SITE PARTNER:  

Best Things to do in Sandgate

Sandgate is one of the oldest and most charming bayside villages, with magnificent 19th century villas along the grand seafront promenade a reminder of its heyday as a major holiday destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today it retains much of its historic charm, from the gorgeous town square fronted by the Sandgate Town Hall and old post office to the retro shopping strip that offers a mix of cute cafes, small bars, boutiques and old-fashioned shops.

Here are 20+ of the best things to do in Sandgate, whether visiting for a day or a weekend:

An iconic bayside landmark, built in 1887 as Qld's 3rd post office, has been transformed into a stunning pub
The award winning hotel enjoys stunning views of Moreton Island, the Glasshouse Mountains, the city and the harbour
Bluenose Betty Bar & Kitchen is a stunning eatery housed in the historic, art deco Sandgate Billiard Saloon
This charming café in Brisbane's seaside suburb Sandgate, offers familiar favourites with a fresh new twist
The Witchin' Kitchen is a charming art deco bayside cafe with a delicious healthy menu
Mr Henderson bar, a cool Sandgate drinking hole, inhabits an old cobbler’s shop in the main shopping precinct near the picturesque town square
Sandgate is fortunate to have its very own Pakistani fusion cafe, 3 Blind Mice, serving breakfast and lunch
Featuring a tiki style patio & 1970s décor, Generations is a charming little retro cafe that warrants a nostalgic detour from town
This is a scenic and easy walk or ride passing through a myriad of waterfront picnic spots to the historical jetty at Shorncliffe
Bringing a touch of class to the historical Masonic Lodge perched on Sandgate's cliff top is this splendid cafe with its own tiny in-house homewares and giftshop.
At the base of the Shorncliffe cliffs is this enchanting little bay with grassy stretches shaded by cotton trees, rock pools, modern white picnic shelters, BBQs and a playground
Cardigan Bar, a cool and quirky drinking establishment, adds an inner-city vibe to seaside Sandgate
The Wired Owl Coffee Co is a charming coffee nook on Brisbane’s northside serving top-notch espresso and delicious, healthy sweet treats
Baaia cafe is a little gem of a waterfront cafe in an old Sandgate store, with stunning views across Moreton Bay
Il Forno is an absolute find and, for those seeking good pizza, worth a trip to the bay for.
Satori Organics is a charming pocket-sized cafe, juice bar and providore of delectable wholefoods in aquaint line-up of retro shops
Capulet & Co. is a stylishly renovated Sandgate store that is a go-to for quality threads, gourmet coffee & home wares
The heritage-listed town hall hosts local arts festival acts such as Music by the Sea and Jane Austen dances
All orders are taken from the street at this coffee hole-in-the-wall as its compact interior is taken up with an in-house roaster and sacks of beans.
This great little market buzzes on Sunday mornings as locals and visitors alike fill wicker baskets to the brim with top notch produce.

Adjacent to the shopping strip is Sandgate's beautiful lagoons including Dowse Lagoon and Einbunpin Lagoon, which are perfect for a peaceful stroll, with paved paths circumnavigating and shelters to spot the turtles and birds. It is here that the local Einbumpin Festival is held each year in July.

Need to know - There's no need to bring the car to Sandgate. Follow in the steps of the early tourists and catch the train to Sandgate Station which is 3 mins walk from the Town Hall and easily accessible to all of the attractions.

Image credits:

Dowse and Einbunpin Lagoons courtesy of Brisbane City Council website.

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Brisbane's favourite funny festival is back!
Australia's funniest comedians are set to descend on Brisbane
Sip, Savour & Soirée is a fabulous long brunch event
Experience the magnificent stage show spectacular
Lace up your shoes, put on your active wear, and bring the kids along
Witness Alice Cooper, Blondie and more live on stage
See the terrifying original live on stage at QPAC
Capture Brisbane in its best light!
Brisbane's biggest & best ladies shoe sale is back!
EDITOR'S PICK

Black Box

The new, must-see, musical based on the extraordinary true story of David Warren, the Australian inventor who created the black box flight recorder
Black Box
MUST DO

BEL CANTO FESTIVAL

Superstar soprano Jessica Pratt will open and close Opera Queensland's new week-long festival of beloved Italian operas
Opera Queensland
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Apr 19-21

From sunset cinema, opera festival and Star Wars experience to a fun new golf bar and a Harry Potter-inspired cafe, the top things to do this weekend
This Weekend Apr 19-21
THE GUIDE

Mother's Day 2024

Some of the best places to take Mum this Mother's Day, from elegant high teas, treetop buffets, yum-cha, and more
Mother's Day Guide 2024
FREE

Star Wars Experience

Westfield and Disney have just launched an amazing interactive Star Wars experience at Westfield Chermside for a limited time
Star Wars Experience
HOT TICKET

Audra McDonald

Don't miss Broadway legend, television and film star, Audra McDonald, when she performs at QPAC for one-night-only
Audra McDonald
COMING UP

What's on in May in & around Brisbane

From mega comedy, cheese and writers festivals to Dawn French, Tom Gleeson and Geoffrey Robertson live, some of the top things to do in May
What's On in May 2024 around Brisbane
Britain’s second longest running play comes to QPAC!
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT