The Best Beaches Near Brisbane to Soak Up Salty Summer Sunshine

Missing the ocean but can’t quite commit to a full-blown holiday? We’ve got the remedy. These beaches near Brisbane deliver on sun, sand and sparkling water, and are no further than two hours away. 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!

The Best Beaches Near Brisbane

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!

Distance from Brisbane: 30 to 35 minutes by car

Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum

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.

Distance from Brisbane: 1-1.5 hours by car

132 Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara

Woorim Beach (also known as Ocean Beach)

Woorim Beach is the closest true beach to Brisbane, and it just so happens to be one of the best. Highly accessible, with two free-to-hire beach wheelchairs, this family-friendly beach is patrolled and boasts gentle, rolling waves. Make a day of it with a swim, surf or fish, before heading to the store-lined esplanade to pick up fish and chips, coffees and ice creams.

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Bribie Island, North Queensland

Main Beach

Named ever so literally, Main Beach is Southport’s main surf beach and stretches on for a couple of kilometres. It has two main patrol zones for safe swimming and a multitude of cafes and restaurants to visit once you’ve worked up a hunger. We recommend visiting the Gold Coast’s original surf club at Southport, or pop by Pavilion 34, an old beach pavilion that’s been turned into a casual beach cafe.

Travel up Main Beach and you’ll soon find yourself at The Spit, where beautiful walks, amenities and watersports are all at your fingertips.

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour

Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast Area

Red Beach

Another Bribie Island favourite, this dog-friendly beach stretches on for 8km, making it perfect for a sunset or sunrise wander. Away from the hustle and bustle of Woorim Beach, Red Beach offers a close communion with nature with largely flat seas and empty sands. Pack a picnic and soak up the serenity.

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour

Bribie Island

The Best Beaches Near Brisbane: Further Afield

Moreton Island

One for the adventurous! At just an hour and a half from Brisbane, Moreton Island offers a divine day trip from Brisbane and even more heavenly weekend away. You’ve got a couple of beaches to choose from, depending on what you’re after. If you’re looking for sun, sand and a calm dip, head to the Western side of the island. Here you’ll find Tangalooma Beach, home to the Tangalooma Wrecks, a snorkeller’s and diver’s paradise. You can expect to spot dozens of types of fish, alongside dolphins, wobbegongs and dugongs if you’re lucky.

For beaches a little more on the wild side, head to the Eastern side of the island where you’ll be able to surf, fish and even spot whales during migration season.

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour 30 minutes

Burleigh Heads Beach

Patrolled daily with both safe swimming zones and a famous surf break, Burleigh Heads Beach has it all. There are plenty of places to park yourself in the surrounding green space if you fancy admiring the beach from afar, as well as abundant cafes to keep visitors fed and watered.

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour

Loved this edit of the best beaches near Brisbane and keen to plan even more coastal trips? 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!