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:

The award winning hotel enjoys stunning views of Moreton Island, the Glasshouse Mountains, the city and the harbour
An iconic bayside landmark, built in 1887 as Qld's 3rd post office, has been transformed into a stunning pub
Bluenose Betty Bar & Kitchen is a stunning eatery housed in the historic, art deco Sandgate Billiard Saloon
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
This tiny whimsical boutique inhabits the shell of a 1950s dress shop – Val-de-Lee Frocks, whose sign still adorns the brick wall inside
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.

Located in one of Sandgate's most charming colonial shops is this cool licensed cafe, serving a delicious gourmet breakfast or lunch made from the freshest produce 

Adjacent to the shopping strip is Sandgate's beautiful lagoons including Dowse Lagoon and Einbunpin Lagoon, whihc 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:

Myrtle & Blossom courtesy of Myrtle & Blossom Facebook page

Dowse and Einbunpin Lagoons courtesy of Brisbane City Council website.

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Classic Aussie motels in the spotlight!
Build It, Play It, Paint It!
Enjoy an afternoon of free, live music at Roma Street Parkland
A sensory fusion of food and art set outdoors within a popup village
This extraordinary concert features Ellen Fullman’s long string instrument
Pearl Jam fans won't want to miss this epic tribute show
Albion Antique & Collectables Fair follows up the success of its past fairs
Brisbane's original Oktoberfest is back!
Talk a walk on the dark side with Confessions of a Serial Killer
EDITOR'S PICK

Northshore - The Place to be

Northshore Brisbane is the place to be in September as it transforms into an immersive riverfront hub for Brisbane Festival
Northshore - The Place to be at Brisbane Festival
MUST DO

Sep-Oct School Holiday Guide

Keep the kids off the couch this school holiday with these 25+ fantastic boredom-busting activities and events
September - October School Holiday Guide
HOT TICKET

Big Band Cabaret Dinner & Show

Relive the iconic Gatsby era with a glamorous night of sequins, burlesque, champagne and the swingin' sounds of a live big band
Big Band Cabaret and Show
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Sep 29-Oct 2

From wine tasting, archaeology digs and a mega gaming, hobby and model expo to the last weekend of the dinosaurs
This Weekend Sep 29-Oct 2
MUST GO

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns to the 'Garden City' in September for 30 days of flowers, flavours and fun
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2023
SPRING CLEAN

Brisbane City Council Resource Recovery Centres

This spring, clean out your cupboards and give your pre-loved goods a new life by donating them to one of Brisbane City Council’s 4 resource recovery centres
Spring Clean Brisbane
Escape

Milbi Festival

Dive into Bundaberg Region's arts, culture and natural beauty at the annual Milbi Festival
Milbi Festival
COMING UP

What's on in October in & near Brisbane

From spooky putt putt courses, Frankenstein, 3-day Antique Fair & spectacular riverside night market to live music, moonlight walks and art trails
What's On in October
The Pearl Jam Experience is coming to The Triffid
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT