Did you know there are six Redcliffe beaches plus a hidden man-made lagoon? Once you have visited these idyllic spots, you will wonder why you bothered to travel to the often over hyped surf beaches. We’ve prepared a local’s guide to the best beaches in Redcliffe to visit for a swim, a picnic or to catch a fish. Give yourself points if you can name them all and extra points if you’ve visited them too!
1. Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is the peninsula’s northernmost beach with its immaculate sandy shores made for swimming. Having previously been awarded Queensland’s friendliest beach, it is no surprise that this is a popular destination for many. You can hit the water with your SUP, sailboat or kayak and if you can’t BYO, you can hire one on the day. For those who love to fish, this is a great Redcliffe Beach to drop a line along the purpose-built groin.
The fully fenced Pirate Park is perfect for families with two partially shaded playgrounds to enjoy. Kids love exploring the old trees and there is a half-pipe skate ramp, a basketball half-court and a rock-climbing structure for more of a challenge. A recent addition to this popular spot is a huge jumping pillow.
The many barbeques, covered tables and picnic tables make it easy to relax with a snag after your water adventures. Lord of the Rings fans, be sure to visit the Gollum Tree to find the home of everyone’s favourite former hobbit. You may just see him as you sneak a peek through the small window in the tree. We highly recommend whiling away the day strolling Scarborough esplanade to browse the cafes, coffee shops and wine bars, or simply roll out the picnic rug and relax.
2. Redcliffe Beach
While not popular with swimmers, Redcliffe Beach is a great spot to drop in a line off the jetty and stop for a picnic. There’s also the stunning boardwalk perfect for getting your steps up and plenty of eateries ready to refuel you after a burst of exercise. If you happen to be in the area on a Saturday morning, be sure to check out the Redcliffe Markets from 8am offering the perfect mix of handmade goods and foodie treats.
3. Suttons Beach
You will want to head out into the water as soon as you arrive at peaceful Sutton’s Beach. If swimming is on your itinerary, this is the Redcliffe beach for you! With sweeping views overlooking Moreton Island, it’s the perfect spot for some R&R with large, grassed areas to spread out and a covered playground to keep the kids entertained after they have had a dip in the small waves. The towering Norfolk pine trees provide welcome shade plus there are many covered and uncovered picnic tables dotted along the coastline. Sutton’s Beach is patrolled by lifeguards from Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Club and there is accessible beach matting for wheelchairs. If hunger strikes, head up to Redcliffe Parade to find a variety of dining options.
4. Margate Beach
Margate Beach is another must-visit spot for a dip. It is the largest swimming beach on the peninsula stretching over 2km. The beach is slightly sheltered from the road by a wide timber boardwalk. The boardwalk is popular with cyclists and walkers due to its endless views of the water and easy grade. We can’t stress enough that this is a much-loved spot so if you want to snap up a table or use the barbeques make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment. Once again, stunning Norfolk pines provide ample shade and a nostalgic nod to the early settlers of Redcliffe. There is a small boat ramp, fitness stations, toilets and showers at Marget Beach. A fish and chip shop sits across from the water, with more dining in and around Oxley Avenue.
5. Woody Point to Clontarf Waterfront
Prepare yourself for the best sunrise and sunset in Redcliffe! Woody Point is always a hive of activity as it is the local’s choice for fishing on the peninsula. Children love playing at Crockatt Park and Pelican Park and some even head down to the shorefront for a paddle. Walking along the jetty is a relaxing way to unwind after a long day and the Moreton Bay Cycleway is perfect for a waterfront bike ride. During the warmer months, Aqua Warrior offers a fun inflatable obstacle course on the water. You’ll love the recently renovated Belvedere Hotel, offering delicious food and stunning, clear views of the bay.
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6. Queens Beach
This one is for the paw-rents who love to get their doggos out into the fresh sea air. Queens Beach is 600m of sandy goodness located between Scarborough Beach in the north and Osbourne Point in the south. You’ll find off-leash area between Drury Point and the stairs leading to the beach from Flinders Parade, between Murphy and Phillip Streets. This is the perfect place to stretch your legs alongside your pup. You will find plenty of shelters and BBQ facilities located along the waterfront and a small sand boat ramp for local boat owners.
7. Settlement Cove
The jewel in the Redcliffe crown, Settlement Cove is a wheelchair accessible man-made lagoon perfect for families. This waterfront oasis features multiple zones, including a heated wading area for little ones, making it perfect year-round. Lifeguards patrol the lagoon during summer, however children must always be supervised by a responsible adult.
Looking for a Redcliffe Dog Beach?
The only other off-leash dog area on the peninsula is Kroll Gardens at Clontarf – 5 acres of fenced, off-leash park with a doggy obstacle course on the corner of Snook Street and Duffield Road.
You can bring leashed dogs to the beaches between the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge and Woody Point Jetty, as well as the beaches between Jamieson Park and Endeavour Park in Scarborough.
Redcliffe Beaches have it all
There really is no reason to leave the peninsula for a swim, fish or waterfront adventure. We would love to know which Redcliffe Beach is your favourite and if you think we have missed a top spot. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
