Margate Beach is a long, shallow beach on Margate Parade on the Redcliffe Peninsula, about 40 minutes by car from Brisbane. It has golden sand, a 2 km boardwalk and views across Moreton Bay to Moreton Island.
You can swim in the shallows, cook on an electric BBQ and walk the boardwalk under a line of tall Norfolk pines.
The beach and boardwalk
Visit Moreton Bay calls Margate the longest stretch of mainland sand in the area. The water is shallow and sheltered, and the City of Moreton Bay says you can cool off in the shallow water.
A timber boardwalk runs for about 2 km beside the sand. It suits walkers, cyclists and kids on scooters, and the council describes it as wheelchair friendly. Along it you will find benches, viewing huts with sheltered seating and a covered picnic setting. The boardwalk was completed in 2002.
Norfolk pines line the esplanade. Visit Moreton Bay says they date back more than 150 years, and they give you shade in the warmer months.
Scotts Point
Scotts Point, beside the beach, is where the swimming pavilion built in 1937 stands. It is a good spot to stop on a walk along the boardwalk.
Things to do at Margate Beach
- Walk or cycle the boardwalk. It runs the length of the beach, so you can go as far as you like and turn back.
- Cook lunch. The park has electric BBQs and a covered picnic setting, so a hot lunch by the water is easy.
- Work out outdoors. There is fitness equipment in the park beside the sand.
- Watch the bay. Seating and viewing huts look across the water to Moreton Island.
The centre of Redcliffe is about 2.6 km north of Margate, so it is easy to add the Redcliffe jetty and lagoon to the same day.
Can you swim at Margate Beach?
Yes. The water is shallow and sheltered, which suits young kids and relaxed swimmers. Margate Beach is not patrolled, so there are no flags and no lifeguards on duty.
The Suttons Beach guide has more on the patrolled beach.
Facilities at Margate Beach Park
- A public toilet and shower facility nearby, for washing off the salt
- Electric BBQs and a covered picnic setting
- Benches and viewing huts with sheltered seating
- Fitness equipment, a water fountain and rubbish bins
- Tables, shelter and seating
- Direct access to the beach and a car park
No playground is listed at Margate Beach Park.
Is Margate Beach dog friendly?
No. Council rules prohibit dogs on foreshores unless an area is designated as a dog exercise area, and Margate Beach is not on the City of Moreton Bay’s list of dog beaches. Clontarf has on-leash beach areas, and Woorim has on-leash and off-leash areas, see the Woorim Beach guide. The full list is on the council’s dog parks and beaches page.
Planning your visit
- How long: an hour for a swim and a picnic, or half a day with the boardwalk walk and lunch.
- What to bring: a hat, sunscreen and water. The BBQs are electric, so you only need the food.
- Cost: free to visit.
- Accessibility: the boardwalk is wheelchair friendly.
Getting there and parking
Margate is on the Redcliffe Peninsula, about 32 km and 40 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD. Margate Beach Park is on Margate Parade, which runs along the beach.
Margate Beach Park has a car park. Read the street signs on Margate Parade for any time limits.
By public transport
Take a train on the Redcliffe Peninsula line to Kippa-Ring station, then catch Translink route 696, which loops from Kippa-Ring station through Redcliffe, Margate and Woody Point. It stops on Margate Parade at McCulloch Avenue, Beaconsfield Street and Humpybong State School. The bus runs about once an hour, so check the route 696 timetable before you leave.
Nearby
- Suttons Beach – the patrolled beach, just north.
- Redcliffe beach, jetty and lagoon – the main day-out strip on the peninsula.
- Woody Point Jetty – fishing, a playground and sunsets at the southern tip.
- Redcliffe Botanic Gardens – walks and a nursery.
- All beaches and more on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
Quick answers
Is Margate Beach good for swimming?
Yes, the water is shallow and sheltered. The beach is not patrolled, so swim at Suttons Beach if you want lifeguards.
Where do you park at Margate Beach?
There is a car park at Margate Beach Park on Margate Parade. Check the street signs for any time limits.
Can you take dogs to Margate Beach?
No. Dogs are prohibited on foreshores unless designated, and Margate is not on the council’s dog beach list. Clontarf and Woorim have dog beaches.
Are there toilets and BBQs at Margate Beach?
Yes. There is a public toilet and shower facility nearby and electric BBQs at the park.
How do you get to Margate Beach without a car?
Take the train to Kippa-Ring station, then Translink route 696 to a stop on Margate Parade. The bus runs about hourly.
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