Pleasant Coastal Area Just 17 km from the CBD
Shorncliffe Beach is one of the closest beaches to Brisbane, residing just 17 km away from the CBD.
While calling it a beach might be a bit of a stretch (it is essentially a spacious mudflat between two groynes), it is a popular place for families and dog parents to let their little ones run free.
Overall, it is more of a place to go walking or running around, as opposed to swimming (although some people do) and there are plenty of bench seating and bbq facilities on the foreshore to set yourself up for a while.
You might also want to try your hand at kite surfing or windsurfing while you are there, and you can go crabbing and fishing here too. Although if you don’t catch a bite, you can always enjoy fish and chips from the popular local favourite, the Post Office Bar and Grill, which is centrally located opposite it.
Where is Shorncliffe Beach?
Shorncliffe Beach is a quiet coastal bayside suburb in northeast Brisbane. It is part of the Moreton Bay Region and lies around the shore of Bramble Bay on Cabbage Tree Head.
Its name derives from the phrase ‘Shorn Cliffe’, which was used in the 1850s to describe the sight of the headland when seen from Moreton Bay.
The suburb’s only land border is with neighbouring Sandgate. It is one of many beaches you can visit close to Brisbane.
Shorncliffe Pier
If you happen to visit Shorncliffe Beach, make sure you head on over to Shorncliffe Pier.
This iconic 35- metre structure used to be known as Sandgate Pier and is recognisable for its white timber rails. It also features colonial lamps which are a remnant of Sandgate’s heyday of seaside tourism back in the 1870s.
Back in the day its southern side used to have enclosed swimming baths attached to it. Additionally, there was an amusement park on the adjacent shore where picnic tables, a playground and amenities are now situated.
The pier is a popular local attraction and an Instagram photo waiting to be taken. It is also a good spot for fishing and marks the beginning of the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race.
These days the pier marks the spot for the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race.
Lower Moora Park and Beach
The area where the amusement park used to be is known as Lower Moora Park and Beach and is a nice spot to go if you want to sink your toes into sand.
If you happen to be at Shorncliffe Beach in the early morning, head over here to take a fantastic sunrise photo of the Coral Sea, Pier and dawn colours illuminating the sky.
