Aerial view of Margate Beach in Brisbane, Queensland, showing calm bay waters, sandy shoreline, and coastal houses along the waterfront.

Margate Beach

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On-LeashFamily FriendlyToiletsParking
Beach Information

Beach Information

  • πŸ–οΈ Best Time to Visit: September to May for warm beach weather; April–October for milder conditions.
  • πŸͺΌ Marine Stingers: Possible November–May; no stinger nets provided.
  • 🚩 Lifeguard Patrol: Not patrolled.
  • πŸ• Dog Friendly: Yes β€” designated off-leash areas nearby along the foreshore.
  • πŸ—οΈ Facilities: Picnic areas, BBQs, playgrounds, shaded spots, and walking paths along the waterfront.
  • β™Ώ Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths, foreshore walkways, and parking available.
  • 🐊 Wildlife Awareness: No crocodiles. Deadly snakes extremely rare.
  • πŸ“ Distance to Brisbane: Approx. 30–35 km (about 40 min drive).
  • 🏘️ Closest Town: Redcliffe (Margate is a suburb) β€” Distance: 2 km to Redcliffe centre.
  • πŸ›« Closest Airport: Brisbane Airport β€” Distance: approx. 30 km (about 30–35 min drive).
  • 🌦️ Typical Weather: Subtropical; hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

For the latest official beach conditions and safety information, check Beachsafe.

Margate Beach, Brisbane on the Redcliffe Peninsula is a peaceful sandy foreshore with calm Moreton Bay waters, popular with families, walkers and cyclists for its scenic coastal path, picnic spots and bay views.

🏝️Why Visit Margate Beach?

Margate Beach is one of the longest sandy stretches on the Redcliffe Peninsula, making it ideal for families, walkers, and anyone who enjoys a relaxed seaside vibe. Its calm bay waters are safe for swimming, while the foreshore’s pathways, parks, and shaded seating areas make it popular for picnics and leisurely strolls. With cafes and shops nearby, it combines natural beauty with convenience.

πŸ–οΈThings to Do at Margate Beach

  • Swimming: Gentle, sheltered waters perfect for families and children.
  • Walking & Cycling: The popular foreshore promenade connects to Redcliffe and Woody Point.
  • Picnics & BBQs: Plenty of shaded spots, playgrounds, and grassy areas by the beach.
  • Fishing: Try your luck from the shoreline or nearby jetties.
  • Cafes & Dining: Enjoy fish and chips, coffee, or local eateries just across the road.
  • Watersports: Paddleboarding and kayaking in calm bay conditions.
People swimming and walking along the sandy beach at Margate Beach with pine trees and houses, Redcliffe
People walking along the wooden boardwalk at Margate Beach with ocean views and pine trees, Redcliffe
Children playing in the sand and people swimming in the calm bay water at Margate Beach, Redcliffe

🐬Wildlife

Moreton Bay is home to dolphins, dugongs, and seabirds, which can often be spotted offshore. The beach itself is more about family recreation, but nature lovers can enjoy the wider bay’s marine life and birdwatching opportunities.

πŸ›οΈFacilities & Accessibility

Margate Beach is well-equipped for families and day-trippers:

  • 🚻 Toilets and beachside showers
  • πŸ– BBQs and shaded picnic tables
  • πŸ› Children’s playgrounds along the foreshore
  • 🚢 Walking and cycling paths
  • β˜• Cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby
  • β™Ώ Wheelchair-accessible pathways along the esplanade
  • πŸ…ΏοΈ Free parking close to the beach

🌀️Best Time to Visit Margate Beach

  • 🌞 September to May: Warm weather, ideal for swimming and beach days.
  • 🌀️ Year-round: Subtropical climate makes it pleasant for walking and cycling.
  • πŸͺΌ Marine Stingers: Very low risk in Moreton Bay compared to northern beaches.
  • πŸ–οΈ Summer evenings: Great for picnics and sunsets over the bay.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

πŸš— Driving: Margate Beach sits on the Redcliffe Peninsula, about 40 minutes north of Brisbane CBD via Deagon Deviation and the Houghton Highway Bridge. Follow Oxley Avenue to Margate Parade, which runs right along the waterfront.
🚍 Public Transport: Translink Regular bus services connect from Kippa-Ring Station to Margate (Routes 690, 694). The foreshore is only a short walk from the main bus stops on Oxley Avenue.
πŸ…ΏοΈ Parking: Free parking runs the full length of Margate Parade, with shaded bays near picnic shelters and beach access points. RVs and vans can park comfortably at the southern end near the Margate Beach Lookout.

πŸ’‘ Info correct at time of writing β€” check Translink for the latest public transport routes and timetables.

πŸ’‘ Local Tips

πŸŒ… Margate is Redcliffe’s longest continuous stretch of sand β€” perfect for early-morning walks or paddleboarding at high tide.
πŸ¦€ At low tide, you’ll often spot small crabs and shells scattered across the wet flats.
🍦 The corner café strip at Oxley Avenue and Eveline Street is great for coffee and beach views.
πŸ–οΈ The water here stays calm thanks to Moreton Bay’s natural protection β€” ideal for families and swimmers.
πŸ“Έ The southern lookout offers fantastic panoramic photos of the peninsula and the Glass House Mountains in the distance.

