Settlement Cove: Discover The Family Friendly Redcliffe Lagoon

Settlement Cove, known affectionately as Redcliffe Lagoon, is a family friendly oasis hidden in the heart of Redcliffe. This tropical-themed seafront pool is surrounded by towering palms and fig trees. Overlooking the ocean and cooled by the sea breeze, it is a scenic spot to relax and do as much or as little as you like.

We have your locals guide to Settlement Cove including the best times to visit, where to find a park and everything you need to know to make your visit one to remember.

History of Settlement Cove

How did Settlement Cove get its name? You may not know that Redcliffe was the first settlement city in Queensland. Initially the penal settlement was established here in 1824 but was promptly moved to Brisbane in 1825 after everyone started getting sick with mosquito-borne illnesses.

Another interesting fact is that Settlement Cove Lagoon marks the former site of Luna Park. The amusement park opened its gates in 1944, offering locals, tourists and visiting WWII service members a salt-water swimming pool as well as classic amusement park attractions including a ferris wheel, merri-go-round, and steam train, plus numerous skill games, and side-show stalls. Luna Park shut its doors in the late 1960 and the site was eventually transformed into Settlement Cove Lagoon in 1993.

What is there to do at Redcliffe Lagoon?

Swim! For FREE! We love that Redcliffe Lagoon offers a variety of swim areas for the whole family to enjoy. You will find an area with water sprinklers for the little ones and a shallow area for toddlers/babies. Children love the little stream with small waterfalls and the shallow pool with fun water features. The area is well shaded and contains mushroom fountains plus squirting lizards.

One of the things that makes Redcliffe Lagoon popular with young and old alike is that the main pool area is not too deep, reaching a maximum depth of 1.8 metres. The 95-metre-long human-made lagoon consists of salt water with chlorine offering different depths, which are great for all ages and abilities.

In the centre of the lagoon is an island. The inlets and rocks surrounding the island allow for plenty of play opportunities and the kids love it. Redcliffe Lagoon is a great spot for children’s parties if you have many eyes to keep watch on them all around the water. There are lifeguards on duty, but water safety signs regularly remind parents of their obligations which is essential on busy days.

The views at Settlement Cove are spectacular. While you soak up the beautiful bay breeze you can take in sweeping views of Moreton Bay, Bribie Island, Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, and the Port of Brisbane.

Accessibility at Settlement Cove

We are happy to report that there is plenty of space around the lagoon to manoeuvre mobility devices. The lagoon has a wheelchair-friendly ramp, providing easy access and a pool wheelchair is available for use. You simply need to ask the lifeguards on duty for assistance.

The accessible toilets have showers and an open change area. Disability parking is available near the Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Life Saving Club and a wide footpath leads from the carpark to the lagoon.

Spectators can watch on from the grassy hills, pathways, and rocky surrounds. Surfaces include concrete, pavers, bridges, artificial grass, and softfall rubber matting. This provides a stable and continuous surface for wheelchairs and walkers around the entire lagoon.

Tips for visiting Redcliffe Lagoon

• It can get busy! Get there early (before noon) to find a shady spot and parking nearby.
• Dogs are not allowed in the lagoon area.
• There is a small kiosk at Settlement Cove with ice creams and snacks.
• Lifeguards only operate at certain times. There are no lifeguards on duty from 1 June to 31 July.
• Children under 13 years must always have adult supervision. Children under 5 years and non-swimmers must be within arm’s reach.

What else can you do at Redcliffe Lagoon?

Play on the park: There is a playground right next to the lagoon with a sand play area, swings, and a slide. You can also hit the basketball court by the water with an amphitheatre for spectators.

Go for a ride: The path winding from the Redcliffe Jetty to Redcliffe Point is wide enough to accommodate bicycles and pedestrian traffic simultaneously. So, pack your bikes and scooters and head off for a relaxing spin along the waterfront.

Visit the markets: Held every Sunday from 8am along Redcliffe Parade, the Redcliffe Markets are filled with fresh farm-direct produce (with plenty of organic fruit and veg options) and meats, artisan goods, trawler-direct seafood, fresh baked breads, gourmet food and provisions, handmade wares, art ‘n’ craft and more.

Explore the Redcliffe Jetty: Since 1885, the 213-metre-long Redcliffe Jetty has been an iconic part of the peninsulas landscape. It is the perfect spot to snap a selfie or to try your hand at fishing.

Do you have to pay to visit the Redcliffe Lagoon?

The Redcliffe Lagoon is free to visit.

When is the Redcliffe Lagoon open?

The Redcliffe Lagoon is open year-round. However, be sure to check the City of Moreton Bay Council’s page for scheduled maintenance on the pool.

Where to park when visiting Redcliffe Lagoon?

Car parking is limited and can be tricky. You should be able to find parking along Redcliffe and Marine Parade. There is a car park off the roundabout at the intersection of Redcliffe Parade and Anzac Avenue, near the Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Life Saving Club. Walk past the basketball court (on your left) from the carpark and you will reach the entrance to Settlement Cove Lagoon.

Where to eat near Settlement Cove Lagoon?

The Redcliffe Lagoon kiosk has a variety of hot foods and ice creams for sale. Another great option is to head up to ‘restaurant row’ just above the lagoon to sample the cafes and take away shops including:

• Yabbey Road Fish n Chips
• The Big Kid Ice-Creamery
• The Rustic Olive Italian Kitchen
• Café Diversity

READ NEXT:

• Best Restaurants in Redcliffe
• Best Fish and Chip Shops in Redcliffe
• Best Pubs, Bars and Clubs in Redcliffe

Of course, you cannot go past packing a picnic and having a good old-fashioned BBQ by the water using the facilities available at Redcliffe Lagoon.

Where is Redcliffe Lagoon?

Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe, 4020

Add Settlement Cove to your must visit list

Settlement Cove is the perfect day out for the whole family with swimming, play and dining options suited to all ages and capabilities. Have you visited Redcliffe Lagoon?

We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments.