Shorncliffe Beach is a popular family foreshore on Brisbane’s northside, known for its historic pier, large playground at Lower Moora Park, rock pools, BBQs and calm bay views just 25 minutes from the CBD. This is the complete 2026 guide to the best of Shorncliffe for families, fishing and relaxed bay days.

🏝️Why Visit Shorncliffe Beach?

Shorncliffe Beach offers a blend of heritage charm and coastal beauty. Unlike Brisbane’s busier riverside spots, it is particularly known for the Shorncliffe Pier, one of the longest timber piers in Australia. Families love the safe foreshore parks, while walkers and cyclists enjoy the long promenade with sea breezes. It’s a quieter alternative to city beaches, perfect for fishing, picnics, and photography.

🏖️Things to Do at Shorncliffe Beach

⚓ Pier Walks and Fishing — Cast a line or enjoy a scenic stroll along the historic pier with panoramic bay views.
🧺 Picnics and BBQs — Shaded grassy foreshore areas with picnic tables and BBQs make it ideal for family gatherings.
🚴 Walking and Cycling — The coastal pathways connect to Sandgate and beyond, perfect for cyclists, joggers, and walkers.
🐕 Dog Friendly Outings — On leash along Shorncliffe Pier, Lower Moora Park and the grass. Off leash is the signed Sandgate foreshore ending at Park Parade and Zeehan Street, not the pier lawns. 📸 Photography and Sunrise Views — Capture sunrise over Moreton Bay, with the pier as the perfect backdrop.

🐶 Dog Friendly Rules

🐕🐕 Signed Off Leash Zone — Brisbane City Council off leash sand runs from the stairs near Flinders Parade and Second Avenue in Sandgate south to Park Parade and Zeehan Street in Shorncliffe.
🌊 Best at Low Tide — that foreshore opens into a wide mudflat at low tide. That is the run. High tide shrinks it. leash On Leash at Shorncliffe Beach — Shorncliffe Pier, Lower Moora Park, the playground, picnic lawns, car park, Upper Moora Park and Lovers Walk stay on leash.
📍 Do Not Mix the Zones — the pier sand is not the dog beach. Walk north to the signed Zeehan Street stairs for the off leash strip, or use the Sandgate Beach page.

🏖️ Shorncliffe Pier & Lower Moora Park

Two of the biggest attractions at Shorncliffe Beach sit side by side and make this foreshore a favourite with families.

🪵 Shorncliffe Pier Shorncliffe Pier is one of the longest recreational timber piers in Australia, stretching more than 350 metres out into Moreton Bay. It is free to access and perfect for walking, fishing, watching the sunset or simply enjoying the bay views. The pier is also popular with locals for early-morning walks and photography.

🛝 Lower Moora Park Right next to the pier is Lower Moora Park, home to one of Brisbane’s best beachside playgrounds. The large multi-level playground features climbing forts, slides, nets and a sandpit, making it ideal for kids of different ages. The park also has BBQs, picnic tables, shaded areas, toilets and outdoor showers, with direct access to the sandy foreshore and rock pools.

Together, the pier and park create an easy full-day outing: kids can play, families can picnic, and everyone can walk the pier or explore the calm bay shoreline.

🛍️Facilities & Accessibility

🚽 Toilets & picnic shelters
🍖 BBQ areas with shaded seating
🛝 Children’s playgrounds near the foreshore
🐕 Dog-friendly: On-leash on the foreshore, with nearby off-leash zones
☕ Cafés and takeaway shops within walking distance
♿ Wheelchair access with flat esplanade paths and pier access

🗺️ Shorncliffe Beach Parking and Getting There

🅿️ Shorncliffe Beach Parking — the lower car park at the pier fills first on weekends. Get there early.
🅿️ Overflow — extra bays at upper Moora Park on the corner of Park Parade and Swan Street, then walk down the ramp to Lower Moora Park.
🚆 Train — Shorncliffe line to Shorncliffe station, then a short walk. Sandgate station is the next stop if you want the dog foreshore first.
🚗 Drive — about 25 minutes north of the Brisbane CBD.

💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Translink for latest public transport timetables and any seasonal service changes.

💡 Local Tips

🌅 Don’t miss the Shorncliffe Pier, one of Brisbane’s most iconic landmarks — sunrise and sunset views here are breathtaking.
🎣 It’s a popular fishing spot, so bring a rod or enjoy watching the locals reel in bream and whiting.
🚶‍♀️ The Bayside Walkway links Shorncliffe to Sandgate — perfect for a gentle coastal stroll or bike ride.
🍦 Grab coffee or gelato from cafés near the pier and enjoy them under the shady trees.
⚠️ The beach is tidal and not patrolled, so swimming is best limited to calm high-tide periods.

📍Nearby Attractions & Activities

🛍️ Sandgate Village (1 km): Cafés, shops, and weekend markets
🌳 Moora Park: Foreshore parklands with BBQs and playgrounds
🚶 Sandgate & Brighton Foreshore: Coastal paths connecting neighbouring beaches

📆 Events & Markets Nearby

🛍️ Sandgate Twilight Market (monthly): Artisan stalls, handmade gifts, food trucks, and live music on the foreshore just minutes from Shorncliffe.
🛍️ Nundah Farmers Market (Sundays): Fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, flowers, arts, crafts, and market-shopping every weekend.
🎪 Einbunpin Festival (annual): A major bayside festival with stalls, entertainment, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
🎵 Music by the Sea (monthly concerts): Live classical, folk, jazz, and world music performances in Sandgate’s historic town hall.
🎄 Christmas in Sandgate & Shorncliffe (December): Seasonal twilight markets, carols, food stalls, and community celebrations.

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

🏕️Accommodation Near Shorncliffe Beach

While Shorncliffe itself has limited accommodation, nearby Sandgate and Brisbane City provide a wide range of options:

• 🏨 Hotels & motels in Sandgate and Brisbane
• ⛺ Holiday parks and campgrounds within Moreton Bay region
• 🏡 Short-term rentals & coastal 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

Shorncliffe Beach offers a relaxed, local dining scene with cosy cafés, takeaway fish-and-chip shops, and casual restaurants near the jetty. Enjoy coffee by the bay, a seaside picnic, or fresh seafood with ocean views — 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 Shorncliffe Beach

Whether you’re planning a relaxing bayside picnic, a sunrise photography session, or a stroll along the iconic pier, Shorncliffe Beach, Brisbane is a must-visit destination. With its combination of heritage charm, natural beauty, and family-friendly foreshore, it remains one of the highlights of Queensland’s bayside coastline. Add Shorncliffe Beach to your Brisbane itinerary for a peaceful seaside escape.

💬 Share Your Shorncliffe 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.

📖 Read Beach Reviews
📸 Submit Your Beach Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly.

💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby

Continue exploring Brisbane’s peaceful northern coastline:
Sandgate Beach ➜ | Nudgee Beach ➜ | Wynnum Foreshore ➜ | Manly 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!

← Go Back

✅ Queensland Beach Guide contains affiliate links. This means if you click on certain links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely believe will help our readers. All opinions are our own.

_{Last updated: June 2026}

Frequently Asked Questions