Brisbane enjoys the enviable position of being nestled right between the beautiful bays of the Sunshine Coast and the spectacular expanses of sand along the Gold Coast. With these two amazing locations right on our doorstep, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to great beaches to visit for day trips from Brisbane. While most people already know of the popular yet still beautiful crowd-pleasers like Mooloolaba and Caloundra to the north and Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise to the south, we’ve found some lesser-known seaside spots that are close-by, beautiful and perfect for families!
1. Paradise Point
Located on the Gold Coast, Paradise Point is great for a family day out. You can go there with nothing and have the best day. There’s the beach, plenty of park equipment, a fenced off water area, paths for riding and walking, plus lots of open space to kick a ball. Over the road are takeaway shops, fantastic coffee, chemists and everything you could need.
2. Bongaree Beach
Bribie Island is a must-visit for a beach outing from Brisbane. Located on the Pumicestone Passage side of the island, it’s the perfect spot to introduce little ones to beach fun. The sand slopes gently into the water and the sheltered waters are lovely and calm. There is also a Seaside Museum, playgrounds and picnic and barbecue facilities, as well as local weekend markets. You can read all about it in Things to Do With Kids on Bribie Island.
3. Tallebudgera Creek and Beach
The calm waters of the beach-lined creek are great for families looking to enjoy a beach outing with little ones, while just round the corner is the fabulous surf beach plus a lovely little beach right at the entry with barbecues and handy toilet facilities. This area is lots of fun for the whole family and well worth the drive.
4. Mudjimba Beach
Lying between Coolum and Maroochydore, Mudjmba Beach is a hidden gem. The beach is beautiful, there’s a great beachside playground, lot of cycle and walking paths, as well as some lovely local eateries to enjoy. You can read all about Mudjimba Beach here.
5. Cabbage Tree Point Beach
Another lesser-known beach on the Gold Coast can be found at Cabbage Tree Point. It is a quiet beach with an enclosed toddler swim area and a little park across the road. Don’t come here expecting something flashy — this is just a good old QLD basic beach destination. Come here with your bathers and bucket and spade, and you can enjoy a fun family outing topped off with some classic beachside fish and chips!
6. Currimundi Lake and Surf Beach
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Currimundi Lake and Surf Beach is just an hour north of Brisbane. The calm waters and beautiful sands of Currimundi Lake connect to the ocean at Currimundi Surf Beach. On the lakeside, you can set up under shady trees and enjoy swimming, board activities and even fishing in the calm waters, while the surfside offers fun and adventure for older Brisbane Kids. You can find out all about Currimundi Lake and Surf Beach here.
7. Woorim Beach
On the ‘surf side’ of Bribie Island, the patrolled beach of Woorim Beach is a great spot for playing in the sand and enjoying the waves with the reassurance of lifesavers on hand. There are refreshments available nearby and two great fenced playgrounds at Lions Park, as well as picnic and barbecue facilities and toilets. You can read all about Lions Park here, as well as all the awesome Things to Do on Bribie Island with Kids.
8. Cylinder Beach
Located on stunning North Stradbroke Island, Cylinder Beach is a must-visit with Brisbane Kids. The water gets some decent waves for kids to enjoy boogie boarding and playing in the waves, with the added security of being able to swim between the flags. The patrolled section of beach is popular on sunny summer days, but the cove stretches along the coastline so you can always find the perfect spot to enjoy.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the beach closer to home, check out The Best Beaches in Brisbane and Brisbane’s Best Seaside Playgrounds.
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