Places to cool off in Moreton Bay

Soak up those summer vibes at this breezy coastal hang‑out, where sparkling saltwater meets laid‑back relaxation. Take a dip, stretch out with views across the bay, or enjoy a shady spot under the palms while the kids explore the nearby playground with its swings and slides. Bring the bikes too - scenic seaside pathways make it easy to cruise along the waterfront. With picnic tables, BBQs and plenty of room to unwind, it’s the perfect place to gather friends and family for a chilled‑out lunch or a sunset splash. Find out more.

Nothing says summer like water play, and this free, fully accessible space delivers in spades. Packed with fountains, jets and shallow channels perfect for splashing and giggling, it keeps little ones entertained for hours. Toddlers love the gentle sprays and gates they can open and close, while older kids make a beeline for the giant tipping bucket. Beyond the water zone, two playground areas cater to all ages with forts, nets, slides, climbing towers, swings, spinners and a flying fox. With shade sails, plenty of seating and BBQ facilities, it’s easy to settle in for an afternoon of sun‑soaked fun while keeping a comfortable eye on the kids. Find out more.

Stretching along Margate Parade, Margate Beach is a Redcliffe favourite with golden sand, calm sheltered waters and a two‑kilometre timber boardwalk perfect for walkers, cyclists and scooter‑riders. The northern end is marked by the charming 1930s Scotts Point swimming pavilion, while towering Norfolk Pines provide welcome shade along the esplanade. With great BBQ facilities and sweeping views across Moreton Bay to Moreton Island, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed day by the bay. Then cap it off like a local with a drink at Sunny’s Margate Beach at The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach. Find out more.

For the young and the young‑at‑heart, the Aqua Warrior water course is a must‑try. Jump, bounce, swing and slide your way across a series of floating obstacles set on the sparkling waters off beautiful Pelican Park in Clontarf. Aqua Warrior is designed to suit a wide range of ages and abilities, so you can challenge yourself in a fun and playful way. This super‑fun family activity is all about testing your balance and agility - you just have to give it a go! Find out more.

Bongaree is one of Bribie Island’s top family‑friendly beaches, thanks to its gentle waves, shallow waters and the leafy parklands that run alongside Welsby Parade. With plenty of picnic shelters, tables and barbecues, it’s a perfect spot for family gatherings - just arrive early on weekends to secure your place. The jetty is a favourite for fishing while the calm shoreline makes it ideal for kayaking, stand‑up paddle boarding, or simply letting the kids roam, play and build sandcastles on the white sand. Cafes, takeaway and an ice‑cream shop are all within easy walking distance, and if you’re keen to explore further, Bribie Island Hire Hut offers electric bikes, SUPs, kayaks, water bikes and more. Make a weekend of it and stay in one of the local accommodation options available such as Beach Shack or Bongaree Beach House. Find out more. 

Looking for a dog-friendly beach? Tucked away in Bongaree on Bribie Island, Red Beach is a favourite spot for sunset seekers and dog lovers alike. This peaceful, eight‑kilometre stretch is reached via a short stroll from Tully Street along a lush vegetation trail that opens onto wide, sandy shores. As one of Bribie Island’s dog‑friendly beaches, it’s ideal for leashed pups to run, splash and explore, with calm waters that make it a relaxing swim spot for families and their four‑legged companions. Wander far enough along the shoreline and Red Beach meets Woody Bay, another dog‑friendly haven perfect for long low‑tide walks with your pooch. Find our more.

Once the scenic backdrop to the Lakeside International Raceway, Lake Kurwongbah is now a quiet haven perfect for watersports enthusiasts. Surrounded by peaceful bushland and abundant native wildlife, the lake offers a calm, uncrowded setting ideal for kayaking and canoeing. With its smooth conditions, natural beauty and space to roam, Lake Kurwongbah is an enticing spot for anyone who loves getting out on the water. It’s also a lovely place for a peaceful walk, with nature trails, lake views and quiet bushland right along the shoreline. Find out more.