Banksia Beach is a Bribie Island suburb on the Pumicestone Passage, and its main draw is a chain of free foreshore parks along Solander Esplanade. Banksia Beach Park and Col Fischer Park sit side by side with views across the passage, and Cosmos Park, on the corner of Tradewinds and Sunderland Drive, adds courts and a dog exercise area.
If you want a family picnic with a playground, electric BBQs and toilets within a short walk of a sandy shoreline, this is an easy half day.
Banksia Beach Park
Banksia Beach Park is at 38-104 Solander Esplanade and looks out over the Pumicestone Passage. Moreton Bay Regional Council’s park page describes a playground with slides, swinging rings and fort-type structures, electric barbecues, toilets, sheltered seating, picnic tables, a car park and a water fountain.
There is also a half basketball court and outdoor fitness equipment along flat paths, so older kids and adults have something to do too. Dog waste bags are available along the path.
With electric barbecues, shelters and picnic tables in one spot, it is easy to set up a group lunch without bringing your own cooker, and the car park and toilets are on site.
Col Fischer Park and the beach
Col Fischer Park is right next door at 106-116 Solander Esplanade. It is a beachside park with pathways running along the passage, shallow areas for wading, sheltered picnic tables, electric barbecues, toilets, water fountains, seating and fitness equipment. There is beach access and a car park.
The park also has a bookable ceremony space of 25 m by 20 m with views of the Glass House Mountains and the Pumicestone Passage. Bookings go through council’s wedding ceremonies page.
The Matthew Flinders monument
The foreshore park along Solander Esplanade also holds a monument to Matthew Flinders, who landed on Bribie Island on 16 July 1799. The monument was unveiled on the anniversary of that landing and commemorates his exploration of the area.
On 20 March 2026 Caboolture Today reported planned foreshore works along Solander Esplanade, due to start in April 2026 and take about 16 weeks, weather permitting. The reported plans included moving the monument to a more prominent spot, a larger kick-and-play area at the northern end, new basket swings, replacement picnic settings and benches, new water fountains, and a new picnic setting and barbecue beside the toilet block near Sunderland Drive. Council’s park pages do not mention these works, so what you find on the foreshore may differ from the descriptions above.
Cosmos Park
Cosmos Park is on the corner of Tradewinds and Sunderland Drive, with a car park nearby off Sunderland Drive. It has a dedicated dog exercise area where dogs can run and socialise off leash, a new half basketball court, fitness equipment, sheltered picnic tables, a water fountain and toilets. Accessible access is listed.
Local clubs use the grounds for tennis, croquet and bowls: Bribie Island Tennis Club, Bribie Island Croquet Club and Solander Lake Bowls Club.
Is Banksia Beach dog friendly?
Cosmos Park has an off-leash exercise area. Council’s pages for Banksia Beach Park and Col Fischer Park do not say whether dogs are allowed there, so check the signs on the day. Dog waste bags are provided along the Banksia Beach Park path.
Planning your visit
- How long: a morning or afternoon covers the playground, a picnic and a foreshore walk.
- Cost: free. Bring food, or use the electric barbecues.
- What to bring: sunscreen, a hat, water, and food for the barbecue.
- Wading: council’s page for Col Fischer Park says you can wade in the shallow swimming areas at the beach.
Getting there and parking
Banksia Beach is on Bribie Island, about 70 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 75 minutes by car without traffic. Both foreshore parks have car parks listed on council’s pages, and Cosmos Park has parking off Sunderland Drive. Council does not publish the number of spaces or any time limits.
Plan a bus or train trip with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30. See council’s pages for Banksia Beach Park, Col Fischer Park and Cosmos Park. Details can change, so check before you go.
Nearby
- Bongaree, Bribie Island – the jetty, beach and foreshore a short drive away.
- Red Beach, Bribie Island – another Bribie beach with walks.
- Bribie Island Butterfly House – an indoor stop for a rainy day.
- Bribie Island Seaside Museum – free local history.
- Bribie Island – the full island guide.
Browse more Bribie Island places and beaches.
You might also like
- Bulcock Beach (Caloundra)
- Wurtulla Beach (Sunshine Coast)
- Yaroomba Beach (Sunshine Coast)
Quick answers
Is Banksia Beach free?
Yes. The parks and beach are free to visit. Council lists electric barbecues, so there is no cost to cook.
Are there toilets at Banksia Beach?
Yes, council lists toilets at Banksia Beach Park, Col Fischer Park and Cosmos Park.
Is there a playground at Banksia Beach?
Yes, Banksia Beach Park has a playground with slides, swinging rings and fort-style structures.
Can I take my dog to Banksia Beach?
Cosmos Park has an off-leash dog exercise area. Check signs at the foreshore parks.
How far is Banksia Beach from Brisbane?
About 70 km, roughly 75 minutes by car without traffic.
0 Comments