Courtesy of Tourism Sunshine Coast
We love living in Brisbane (or having visitors to 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.
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.
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. Read what a local loves about Mooloolaba.
And just north of Mooloolaba, is peaceful Cotton Tree and Maroochydore.
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. A highlight event at Coolum is the annual kite festival.
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.
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. Read more.
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 at the Gold Coast Tourism website.
Beach safety
Many Queensland beaches have strong rips (currents that can pull people out to sea). Thankfully, most beaches have sections patrolled by Surf Life Savers. For your safety, always swim between the red and yellow flags. Never swim at night or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Find out more about beach safety.
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.
it was good i found a little research but not everything i needed. but i really enjoyed it.