OUR VILLAGE 

Our bayside suburbs of Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Brighton & Deagon are some of Brisbane’s most picturesque bayside towns (locally referred to as the village). It’s loved by locals for its healthy lifestyle atmosphere and enjoyed by visitors for its scenic foreshore with sweeping views over Moreton Bay to Moreton Island and to Woody Point on the Recliffe Peninsula. The area has gone through many different phases in its history – from fishing village and bayside holiday destination to outer suburban village, ideal for raising a young family. It is now attracting a new generation of residents and visitors with its foreshore’s leisure opportunities and the town centre’s new eateries and bars. Locals enjoy the fresh sea breezes and panoramic views of the bay with beautiful shady picnic grounds and walkways.  

HISTORY 

We are located 20 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD. Land first became available in Sandgate in 1853 which then developed in to a small settlement and was declared a town in 1880 by the Governor of Queensland. The train line was built in 1882 which enabled the trip to the CBD to be completed in under hald an hour making it a popular getaway for Brisbane residents with its clean beaches – the perfect place for holidays and day trips to escpae the Brisbane heat. 

FESTIVALS 

There are many community and performing arts events and festivals held each year. The Bluewater Festival takes over the waterfront each Easter with music, food and fireworks, and the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race just of the Shorncliffe Pier; Einbunpin Festival celebrates the lagoon lifestyle in the centre of Sandgate; Shakespeare By The Bay is all about the Bard; and Music By The Sea sees a stack of artists take over venues throughout the area.  

26 REASONS WE LOVE LIVING IN SANDGATE, BRIGHTON, DEAGON & SHORNCLIFFE 

Shorncliffe, Sandgate, Deagon and Brighton on Brisbane’s northside has the seaside village thing down pat.The sleepy village vibe remains but bars and cute cafes have popped up and some pretty great events dot the calendar. These are just a few of the reasons why we love living here. 

Sunrise 

The mix of purples, pinks, oranges and yellows and the mirror image that springs from the water when the tide is in ensures there’s an army of keen snappers lining up with their tripods to catch the perfect Sandgate sunrise. You should too. Best vantage points are anywhere along Flinders Parade from Sandgate to Brighton, and beside Shorncliffe Pier.

Walk or ride along the waterfront 

Go early morning or early evening and you’re guaranteed to get stunning skies, bay breezes or a combo of the two. Also it’s completely flat and playgrounds abound, so the kids can cut loose on their scooters while you stroll. 

Great cafes 

There are plenty of great cafes to choose from. The Wired Owl, Matthew Thomas and Café on the Park at Shorncliffe; Eclectea and Blume at Brighton; Satori Organics (it also does turmeric lattes for those skipping the caffeine), Cypher, Mug Shots Espresso, Baaia, Be Bold Cafe and Warm Discussions Cafe at Sandgate; . Special mention goes to Coffee Warden in Sandgate, which opens its doors at 5am daily. 

Local bars 

There’s only a few but the small bar scene is healthy with the alley way-style Cardigan Bar and Mr Henderson both killing it with locals and visitors. Eclectea at Brighton packs out on weekends with craft beers on tap and solid eats. For pub seekers, the Full Moon Hotel is a local institution with a more than solid pub food offering and cracking water views. 

Fish & chips 

Along the Sandgate waterfront you have Dougs Seafood Cafe with its huge portions, the Sandgate Fishmonger with its critically acclaimed calamari and gluten-free batter (crispy, crunchy, not greasy), and the popular Fish on Flinders. Just around the corner at Shorncliffe is Shelley Inn, which has cracking calamari and a lovely view of Cabbage Tree Creek.  

Fresh Seafood Straight from the trawler 

The fishos selling straight from their trawlers along Sinbad St at Shorncliffe deliver some of the freshest, sweetest and best value prawns in Brisbane. Get down there early. Take cash. Buy in bulk.  

Kite surfing 

When the winds pick up, the bay at Brighton & Sandgate fills with a sea of colorful kite-surfers taking advantage of the bayside gusts. Get in touch with local company Surf Connect for lessons and gear hire.  

Paddle boarding & Kayaking 

What better way to start your day with a paddle board or kayak. Espcially on weekends you will see plenty of stand-up paddle boarders (try yoga on a paddle board) around the Shornecliffe Pier and off Sandgate amd Kayakers love exploring the Cabbage Tree Creek & Boondal Wetlands.  

