Free beaches and rock pools in Brisbane

Brisbane's beaches are a surprise to anyone expecting a typical Australian surf town. The city itself has no ocean beach, so it built its own. Streets Beach at South Bank is a free swimming lagoon with sand, palms and a view of the skyline. Settlement Cove Lagoon at Redcliffe and Orion Lagoon at Springfield Central work the same way, offering calm water that suits toddlers and confident children alike. Around Moreton Bay, the natural beaches at Wellington Point, Clontarf, Margate, Scarborough and Suttons Beach give shallow sandy water, with tides that move a long way. At low tide, the shallows can stretch out, and at high tide the beach can shrink to a thin strip, so check the listing and the tide. Amity Point has a swimming enclosure on Minjerribah, and Point Lookout has ocean beaches with real waves, which need more care. As always, swim between the red and yellow flags where patrols operate, and no flags means no lifeguards. In warmer months, bluebottles and other jellyfish can appear in the bay, so heed signs and consider the enclosures and lagoons for small children. Sun is strong, so aim for early starts, long-sleeved rash vests and a good hat. Storms can build quickly in summer afternoons, and the water is the first place to leave when thunder starts.

Our picks

Before you go

Best for which ages

Lagoons and swimming enclosures suit babies, toddlers and nervous swimmers, because the water is calm and shallow. Bay beaches suit primary-age children who can swim confidently with an adult. Ocean beaches at Point Lookout suit strong swimmers and teenagers who understand flags and rips.

What to bring

A wide-brimmed hat, rash vests and strong sunscreen, plus extra water, as the humidity drains small children quickly. Bring a pop-up shade, a towel and a change of clothes. Water shoes help on shell grit and mud flats, and a bucket keeps little ones busy.

Parking and facilities

South Bank has a lot of paid parking nearby, but trains, buses and ferries reach it easily. Bay beaches usually have car parks, though they fill on hot weekends. Toilets and showers are common at the lagoons. The listing says what is on site.

Best time of year

Late spring, summer and early autumn are the main swimming months. Summer brings heat and afternoon storms, so go early. Winter is dry and clear, and good for beach walks and shell hunts, but the water is cool and jellyfish are less common.

Prams and accessibility

Lagoons and parklands generally have paved paths that suit prams and wheelchairs. Bay beaches often have boardwalks or grassy picnic areas beside the sand. Soft sand is hard work on wheels. Check each listing for access details, particularly on the islands.

Beaches, rock pools and ocean baths

Swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrol seasons and hours on each listing come from the surf club or council page.

All beaches and rock pools in Brisbane, free and paid

Questions parents ask

Is Streets Beach really free?
Yes, the lagoon at South Bank is free to use. It is popular, so go early in warm weather, and expect crowds on weekends. Check the listing for facilities and any closures.
Which Brisbane beach is best for toddlers?
Calm lagoons and swimming enclosures, such as Streets Beach, Settlement Cove Lagoon and Amity Point, give shallow water. Stay at arm's reach, and check the listing for facilities and supervision.
Do the tides matter at Moreton Bay beaches?
Yes, a lot. At low tide the water can retreat far from the sand, and at high tide there may be little beach. Check a tide chart or the listing before you drive, so the children are not disappointed.
What should we do about jellyfish at Brisbane beaches?
Read the signs and ask a lifeguard. Bluebottles and other jellyfish can appear in warmer months. If a child is stung, rinse and get help from a lifeguard or a first-aider. Lagoons and enclosures are safer for small children.

Other kinds of free day in Brisbane

Beaches in other cities