Scarborough Beach
Beach Information
Beach Information
- 🏖️ Best Time to Visit: September to May for warm, calm bay days.
- 🐠 Marine Stingers: Low risk; remain stinger aware in summer.
- 🚩 Lifeguard Patrol: Patrolled seasonally/holidays (check local signs).
- 🐕 Dog Friendly: Yes (see Dog-Friendly Rules below)
- 🛠️ Facilities: Toilets, showers, BBQs, shaded parks, cafés, playgrounds.
- ♿ Accessibility: Good promenade access; flat paths to amenities.
- 🐊 Wildlife Awareness: No crocodiles. Deadly snakes extremely rare.
- 📍 Distance to Brisbane: Approx. 35–40 km (about 45 min drive).
- 🏘️ Closest Town: Scarborough — Distance: ~0 km
- ✈️ Closest Airport: Brisbane Airport — Distance: ~30 km
- 🌦️ Typical Weather: Subtropical; warm summers, mild winters, coastal breezes.
For the latest official beach conditions and safety information, check Beachsafe.
Discover Scarborough Beach, a peaceful family-friendly foreshore on Brisbane’s northern Moreton Bay with calm waters, shady picnic areas, playgrounds and sweeping bay views — perfect for day trips, kayaking and relaxed weekend picnics.
🏝️Why Visit Scarborough Beach?
Scarborough Beach offers a unique blend of calm bay waters and well-equipped foreshore facilities. Unlike the surf beaches further north and south, Scarborough is sheltered, making it perfect for young children, families, and those who enjoy quiet seaside escapes. With its shaded parks, playgrounds, and stunning views across Moreton Bay, it’s the ideal place for picnics, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water.
🏖️Things to Do at Scarborough Beach
👨👩👧 Scarborough Beach Park — Pirate Place and Railway Place playgrounds, jumping pillow, BBQs, shade and toilets at 52 Landsborough Avenue. 🏊 Bay Swim — calm Moreton Bay sand in front of Scarborough Beach Park. Unpatrolled bay beach, not a surf break.
🐕 Queens Beach North — the off leash dog stretch a short walk south on Flinders Parade. Sand and water only.
🧺 Picnic Lawns — electric BBQs, shelters and bay views along the park edge.
🚶 Foreshore Walk — sealed path south toward Queens Beach, Redcliffe Beach and Settlement Cove Lagoon.
☕ Scarborough Village — cafes and the marina precinct behind the park.
🐶Dog Friendly Rules
🐕 Queens Beach North Only — City of Moreton Bay off leash is the Queens Beach North sand and water between the beach access stairs and the northern rock groyne on Flinders Parade.
🕐 No Time Limits — that signed Queens Beach North strip is all day. leash Lead On Everywhere Else — grass, footpath, car park and the beach south of the steps toward the boat ramp stay on leash.
🚫 Not Scarborough Beach Park — Pirate Place, Railway Place and the Scarborough Beach swim sand are not the dog beach.
📍 Suttons Beach is not off leash — do not send people there for a run.
🛍️Facilities & Accessibility
🚻 Toilets and showers — Toilets and showers.
🍖 BBQs and shaded picnic tables — BBQs and shaded picnic tables.
🎠 Children’s playgrounds along the foreshore — Children’s playgrounds along the foreshore.
☕ Cafes, shops and dining nearby — Cafes, shops, and dining options nearby.
🐕 Dog friendly — On leash on Scarborough Beach Park grass and paths. Signed off leash is Queens Beach North only, not this swim sand.
♿ Wheelchair accessible paths — Wheelchair accessible paths with flat access to picnic areas.
🌤️Best Time to Visit Scarborough Beach
The best time to visit Scarborough Beach is from September to May, when warm days and sea breezes create perfect foreshore conditions.
🌡️ Weather: Subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters
🌊 Marine Stingers: Low risk in Moreton Bay, but remain stinger-aware in summer
🛟 Lifeguards: Patrolled seasonally and during holidays – check local signage
🗺️ Getting There
🅿️ Scarborough Beach Parking — use the Scarborough Beach Park car parks off Landsborough Avenue and Kennedy Esplanade. Weekend mornings fill first.
🅿️ Queens Beach North Parks — extra foreshore bays sit on Flinders Parade for the dog zone. Read the signs.
🚌 Bus — Translink services run Scarborough and Redcliffe. No train on the peninsula.
🚗 Drive — about 40 minutes north of the Brisbane CBD via the Gateway Motorway and Houghton Highway.
💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Translink for latest bus and train timetables before travelling.
💡 Local Tips
🌅 The Scarborough Beach Park area is ideal for families, with playgrounds, picnic shelters, and calm waters for kids.
