Scarborough sits at the northern tip of the Redcliffe Peninsula, with a big foreshore park, a working boat harbour and the start of the Moreton Bay Cycleway. It is quieter than central Redcliffe, and it is where our villa is.
Where is Scarborough?
Scarborough is the northernmost suburb of the Redcliffe Peninsula, looking across Moreton Bay towards Moreton Island in the east and Deception Bay to the north. Central Redcliffe and the jetty are about 5 minutes south by car, and Brisbane CBD is about 35 km away.
Scarborough Beach Park
City of Moreton Bay’s Scarborough Beach Park, at 52 Landsborough Avenue, is the suburb’s main family spot:
- A fenced playground with themed “Railway Place” and “Pirate Place” areas and a cotton tree forest
- A jumping pillow (7am to 6pm from October to March, 8am to 5pm from April to September; closed in wet weather or above 35 degrees)
- A basketball half court and a giant chess set (pieces are free to borrow for two hours)
- Electric barbecues, shelters, accessible toilets, a water fountain and viewing decks
Scarborough Boat Harbour
The harbour on Bird O’Passage Parade is a state boat harbour with a public boat ramp and Scarborough Marina. Two places to eat sit on the water here: Morgans Seafood, a fish market and takeaway that has been running since 1986, and the Moreton Bay Boat Club, with a restaurant, bar and deck over the marina.
Walking and cycling
The Moreton Bay Cycleway starts at Scarborough Beach and runs 11 km south to the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge, with no road crossings or traffic lights. It is flat and suits prams, scooters and bikes.
Beaches and dogs
Scarborough faces the sheltered water of Moreton Bay, so there is no surf. Queens Beach North, on Flinders Parade, is a designated off-leash dog beach between the access stairs and the northern rock groyne. Scarborough’s beaches are not patrolled by lifesavers; the patrolled beach on the peninsula is Suttons Beach in Redcliffe.
Sunrise and sunset
The east-facing foreshore is a sunrise spot, with the sun coming up over the bay towards Moreton Island. For sunset over water, head to Woody Point Jetty, which looks west over Bramble Bay.
Where to stay in Scarborough
Redcliffe Seaside Villa Escape is a four-bedroom holiday home in Scarborough that sleeps up to eight, with a fully fenced backyard (pets welcome on approval) and a full kitchen. Scarborough Beach Park is about a 15-minute walk away, and Scarborough Boat Harbour is a short drive. See the accommodation or check availability and book direct.
Is Scarborough good for families?
Yes. Scarborough Beach Park has a fenced playground, a jumping pillow, a basketball half court, electric barbecues and accessible toilets, and the foreshore path is flat.
Is the water calm at Scarborough?
Scarborough faces the sheltered water of Moreton Bay, so there is no surf. The beaches are not patrolled; Suttons Beach in Redcliffe is.
How far is Scarborough from Brisbane?
About 35 km from Brisbane CBD, around 40 minutes by car outside peak times.
Where can you eat at Scarborough Boat Harbour?
Morgans Seafood (fish market and takeaway) and the Moreton Bay Boat Club restaurant and bar are both on Bird O’Passage Parade.
Can you cycle from Scarborough?
Yes. The Moreton Bay Cycleway starts at Scarborough Beach and runs 11 km south to the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge.
Stay in ScarboroughOur villa is about 15 minutes’ walk from Scarborough Beach Park and the boat harbour. Check availability