia’s only inner-city beach, Streets Beach is an iconic South Bank staple in all its man-made glory. Synonymous with the city scene and available for free use by all it draws a diverse crowd by weekday, and a larger crowd by weekend. Surrounded by tropical palms it has everything you need for that summer chill: the water, the sand and the beachy vibe. Flagged by cafes and eateries at all angles you really can settle in for the day. Best of all? You can shower up back at home and be in Fortitude Valley in time for your sunset sundowner.
4. The jewel – South Gorge Beach, North Stradbroke Island
Nestled snugly between the huge cliff faces of Point Lookout and North Gorge Headlands, South Gorge Beach offers a delicious slice of paradise protected from the incoming strong winds with calm swimming waters available all day long. Housed on the second largest sand island in the world, this gem of a beach is easily reached by ferry from Toondah Harbour, just one hour’s train ride out the city. Scan the horizon for dolphins as you relax on the shore and watch out for turtle-shaped company when you head for a dip. You can even bring your car over, so load up on beach gear and a picnic and settle in for the duration.
5. The getaway – Bulwer Beach, Moreton Island
Another handy sand island well known for its beaches and dunes, Moreton Island is a natural haven that would take considerably more than a day to fully explore and enjoy. 40km offshore from the mainland, the island can be reached by ferry in just 75 minutes. Bulwer Beach is located on the sheltered western edge and offers up an intoxicating combination of calm, tropical clear waters alongside pure white sand that runs along an 8.5km stretch of absolute beachfront. Enjoy swimming in the protected waters or try your hand at fishing or snorkelling around the Bulwer Wrecks before enjoying the spectacular sunset. Surf enthusiasts will be more than satisfied with a whopping 27km of continuous surf beaches to choose from that span the southern end of the island. Round up some friends and make a whole weekend of it, you definitely won’t leave disappointed. Guaranteed.
Photo by Sai Kiran Anagani on Unsplash