Play a round of golf  

Sandgate Golf Club is flat, straight, has nine holes and the schooner prices are on the right side of a $5 note. Tee it up

Exercise your furry friend 

We are a very dog friendly area. The off-leash dog areas at Curlew Park in Sandgate and Decker Park in Brighton and are hugely popular. No better way to start or end your day then by taking your pooch for a walk along our beautiful forshore, or on the sand flats at low tide. A trial is soon to commence making parts of the sand flat off-leash.   

Some great choices for casual dining 

Food trucks often frequent Mr Henderson and the Cardigan Bar, but IlForno Pizzeria has the Italian goodness you need. It was named Brisbane’s best pizza in 2015, with the duck and hoisin pizza dominating orders. Also try Viet Street Eat (really good pho), the Full Moon Hotel, the Post Office Hotel has just built a new deck and playground for the kids. Eclectea for Friday night burgers and beers, and it's always hard to go past our famous fish and chips (bring a picnic blanket and eat it by the bay).  

Billy cart racing 

Nothing is more Australian then Billy cart races and on Australia Day the locals head to Cotton Street, Shorncliffe for the annual Dick 'Tosser' Turner billy cart races. 

Op shop your face off

The area's op-shop game is strong. They dot the streets across Sandgate and Brighton, and half a day could easily be spent browsing and buying. 

Sandgate Historical Society and Museum 

Did you know the Sandgate Hotel opened in 1858 and was started by a bloke named Charles Davie? And that there was a soft drink factory in the suburb back in the day? All these facts and more are on show at the Sandgate Historical Society & Museum. It’s open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm.  

Go for a swim  

The sheltered beach next to the Shornecliffe Pier is popular for the kids to take a dip or make sandcastles on the beach (make sure you bring your plastic bucket and spade). Or if the sea is not your thing the Sandgate Aquatic Centre has just been upgraded with a new indoor 25m pool and gym added, along with an outdoor 50m olympic size pool and a terrific pool areas for the kids to splash their minds out.  

Get fresh organic fruit, veg, meat and pastry treats 

The Satori Boutique Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Sundays have people lining up to get their organic fruit and veg. The sourdough loaves and fruit danishes available on Sundays are epic and for 100 per cent certified organic meat, head to Jason’s Quality Meats on Queens Parade. 

Historical houses 

Sandgate and Shorncliffe are full of them and they just happen to mostly be along the waterfront, which is a cracking stroll in its own right. Check out this awesome guide on the best route to take from Everywhere History. 

Have a picnic 

Parks, barbecue facilities and shaded tables abound across all our waterfront suburbs but our picks include along the waterfront at Sandgate, Decker Park in Brighton, next to the Shorncliffe pier and opposite the Shelley Inn in Shorncliffe. Decker Park and Shorncliff Pier are popular for family get togethers and kids birthday parties as they also have awesome playgrounds.  

Catch a fish 

You can wet a line nearly the whole way along the waterfront at high tide, but generally anglers can be seen wetting a line off Shorncliffe Pier. 

Stroll along Shorncliffe Pier 

The pier re-opened in 2016 with a full refurbishment and is now an absolute stunner. It’s well worth a stroll out to take in the sea breezes or even cast a line. 

Catch a show at Sandgate Town Hall

The heritage-listed hall was built in 1912 after the old one burned down. It’s a lovely little slice of Brisbane history with its clock tower and adjoining library. It also hosts music and theatre, so try to line up your visit with a show.

Stargaze at one of the best vantage points in Brisbane 

Brisbanites flock to Sandgate when astronomical events are in full flight (think eclipses, full moons, stargazing) and the clear skies, low light and high vantage point in front of the Full Moon Hotel (it’s not just a clever name) attracts plenty of folks and their telescopes.

The long table dinner on Shorncliffe Pier 

This event sells out in hours. Once a year, under a starry sky and full moon, this unique night of dining is a popular destination event for the local and Brisbane event calander. The ticket price is all-inclusive including drinks, food and entertainment.

 Browse cute boutiques and knick-knack shops 

Just behind The Wired Owl coffee shop is Old Favourites, a highly addictive and cute little antique and furniture store in which to lose yourself. Also try Atrium or Sweet Georgia Boutique for boutique fashion, Something About Audrey for fashion and 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, The cliffs above Shorncliffe is an awesome place to watch the boaties hit their straps for 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 wine and hunk of cheese in hand safely on shore. 

Jingle all the Bay - Christmas in Sandgate  

Celebrate Christmas in the heart of Sandgate with a huge street party including children's rides, live music, a light parade and of course Santa.