The Beaches of Brisbane

...Which is to say, there are none.

I only just now realized Brisbane City has no natural beaches. The nearest is 25-30 miles North of the city. And, the famous ones at Surfer's Paradise and the Sunshine Coast, are farther away still, perhaps 50-60 miles.

Until I returned from San Francisco, I didn't realize I missed this about city life. The beach in San Francisco, which is a good one, is just on the other side of town. And there are some spectacular beaches north or south of the city. Taking a walk on the beach was as simple as riding a short distance, and ten minutes later, your feet were in the water. Chilly, for sure, but still, a beach.

Brisbane has no such geographical luck that way. The city council has constructed a beach at South Bank, just opposite the CBD, but it's quite a ways to a really good natural beach.

Sunshine Beach, off Noosa Heads to the north of Brisbane, is really beautiful and unspoiled. So nice to take a walk and play in the sand.

It's sad to feel so landlocked and far away from a good beach.