Raby Bay is the Cleveland waterfront in Redlands, and most people mean one of three things by it: Raby Bay Foreshore Park, with its calm swimming coves, dog beach and playground; Raby Bay Harbour, the marina boardwalk with restaurants; or both on the same day. Cleveland Point and its timber lighthouse are a short drive or bike ride along the same shore.
It is a good all-day spot for families because you can swim, picnic, let the dog run, then walk along to lunch, all without paying to get in.
Raby Bay Foreshore Park
The park has three swimming coves with calm water and sandy beaches, which suits young kids. Redlands Coast describes them as good for families, and the park is free to enter. There are no waves to speak of, so it is more a paddle-and-play beach than a surf beach.
Behind the sand there is open green space, picnic tables, barbecues, a playground and a liberty swing, plus wide paths for walking and cycling. Public toilets, including accessible toilets, are on site, and a kiosk run by Bay Island Lifestyle sells coffee, cold drinks and light refreshments.
Is Raby Bay Foreshore Park dog friendly?
Yes. One cove is the Raby Bay Dog Beach, an unfenced off-leash area with beach access so dogs can swim, plus rubbish bags, bins, a water bowl and seating. Council has been doing erosion work at the beach, and the beach stays off-leash. Check the signs as you arrive for where dogs need to be on a lead.
A wide path runs from the car park along the park to the dog beach. If you have a dog, our guide to dog parks lists more places to take it.
Paddling and kayaking
Bay Island Lifestyle hires non-motorised watercraft from the park, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, with disability-friendly options. It also runs guided tours that can show you fish, crabs, dolphins and occasionally dugongs. Prices are not listed on the official pages, so check with the operator.
Raby Bay Harbour
Raby Bay Harbour is the marina precinct on Shore Street West, about 800 metres from the foreshore park. A boardwalk runs along the marina, and the restaurants and cafes overlook the water. Venues listed there include Fiction Bar and Restaurant, Chop ‘n Chill, Samson Fish Seafood, Hog’s Breath Cafe, Mamma Mia Trattoria Pizzeria, Crusoe Cafe for coffee and Cold Rock Ice Creamery for dessert.
Opening hours differ by venue, so check before you go.
Twilight Makers Market at Raby Bay
The Twilight Makers Market sets up in Raby Bay Harbour Park on the boardwalk, opposite Cleveland station. It is a free monthly market of handmade goods from local artisans, usually on a Saturday from 4 pm to 8 pm. Dates move around, so check the Redlands Coast event page for the next one.
The Redlands Coast Christmas tree lighting is also held at Raby Bay: see Redlands Coast Christmas Tree Lighting at Raby Bay.
Cleveland Point and the lighthouse
Cleveland Point Recreation Reserve is at 238 to 242 Shore Street West, at the tip of the point. It has a marine-inspired playground, barbecues, public toilets and a car park, and The Lighthouse Restaurant, Cafe and Fish ‘N’ Chippery is on the reserve.
The white timber lighthouse is the reason most people come. It was built in 1864 and 1865 as a hexagonal wooden tower with a red lantern room. You cannot go inside, but you can walk up to it on the public headland.
Planning your visit
- How long: Allow two to three hours for a swim, a picnic and the playground. Add time for lunch at the harbour or a look at the lighthouse.
- Best time: Early on weekends, before the car park fills. Weekday mornings are quieter.
- What to bring: Water shoes, sunscreen, hats, towels, a picnic, and a lead and water bottle for the dog.
- Cost: Free to enter.
Getting there and parking
Raby Bay Foreshore Park is about 29 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, which is about 40 minutes by car without traffic. The park has a car park, including accessible parking. Local reporting describes parking as under strain at busy times, so arrive early on weekends and school holidays. Check signs in each car park for time limits.
By train, take the T4 to Cleveland station. The harbour boardwalk and Raby Bay Harbour Park are opposite the station, and from there it is about an 800 metre walk along the foreshore to the park. Several bus routes also stop at Cleveland station, including routes 250, 252, 271 and 274. Use the Translink journey planner for current times. Cleveland Point is about 31 km from the Brisbane CBD by road, also about 40 minutes by car.
Nearby
- Wellington Point Recreation Reserve – a calm beach, playgrounds and the low-tide walk to King Island, a few minutes up the coast.
- Victoria Point – foreshore parks and the jetty, and the ferry across to Coochiemudlo.
- Coochiemudlo Island – a short ferry hop for beaches and walks.
- North Stradbroke Island – beaches and headland walks across the bay.
- Redlands – more days out across the region.
- Parks – more parks around South East Queensland.
Quick answers
Is Raby Bay Foreshore Park free?
Yes, entry is free. Kayak, paddleboard and tour hire are extra and priced by the operator.
Can you swim at Raby Bay?
Yes. The foreshore park has three calm swimming coves. Council signs warn about stonefish, so wear shoes in the water and watch children closely.
Is Raby Bay dog friendly?
Yes. One cove is an off-leash dog beach with bins, bags and water. Check the signs for where leads are needed elsewhere in the park.
Where is the Raby Bay Harbour restaurant strip?
On Shore Street West, about 800 metres from the foreshore park, beside the marina boardwalk and opposite Cleveland station.
Is there a market at Raby Bay?
The Twilight Makers Market runs monthly in Raby Bay Harbour Park, usually on a Saturday from 4 pm to 8 pm. Check the event page for dates.
Can you go inside Cleveland Point Lighthouse?
No, you cannot enter the tower, but you can walk up to it on the public headland.
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