The Best Beaches Near Brisbane to Soak Up Salty Summer Sunshine

Never fear if you’re missing the ocean but not willing to commit to a long-haul highway trip in traffic. We’ve got the inside scoop on the beaches near Brisbane that deliver on sun, sand and sparkling water. Plan a day trip with your doggo or pack your esky for a barbecue with your best mates, there’s a spot near Brisbane for any kind of beach day you’re dreaming of!

First Bay 

This little-known spot is a well-kept secret amongst inhabitants of the Sunshine State and it’s well worth a trip when you’re next craving the sand on your skin. Being on the Sunshine Coast, it’s not so close to Brisbane, but it’s an easy day trip if you beat the weekend traffic! Experience the pristine white sand and azure waters that the Sunshine Coast is known for, as well as the amazing foodie hot spots dotted around the coastline to refuel after a day of salt, sun and surf.

David Low Way, Coolum

Woorim 

Known as an awesome place to surf, Woorim Beach is a little bit of a trek from Brisbane… but it’s always worth it! Book a beginner's surf class, stroll around to pick up some fish and chips or simply enjoy splashing around between the flags on your visit. This beach is also dog friendly, so you don’t have to leave your furry bestie at home while you soak up the sun. It’s not one of the most well-known spots, so Woorim is one of the best beaches near Brisbane to visit if you don’t want to head to one of the bigger, busier spots on the Queensland coastline.

North Street, Woorim

Nudgee Beach 

A Brisbane dog lover’s delight, Nudgee Beach is a short drive from Brisbane (in fact, it’s the closest to the CBD) and is surrounded by marshy wetlands that will have your dog’s tail wagging in utter delight. There’s also a bike track as well as walking trails, so it’s a great spot to get out of the city and indulge in some fresh air. Nudgee Beach is one of the best beaches near Brisbane for a quick, casual trip to the waterfront that will get your dog’s tails wagging.

Nudgee Beach, Nudgee

Wynnum Wading Pool 

Whilst Brisbane might not have the iconic swimming baths of Bondi, we’ve got a few little Summer hot spots up our sleeves! The Wynnum Wading Pool provides a safe, calm environment to cool down after taking a leisurely stroll along the Manly Marina promenade. There’s a sandy white man-made beach close by called Pandanus Beach, if the wading pool doesn’t quite hit the spot, and there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat along your walk.

Sitchu Tip: Be sure to check out the Marina and the Manly Jetty while you’re over on this side of town!

Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum

Enoggera Reservoir 

This is one hundred per cent, not a beach… but the Enoggera Reservoir gets an honourable mention! The Reservoir is loved by locals for its refreshing safe swimming area, gorgeous bushwalking trails and fun water activities like kayaking that are held here. If you’re not a North Brisbane local, you might not have known about this hidden gem, but it’s the perfect dose of water and nature if you’re craving a swim, but don’t have time for a day trip to the beach. It’s also the oldest reservoir in Brisbane, so take a dip in a little bit of history this summer!

60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap

Sylvan Beach 

If you’re not ready to make waves, head to Sylvan Beach for a relaxing day in basically waveless water. It’s home to the Pumicestone Passageway, an ocean channel of water that runs between Bribie Island and the mainland. The calm blue waters make this the best beach near Brisbane for paddling in to rejuvenate your senses and slow things down after a busy week in the city.

132 Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara

Wellington Point 

Again, this one is not quite a beach but it’s just as fun! Wellington Point’s special feature is that when the tide is just right, it’s connected to an island with a long sand bar that you can walk across. This is a pretty fun way to get your daily steps up, with the option of a quick splash to cool down. Just keep an eye on the tide so you don’t end up feeling a bit stuck! Wellington Point is a popular spot for Brisbanites to take a day trip to, with a plethora of cafes, parks and waterfront spots to relax and play in, without having to travel far from the city.

2A Main Road, Wellington Point

Radical Bay 

Magnetic Island is a long-term favourite amongst Brisbane beach-lovers, and with good reason. With 23 beaches and bays to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning seaside destinations. One of our favourite spots on the Island is Radical Bay, an incredible destination for hiking, snorkelling and just generally revelling in the beauty of Australian beaches. We recommend hiring or packing some snorkel gear, so you can paddle through the self-guided snorkel trail that begins at Nelly Bay 100 metres off the beach before leading you to a shipwreck and some remains of a World War II fighter plane. The Radical Bay walking track is also a must-do, so pack some sturdy shoes, a water bottle and plenty of SPF for your adventure to one of the best beaches near Brisbane.

Radical Bay, Townsville Area

Rainbow Beach

Nestled between K’gari and Cooloola National Park, is the utterly breathtaking Rainbow Beach. It’s easy to see why Australia has a reputation for the best beaches! Rainbow Beach has endless stretches of golden sand, and there’s so much to do here, for everyone from the low-key laidback traveller to the action-packed adventure junkies. Take a hike through the sub-tropical rainforest that fringes the ancient dunes, or gallop down the beach with the Rainbow Beach Horse Rides team. You can adventure off-road with your four-wheel drive, and there are even 4WD tour groups you can join to explore as the locals do. But we wouldn’t blame you if you simply parked yourself on the beach with a good book, some quality SPF and an umbrella to make the most of your visit.

Rainbow Beach, Gympie Area

Nudey Beach 

Don’t let the name fool you, this beach is for those who prefer to cover up. Nudey Beach has been ranked as one of the best beaches in Australia, so it had to make the cut as a beach worth visiting. With expansive reaches of pure white sand and coral, you’ll find Nudey Beach 29 kilometres south of Cairns on the South West shores of Fitzroy Island. When you’re not sunning yourself on the sand or dipping in the sparkling azure ocean, you can wander along the walking track, spotting wildlife like goannas, monitors, sulphur-crested cockatoos, emerald doves and maybe even a white-bellied sea eagle! Pack your scuba gear and prepare for a magical day visiting one of the best beaches in Queensland.

Fitzroy Island, Cairns

Whitehaven Beach

Just in case you needed an extra reason to book a holiday at the Whitsundays (unlikely), we recommend searching up some images of Whitehaven Beach. This glittering coastal strip winds around Whitsunday Island, the largest of 74 islands in the Whitsundays area. Take short bushwalks with guided tours, or take the scenic route yourself to reach the lookout at Tongue Point for panoramic views. If you’re short on time, you can book day trips via ferries, yachts or power boats that will take you to Whitehaven Beach to explore the sparkling, pure white sand and crystal clear water inhabited by friendly tropical fish.

Whitsundays, Whitsunday Area

Want to extend the holiyay energy? Plan a trip to Hervey Bay with our travel guide that takes you through all there is to see and do! Or perhaps you’re keen to travel south of the border with a Byron trip to explore the hinterland? Find our guide to the best things to do in Byron to make your trip one to remember!