Choosing where to stay in Redcliffe comes down to two things: which part of the peninsula suits your trip, and what kind of place suits your group. Here is how the main areas compare.
Where is Redcliffe and why stay there?
The Redcliffe Peninsula juts into Moreton Bay north of Brisbane, about 35 km from the CBD. Two road bridges cross Bramble Bay to Clontarf, and the Redcliffe Peninsula train line ends at Kippa-Ring. The peninsula is compact, so every suburb is within about a 10-minute drive of the Redcliffe Jetty.
Scarborough: the quiet northern end
Scarborough sits at the northern tip of the peninsula. It has Scarborough Beach Park (a big foreshore park with a fenced playground), Queens Beach, and Scarborough Boat Harbour with its fish market and boat club restaurant. The Moreton Bay Cycleway starts here and runs 11 km south along the water. It suits families and groups who want space and quiet streets, with the busier centre a few minutes away.
Redcliffe and Margate: the busy centre
Central Redcliffe has the jetty, the Sunday markets on Redcliffe Parade, Settlement Cove Lagoon, Bee Gees Way and Suttons Beach, plus the widest choice of cafes and restaurants. Margate, just south, has Margate Beach and its own strip of shops. Stay here if you want to walk out the door to the foreshore.
Woody Point and Clontarf: the southern end
Woody Point and Clontarf face Bramble Bay, closest to the bridges back to Brisbane. Woody Point Jetty dates from 1888 and is a popular fishing spot with sunset views over Bramble Bay. Pelican Park at Clontarf hosts Redcliffe KiteFest each September.
Which type of stay: whole home, hotel or caravan park?
- Whole-home holiday rentals: the most space and privacy, with a full kitchen, several bedrooms and living areas. Good for families, groups, longer work stays and pet owners.
- Hotels, motels and serviced apartments: handy for a night or two, with less space and limited cooking.
- Caravan and holiday parks: social and simple, with shared facilities.
For larger groups a whole home usually means fewer rooms to book and everyone under one roof, with a kitchen so you can cook some meals in.
A whole home 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 the Redcliffe foreshore is a short drive. See the accommodation or check availability and book direct.
What is the best area to stay in Redcliffe?
Scarborough suits families and groups who want a quieter base near Scarborough Beach Park and the boat harbour. Central Redcliffe and Margate put you closest to the jetty, the Sunday markets and most cafes. Woody Point and Clontarf are closest to the bridges to Brisbane.
Is Redcliffe a good base for visiting Brisbane?
Yes. Brisbane CBD is about 35 km away, around 40 minutes by car outside peak times, or you can take the train from Kippa-Ring.
Is Scarborough good for families?
Yes. Scarborough Beach Park has a fenced playground, a jumping pillow, electric barbecues and accessible toilets, and the foreshore path is flat and pram-friendly.
Are there pet-friendly places to stay in Redcliffe?
Yes. Some whole-home rentals take pets, including our Scarborough villa, where pets are welcome on approval and a pet fee applies. The Queens Beach North off-leash area is in Scarborough.
The easy pick for groupsFour bedrooms, a fenced yard and room for the dog, in quiet Scarborough. Check availability