Shorncliffe Pier: Fishing, History and Parking

Shorncliffe Pier is a free, 350 metre pier at Shorncliffe in north Brisbane, with long views across Bramble Bay, a place to fish and Moora Park right beside it. It is the largest timber pier in Brisbane and sits about 30 minutes by car from the CBD.

Walk to the end for the bay, the Moreton Bay islands and the Shorncliffe cliffs behind you, then head back to the park for a picnic or a play.

Walking the pier

The pier runs straight out from the foreshore for about 350 metres and is around 5 metres wide. It is a flat walk on a timber deck, with a rotunda and a larger platform at the end where people stop for the view.

The renewed pier has four drinking fountains, four fish cleaning stations, benches, seats and two picnic tables, with lights along the deck for evening walks.

From the end you can see across to the Redcliffe peninsula and over the bay to Moreton Bay’s islands.

Fishing at Shorncliffe Pier

People fish from the pier, and the rebuild included fish cleaning stations so you can clean your catch on the spot. Brisbane City Council describes it as a picturesque spot for fishing and runs beginner fishing events around the city; free and low-cost ones are listed in council’s events search.

If you are new to fishing, read our beginner’s guide to fishing first, and check Queensland’s size and bag limits before you keep anything.

A bit of history

The first Shorncliffe Pier (also known as Sandgate Pier) was built in the 1880s as a place to stroll, fish and swim, and as a landing for passengers and cargo from Brisbane. It started at about 260 metres and was extended by about 90 metres so ferries could dock at low tide.

In the 1930s a shark-proof swimming enclosure with night lighting was added beside it. Since 1955 people have gathered here to watch the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

The old pier closed in 2012 because of marine borer damage. It was rebuilt on the same line with a concrete and steel base and timber decking, and reopened on 25 March 2016.

The pier is stop 1 of council’s Shorncliffe Seaside Heritage Trail, a 4.9 km walk of about 1.5 hours. Most of the other stops are private properties that are not open to the public.

Moora Park and the foreshore

Moora Park next to the pier has barbecues, picnic shelters, taps, toilets, a car park and a big playground, so it is easy to turn the pier into a half day. See our guide to Lower Moora Park for the playground, beach and lawns.

For a meal, council’s Sandgate and Shorncliffe page mentions the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club, a waterfront restaurant at Shorncliffe, and the Full Moon Hotel, which serves fish and chips on a deck over Bramble Bay.

Is Shorncliffe Pier dog friendly?

Brisbane City Council’s rule is that dogs must be on a leash outside designated off-leash areas. Council does not say whether dogs are allowed on the pier itself, so check the signs at the entrance.

Planning your visit

• How long: About 30 minutes for the walk out and back, or 2 to 3 hours with Moora Park.
• Best time: Early morning or around sunset, and weekdays for easier parking.
• Cost: Free.
• What to bring: Hat, sunscreen and water, plus rod, bait and a bucket if you plan to fish.

Getting there and parking

Shorncliffe Pier is at the foot of Pier Avenue, Shorncliffe. By car it is about 30 minutes (21 km) from the Brisbane CBD without heavy traffic. There is a car park at Moora Park, with more parking on the streets above.

By train, take the Shorncliffe line to Shorncliffe, the last stop. Council describes the station as a short walk from the foreshore. Check the Translink journey planner for times. Council has more on Sandgate and Shorncliffe on its website.

Nearby

• Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe – the playground, beach and BBQs right beside the pier.
• Piers and jetties – more places to walk or fish over the water.
• Wynnum Wading Pool Park – another Brisbane bayside spot for a paddle.
• Boxhead Park, Lota – a bayside park on the other side of Brisbane.
• More days out in Brisbane

Quick answers