6 fantastic beaches within one hour of Brisbane

When it comes to beaches, it’s hard to beat Queensland.

Of course, when people think of Queensland beaches, they typically think of the ones farther north, and not the ones around Brisbane.

Luckily for Brisbanites like yourself, you’ve got plenty of options closer to home.

While they may not get as much publicity, there are many beaches around Brisbane that are just as good as the ones you’ll find in the north of the state.

The problem? Finding them.

Luckily, we’re here to help you. Today, we’re taking a bit of a break from spruiking the gear our online beach shop carries - instead, we’re going to be spotlighting some of our favourite beaches that are within an hour of Brisbane.

Don’t worry about planning - instead, get your beach equipment and french umbrella in order while we run through some of the candidates...

1) Gold Coast

Okay, so it might be a bit of a cheat to list Queensland’s most high-profile beach here. But, you know, it’s (just) within an hour, so it counts.

Besides, it would feel wrong if we didn’t include this titan of a beach here.

Obviously, the beaches here are pretty solid. You’ve got white sand, solid waves for surfers and good swimming conditions.

As one of Australia’s most built-up tourist destinations however, the beach isn’t the only thing you can enjoy.

With all sorts of high-end restaurants, cafes, shops, nightlife and more, Gold Coast is more than just its beaches. If you’re looking for a slightly higher-end experience, this should be the first beach on your list.

Toss in its proximity to Australia’s theme parks and this is the perfect place to spend a weekend.

2) King Island

King Island may not look like much on a map. At around 100m long and 50m across, this island is pretty small, and while it certainly has a pretty beach, it isn’t exactly roomy.

That’s not what makes it special, however.

Unlike other beaches on this list, this one’s here not so much because of the beach itself (which is still definitely worth visiting) - but rather the journey.

Come low tide, and the ocean retreats to reveal something special: a sandbank that connects King Island to nearby Wellington Point.

All you’ll need to do is walk across and you’re there.

This offers a unique experience you won’t find in many other beaches in Australia. Just be sure to time things correctly so you don’t get stranded!

3) Woorim Beach and 4) Bribie Island Dog Beach

Woorim Beach is well worth the trip - especially if you plan on bringing your furry friends along too.

Located a short distance away from Woorim Beach proper is Bribie Island Dog Beach, one of the largest in Brisbane. While there are plenty of dog beaches around, none of them are quite as expansive as this one.

The entire southern coast of this island is dog beach, from Red Beach all the way to the southern tip of Woorim itself. That’s upwards of 6kms of pristine white sand for the family dog to roam leash-free and splash around in the water.

Treat your pal to something other than the same couple of blocks around home at this awesome doggy-friendly spot.

5) Suttons Beach Park

A day at the beach doesn’t have to just be about building sand castles and splashing around in the shallows.

Maybe you just want the beach atmosphere, but maybe the weather isn’t quite good enough to dive into the water. Alternatively, you simply might be after something a bit more low-key for your day out.

Either way, Suttons Beach Park has you covered.

This is the beach to be if you want to have a picnic or barbeque. With gazebos, shady trees, plenty of playgrounds and of course, the sandy white beach itself, this is one of the best beaches in Brisbane for a quiet day out.

6) Cylinder Beach

North Stradbroke Island is a Brisbane gem - it’s got hiking trails, lookouts, camping, picnic spots… you name it.

And of course, it has beaches - in particular, Cylinder Beach.

Cylinder Beach positively oozes with character. With the quiet town to your back, soft white sand and gentle waves that are perfect for beginner surfers, this beach is a great choice for a family day out.

Not to mention, getting here also requires a ferry ride - if you’re bringing the kids along for the ride, we’re sure they’ll love the experience.

Sure, said ferry stretches the travel time beyond an hour, so technically it probably shouldn’t be on this list. That said, it’s well worth the extra time if you ask us.

Do you have the right beach gear?

Whichever one of these beaches you end up deciding on, you’re going to have a great time.

Of course, choosing the beach is just one part of preparing for your day out - it’s also important that you gear up as well with high quality beach gear like:

• Beach umbrellas
• Beach chairs
• UV sunglasses and sunscreen
• Beach towels and blankets
• Pool and beach floats
• Matador backpack

More importantly, it’s crucial that you get beach gear that’ll stand up to the rigours of years of beach usage. That means no cheaply-made, plastic beach gear. No, it means finding high quality gear that’s built to last.

Our online beach shop has you covered!

Buying beach gear online can be fraught with risk, as anyone who regularly shops online can tell you.

That’s why it’s so important that you find the right beach shop.

Boatshed7’s product range is specifically selected for durability, as well as environmental-friendliness. Everything in our store is completely BPA and PVC-free, making them child and ocean-friendly.

Only after being put through the ringer by our product testing team at our own local beaches will we include them in our online beach shop.

Click here to start shopping and get set for your best summer ever at some of Brisbane’s most beautiful beaches.