Snap the perfect sunrise

For the early rises, make your way to Flinders Parade or Shorncliffe Pier to capture a mix of purples, pinks, oranges and yellows that fill the sky and reflect off the water when the tide is in. These vantage points are often filled with keen photographers who set up their tripods to catch the perfect Sandgate sunrise.

Stroll along the waterfront

The flat bike paths and walkways found alongside the waterfront are perfect to stroll or ride along any time of the day to enjoy the beautiful bay breezes.

Drink coffee with the locals

These three suburbs have plenty of cute and delicious cafes to choose from, offering smooth coffee and speciality drinks to pair with flaky pastries and nourishing brunch menus. Sandgate is home to the aesthetic Myrtle & Blossom for coffee in style, The Bay for sweeping sea views, Treaty of Paris for French-inspired sweets, and Capulet & Co. for a flavour-packed menu. In Shorncliffe, you’ll find The Wired Owl for a smooth blend, Matthew Thomas for a hearty menu and Cocoa Biscotti for coffee with a bayside view. Follow the smell of coffee in Brighton to Blume Speciality Coffee, cabinet goodies at Little Poppies Kitchen, and a colourful menu at The Village Centre. Special mention goes to Coffee Warden in Sandgate, which opens its doors at 5am daily.

Pull up a seat at a local bar

The local bar scene is all about quality over quantity. For those that love live music to pair with a cold brew you can catch a live gig at the Cardigan Bar. Mr Henderson has the unique offering where you can BYO food, so pack a picnic or grab some local takeaway and settle in for a relaxed night of good food, drinks and atmosphere. For pub-seekers, the Full Moon Hotel is a local institution with an impressive menu, expansive drinks list and cracking water views.

Eat all the fish and chips

Along the Sandgate waterfront, you’re spoilt for choice with Sandgate Fishmonger’s critically acclaimed calamari and gluten-free batter, Doug’s generous portions and the ever-popular Flinders Seafood and Bar. Just around the corner at Shorncliffe, Shelley Inn serves up top-notch seafood and a cracking view of Cabbage Tree Creek. 

Seek thrills in the sea breeze

For the adventurers and thrill seekers, Surf Connect offer great water-based activities for the whole family. For those that like to stay on the water, you can also find all the gear to enjoy a spot of stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. If you prefer a touch of thill, the sky at Sandgate fills with kite surfers when the wind picks up taking advantage of the gusty conditions.

Play golf at a genuine 1920s golf club

Sandgate Golf Club is perfect for a casual afternoon of nine holes, with its flat and straight course it’s ideal for all golfing abilities. Find icy cold schooners at the end of a game that make walking the green all worth it. Tee it up.

Step back in time at Sandgate Historical Society and Museum

Sandgate may be a small suburb, but it boasts a rich history waiting to be uncovered at the Sandgate Historical Society & Museum. Perfect for a relaxing morning, it’s sure to leave you amazed by the stories North Brisbane holds.

Eat delicious food

IlForno Pizzeria brings the Italian goodness you’re craving with a twist - their duck and hoisin pizza is a crowd favourite. Visit the Full Moon Hotel for premium pub food or The Sands Social for big family feeds. Food trucks often frequent Mr Henderson and Cardigan Bar on weekends too.

For something a little more refined, Acciuga Restaurant in Sandgate offers a fresh seafood forward Italian menu. Located across from Einbunpin Lagoon Park, you’ll drive past gorgeous greenery before entering the light and spacious restaurant.

Refresh your wardrobe with sustainable fashion

Find a plethora of second hand, retro and vintage shops dotting the streets across Sandgate and Brighton. Bring a tote bag and set aside half a day to get lost among the racks and shelves where you’re bound to find a hidden treasure or two.

Get fresh organic fruit, veg, meat and pastry treats

Fresh produce, artisan products, flowers and the aroma of coffee filling the air are all found at the Sandgate Village Markets. Held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at Einbunpin Lagoon, take in the sea breeze and buzzing atmosphere every fortnight.

Pack a picnic

Parks, barbecue facilities and shaded tables abound across all three suburbs. Top picks include the Sandgate waterfront, a grassy expanse of Decker Park in Brighton, the sand or lawns beside Shorncliffe pier, and leafy surrounds of Einbunpin Lagoon in Sandgate. 

Wander along Shorncliffe Pier

The pier was completely refurbished in 2016 and is an absolute stunner. It’s well worth a stroll to take in the sea breeze and sun rays, trying to spot marine life or even to cast a line. Go on, give in to pier pressure.

Stargaze at one of the best vantage points in Brisbane

Visitors flock to Sandgate when astronomical events are high in the sky – think eclipses, full moons and stargazing. The clear skies, minimal street and building light and a high vantage attracts many with their telescopes.

Browse cute boutiques and knick-knack shops

Throughout the three suburbs you are sure to find many hidden gems, and the cute antique and furniture stores are amongst some of the best in Brisbane.  Find Gate’s Edge for head-turning boutique fashion or Something About Audrey for bespoke homewares, gifts, jewellery, handbags and accessories.

Sail (or watch it)

Sandgate Yacht Club at Allpass Parade in Shorncliffe has races every second Sunday but if you prefer to keep your feet dry, Sandgate is an awesome place to watch the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race each Easter. It’s a majestic sight watching them jostle for a prime position as they leave Moreton Bay. Even more so when you can do it with a glass of vino and a little cheese of choice in hand, safely on shore.

Travel a little further north to find all there is to explore and discover in the Moreton Bay region.