Couple walking along the path next to the water at Margate Beach with a shelter in the background, Redcliffe
White Margate Beach entrance sign surrounded by greenery and pine trees along the road, Redcliffe
People relaxing on the grass and beach at Margate Beach with pine trees and calm bay water, Redcliffe

πŸ“Nearby Attractions

  • 🎑 Redcliffe Jetty (2 km): Iconic pier with weekend markets and events.
  • 🏝️ Moreton Bay: Gateway for boating, fishing, and island day trips.
  • 🌳 Suttons Beach: Another family-friendly beach nearby with parks and facilities.
  • 🐬 Dolphin Wild Tours: Departures from the peninsula for dolphin and marine life cruises.

πŸ“† Events & Markets Nearby

Margate Beach sits in the heart of the Redcliffe Peninsula, with plenty of markets and seasonal waterfront events nearby.

  • πŸ›οΈ Redcliffe Markets (Sundays): A huge bayside market featuring local produce, boutique stalls, food vendors, live music, and seaside shopping.
  • 🎨 Redcliffe Jetty Markets (special events): Artisan stalls, handmade crafts, and pop-up food trucks along the jetty precinct.
  • 🎢 Festival of Sails (Easter): A major seaside festival with markets, entertainment, kids’ activities, and front-row views of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.
  • 🎭 Redcliffe Festival of the Arts (annual): Celebrating local artists with exhibitions, performances, and cultural activities.
  • 🍀 Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival (August): A signature peninsula event with food markets, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment.

For a full list of what’s on in the area, visit the
πŸ‘‰ Brisbane Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Brisbane Beaches

πŸ•οΈAccommodation Near Margate Beach

  • 🏨 Hotels and motels in Redcliffe and Woody Point
  • 🏑 Holiday rentals and apartments with bay views
  • β›Ί Caravan parks in the Redcliffe area for budget-friendly stays

πŸ“– Read Accommodation Reviews
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πŸ’‘ Please note: Full names and emails are kept private β€” only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.

🍴 Places to Eat & Drink

Margate Beach offers a relaxed bayside dining experience with beachfront cafΓ©s, fish-and-chip shops, and family-friendly restaurants nearby. Enjoy a seaside coffee, fresh seafood, or casual lunch with ocean views β€” then share your favourite food and drink experiences below!

πŸ“– Read Food & Drinks Reviews
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πŸ’‘ Please note: Full names and emails are kept private β€” only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.

🧭Plan Your Trip to Margate Beach

Margate Beach is a fantastic destination for families, walkers, and anyone wanting a relaxed coastal day near Brisbane. With its calm waters, sandy foreshore, and scenic promenade, it’s perfect for swimming, cycling, or enjoying a picnic with a bay view. Whether you’re visiting for a short stroll or a full beach day, Margate combines convenience with the charm of Moreton Bay’s seaside lifestyle.

πŸ’¬ Share Your Margate Beach Photos & Reviews

πŸ“Έ We’d love to see your favourite moments from this beach! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other beach lovers discover the best of Brisbane.

πŸ“– Read Beach Reviews
πŸ“Έ Submit Your Beach Review
πŸ’‘ Please note: Full names and emails are kept private β€” only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly.

πŸ’™ Explore More Beaches Nearby

Discover more of the Redcliffe Peninsula’s calm bays and coastal walks:
Suttons Beach ➜ | Scarborough Beach ➜ | Redcliffe Jetty Foreshore ➜ | Shorncliffe Beach ➜

🌊 About This Beach Directory


🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland β€” there are simply too many! We’ve selected the most significant and unique beaches based on a range of factors including natural beauty, accessibility, and local popularity.

πŸ’Œ If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!

πŸ“§ Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.

β˜€οΈ Happy surfing, swimming and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!

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Last updated: June 2026

Where is Margate Beach located?

Margate Beach sits on the Redcliffe Peninsula in Moreton Bay, about 30–40 minutes north of Brisbane CBD. It runs along Margate Parade between Redcliffe and Woody Point.

Can you swim at Margate Beach?

Yes. The beach offers calm, sheltered Moreton Bay waters that are ideal for swimming, paddling and kids. It’s much gentler than ocean beaches.

What facilities are at Margate Beach?

Margate Beach Park features a boardwalk, electric BBQs, picnic shelters, seating, toilets, outdoor showers, fitness equipment, water fountains and direct beach access. There’s also a car park.

Are dogs allowed at Margate Beach?

Dogs are generally permitted on-leash in the park and foreshore areas. There are designated off-leash dog parks nearby on the Redcliffe Peninsula. Always check the latest local signage.

Is Margate Beach good for families?

Yes. With calm bay water, a long sandy beach, playgrounds/picnic facilities, boardwalk and open grass areas, it’s a popular family-friendly spot on the Redcliffe foreshore.

What else is nearby Margate Beach?

The Redcliffe foreshore walk/boardwalk continues toward Redcliffe Jetty and Suttons Beach. You’ll also find local cafes, shops and easy access to other Redcliffe Peninsula beaches and parks.

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