🐬 Dolphins are often spotted offshore early in the morning.
🍽️ Try the waterfront cafés and fish-and-chip shops that line the village strip — popular with locals on weekends.
🚴♀️ Bring your bike or scooter to explore the scenic path connecting Redcliffe, Margate, and Suttons Beach.
📸 For panoramic photos, walk to the end of Scarborough Point at low tide to capture the Glass House Mountains across the bay.
📍Nearby Attractions & Activities
Nearby Attractions
🏘️ Scarborough Village — Cafes, seafood restaurants, and weekend markets right by the foreshore.
⚓ Redcliffe Jetty (5 km) — A historic pier and local events hub.
🏖️ Other Beaches — Redcliffe Beach and Suttons Beach for family-friendly swimming.
📆 Events & Markets Nearby
🛍️ Redcliffe Markets (Sundays) — A vibrant seaside market with artisan stalls, produce, handmade goods, boutique food stalls, and live entertainment. 🎵 Scarborough Sounds Festival (seasonal) — Local musicians, market stalls, food trucks, and community entertainment on the waterfront.
🪁 Redcliffe KiteFest (September) — One of Queensland’s biggest family festivals with giant kites, performers, carnival rides, markets, and kids’ shows. 🍷 Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival (August) — A huge peninsula event featuring gourmet stalls, seafood, wine tastings, and celebrity chef demonstrations.
🎨 Redcliffe Festival of the Arts (annual) — Celebrating creativity with exhibitions, artists’ markets, and performances across the peninsula.
For a full list of what’s on in the area, visit the
👉 Brisbane Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Brisbane Beaches
🏕️Accommodation Near Scarborough Beach
Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options nearby, including:
- 🏨 Hotels & serviced apartments in Redcliffe
- ⛺ Caravan parks and holiday parks in Scarborough & Redcliffe
- 🏡 Short-term rentals & seaside holiday homes
📖 Read Accommodation Reviews
📸 Submit Your Accommodation Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.
🍴 Places to Eat & Drink
Scarborough Beach is a favourite bayside spot for dining, with waterfront cafés, seafood restaurants, and relaxed bars lining the foreshore. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, casual brunch, or sunset drink overlooking the marina — then share your favourite food and drink experiences below!
📖 Read Food & Drinks Reviews
📸 Submit Your Food & Drinks Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.
🧭Plan Your Trip to Scarborough Beach
Whether you’re planning a short day trip or a weekend getaway, Scarborough Beach, Moreton Bay is the perfect bayside escape. With its combination of family-friendly facilities, calm bay waters, scenic parks, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s no wonder Scarborough is one of the most popular beaches in Brisbane’s northern bayside. Add it to your Queensland beach itinerary for a relaxing coastal experience.
💬 Share Your Scarborough Beach Photos & Reviews
📸 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.
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💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly.
💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby
Discover more of the Redcliffe Peninsula’s coastal favourites:
Redcliffe Beach ➜ | Suttons Beach ➜ | Margate Beach ➜ | Shorncliffe Beach ➜
🌊 About This Beach Directory
🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland — 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.
💌 If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.
☀️ Happy surfing, swimming and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!
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Last updated: June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scarborough Beach good for families?
Yes – it’s one of the best family beaches near Brisbane. The large beachfront park features two popular themed playgrounds (Pirate Place and Railway Place), picnic tables, BBQs, shady Norfolk pines, and a calm swimming area.
Are there facilities at Scarborough Beach?
Yes. You’ll find toilets, picnic tables, electric BBQs, sealed pathways, viewing decks, accessible parking, and plenty of shade. Cafes and takeaway options are right across the road.
Is there parking at Scarborough Beach?
Yes, there is ample free parking available along the foreshore and near Scarborough Beach Park (entrance via Kennedy Drive / nearby streets). Accessible parking bays are also provided.
Can you swim at Scarborough Beach?
Yes. The beach offers generally calm water suitable for swimming, especially for families. Always check local conditions and any signage on the day.
Is Scarborough Beach dog friendly?
Scarborough Beach Park is not the off leash beach. The signed City of Moreton Bay zone is Queens Beach North, on Flinders Parade between the access stairs and the northern rock groyne. Grass, paths and the park stay on leash.
What else is there to do near Scarborough Beach?
You can enjoy foreshore walks toward Newport or Redcliffe, visit local cafes and seafood spots, explore the boat harbour, or continue along the Redcliffe peninsula coastal path. The famous Bee Gees house is also a short walk away.
Where is Queens Beach North from Scarborough Beach Park?
Walk south along the foreshore on Flinders Parade. It is the next named beach, not the Pirate Park sand.