Best Beaches in Brisbane (2026)
Planning your next outing? These are 25 of the best beaches in Brisbane right now, whether you're after a lazy weekend, a day with the kids or somewhere new to explore. We rank each one by our Spot Score and keep the list fresh, so you're always seeing what's actually worth your time.
Australia's beaches are world-famous, and around Brisbane you'll find everything from patrolled family swimming spots to quieter stretches of sand. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards patrol, and slip, slop, slap — the UV is strong.
25 spots
Shorncliffe Pier
Spot in Wynnum, Brisbane.
South Bank Visitor Information Centre
Sprawling public park of lawns, gardens & playgrounds, plus a river-swimming beach & a Ferris wheel.
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
Seat of the Archbishop of Brisbane with regular services and guided tours on weekday mornings.
Settlement Cove Lagoon
Community swimming & wading pools open 24/7 with picnic shelters, BBQ areas, playgrounds & showers.
The Wheel of Brisbane
Enclosed gondolas carry visitors 200 feet into the air day & night for panoramic views of Brisbane.
Manly Beach
Bustling beachfront & surfing destination surrounded by tall trees & a variety of shops & eateries.
Catseye Beach
Palm-lined strip in a shallow bay with watersports rentals & snorkeling at an offshore reef.
The Valley Pool
50-m outdoor pool with lessons & water polo games, plus coffee, a pro shop & an adjacent gym.
Musgrave Park Swim Centre
Popular park featuring a seasonal, outdoor swimming pool with lifeguards on duty & a kiosk.
Red Beach
Beaches in Indooroopilly, Brisbane.
Toowong Library
Spot in Toowong, Brisbane.
Margate Beach
Long stretch of golden sandy beach with a boardwalk, picnic & BBQ areas & a pine-shaded esplanade.
Pandanus Beach
Beaches in South Bank, Brisbane.
Suttons Beach
Destination for beach swimming & sunbathing, plus a nearby park & pavilion with dining options.
Bulimba Library
Spot in Bulimba, Brisbane.
Scarborough Beach
This laid-back, community beach features swimming, sunbathing, picnicking & scenic sunset views.
Teneriffe
Spot in Teneriffe, Brisbane.
Scotts Point Beach
Beaches in West End, Brisbane.
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Read guide →Beaches in Brisbane — FAQs
What are the best beaches in Brisbane?+
Our top-rated beaches in Brisbane are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Brisbane beaches ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter beaches by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many beaches are listed in Brisbane?+
We currently feature 25 beaches across Brisbane and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.
Are the beaches near Brisbane patrolled?+
Many popular beaches are patrolled by surf lifesavers, especially over summer and on weekends. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags, check signage for conditions, and never swim alone or after drinking.