A city cast by constant sunshine, it’s no surprise that the capital of the Sunshine State has some of the best city beaches in the country. From family-friendly foreshores to dog-welcoming stretches of sand, as well as Brisbane/Meanjin’s very own man-made beach in the centre of the CBD, there’s a beach in Brisbane for everyone, and all of them easily-accessible with a Hertz rental car.
Scarborough Beach
Nestled right on the tip of the Moreton Bay Region sits Scarborough Beach, a previous winner of Queensland’s Friendliest Beach Award. One of the closest beaches to the city, Scarborough is a favourite amongst locals for its easy-to-access location, wide girths of soft sand and calm waters at low tide. Boasting volcanic rock pools down one end of the beach and two partly-shadedplaygrounds, there’s also the Cotton Tree Forest filled with gnarled old trees that are perfect for climbing, making Scarborough Beach a great choice for families. A half-pipe skating ramp, basketball half-court, rock climbing structure and an inflatable jumping pillow, all located in and around the beach’s perimeters, means that you’ll never run out of things to do. Equipped with public BBQ facilities, as well as a range of cafes and fish’n’chip shops nearby, Scarborough is the perfect place to set up for the day and enjoy a picnic under the shaded tables.
Nudgee Beach
Surrounded by wetlands with bike paths and walking tracks weaving their way throughout, Nudgee Beach is a great option for those looking to bring their furry friends with them along for a ride in the waves. This is a favourite beach for northside nature-lovers, with the best of both worlds delivering bush and sea in the same scenery. Situated only a thirty minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, the combination of nature teeming with birdlife in the Boondall Wetlands that border the beach and the crab-hunting stretches of sand down by the water makes Nudgee the perfect place for adventure-seekers to do some exploring. The twisting mangroves that frame the beach are their most beautiful at sunrise, providing a gorgeous backdrop for dog-walking, bike-riding or dipping your feet in the low tide. So, set your alarms and wake up early to get down to one of the most picturesque places in Brisbane to start your day from.
Streets Beach
Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach can be found right in the heart of Brisbane City. An aqua blue sparkling lagoon surrounded by a fine, white sandy beach, Streets Beach is the unlikely hero of beaches when it comes to exploring Brisbane’s best ones. An oasis in the middle of the CBD, Streets Beach is free to visit, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. Lifeguards patrol the waters all year round, making it safe and fun for everyone. Situated between two other aquatic spaces, the Boat Pool and the Aquativity, and overlooking the Brisbane River, the illusion of an infinity pool is created for beach-goers as they swim to the beach’s horizon and look out over the river that stretches away from them. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, this unique take on an inner-city beach is a must-visit in Brisbane for those in search of some safe sun and sand, and a sparkling wave or two.
Sutton's Beach
Also located in the Moreton Bay Region, Sutton's Beach combines all the best parts of Brisbane’s favourite beaches in one perfect sweep of sand. A family-friendly beach that is as suitable for little ones and families wanting to splash around in the shallows as it is for those looking to soak up some sun-smart rays on the sand, Sutton's is a patrolled beach in a superb location that gives everyone peace of mind. With grassed picnic areas and sand-side barbeques available to beach-goers, you can set up for the day on Sutton's Beach with all the necessities of an incredible beach experience, and supplied at no extra cost. Only a forty-minute drive north of Brisbane City, Sutton's Beach also offers free parking, meaning that this splendid spot is only one easy drive away. Just a short stroll away from the beach is a selection of cafes, shops and restaurants, as well as the treasured fish’n’chip shops that the locals of the area love to frequent. One of Redcliffe region’s most popular weekend destinations, with the sweeping lengths of fine, yellow sand and shallow tides perfect for kids to paddle around in, it’s no surprise why beach-goers flock to Sutton's Beach for a day well-spent in the sun.
Whether in the city or surrounded by forest, only in the Sunshine State are all the best beaches so easily accessible by a short car journey through Brisbane. To reach them, all you need to do is pack your bathers and sunscreen in your Hertz car, and get going.
