The Queensland Coastline boasts at least 16 great Queensland free & low cost camps from Brisbane to Cairns alone!

The East Coast of Australia is the most popular road trip destination in Australia and no more so than the Brisbane to Cairns leg in Queensland.

With so many famous locations and must see destinations such as the Gold Coast, Noosa, Fraser Island, 1770, the Whitsundays, Mission Beach plus the Daintree and Cape Tribulation it is no surprise why so many travellers hitch up to visit Queensland and some never leave.

Let’s also not forget one of the 7 Great Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef, is a worldwide attraction and an incredible drawcard for the Sunshine State.

The warmer weather in Queensland is also very attractive to those living in the southern states of Australia, especially during the winter months of the year.

With so many experiences to be had saving on accommodation allows you to experience more of these amazing locations.

We have listed some great Free and Low Cost camps where you can stay when travelling from Brisbane to Cairns in beautiful sunny Queensland.

16 Great Queensland Free Camps Update 2021

Our list of 16 Great Queensland Free Camps has been updated as at April 2021 with Workman’s Beach Free Camp being removed as sadly it has been closed. It has been replaced with Hinkler Lions Park in Bundaberg, a free 24hr RV stopover for self-contained vehicles.

Here’s our favourite 16 Great Queensland Free & Low Camps from Brisbane to Cairns:

1. Hugh Muntz Park, Beenleigh Brisbane

Hugh Muntz Park camping is approx halfway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane at Beenleigh.

This is a Free camp situated in a park setting and is walking distance to shops including groceries.

The park provides drinking water and BBQ’s plus it is pet friendly.

There are toilets available plus a dump point on site.

The max stay is 3 nights.

Be aware the campground is located close to the busy M1 Pacific Motorway.

We recommend visiting the nearby Beenleigh Rum Distillery. Tours of the distillery are available also.

Check out all of the awesome spots for: Camping within 2 hours of Brisbane

2. Lawnton Showgrounds, Lawnton Brisbane

The Lawnton Showgrounds are located in the Pine Rivers region on Brisbane Northside.

Ok, the Showgrounds are not free and at $25 a night why is it in this list?

For a major city offering fantastic facilities such as available here it is the Best Stopover when you have to stay in Brisbane. It is simply excellent low cost value.

All sites are powered and have water for just $25 a night and you can stay up to 21 nights.

There are 2 toilet blocks, a good camp kitchen, dump point and it is pet friendly.

Lawnton train station is within walking distance to catch a train for appointments in the city plus BCF, Bunnings, Supercheap Auto and the Lawnton Swimming Pool are also only a short stroll away.

We recommend taking a look around the Lawnton Markets which are on each Saturday morning to enjoy a great Bacon & Egg burger and drink plus find a bargain.

Read about: 21 Best Things to do in and around Brisbane

3. Cooroy RV Stopover, Sunshine Coast

A perfect spot to stay when visiting the Sunshine Coast, only 20 minutes drive to Noosa.

The Cooroy RV Stopover is a low cost camp and offers an excellent place to stay with good level grassy grounds.

Drinking water is available plus bins and a dump point are in place.

The Cooroy RV Stopover is also pet friendly.

You will need to be self contained meaning toilet on board plus holding tanks for black and grey water.

Maximum stay is 72 hours.

We recommend walking Noosa National Park and explore its incredible beauty and if reasonably fit, take a walk to the top of Mount Coolum during your stay.

Read all about the: 15 Things you must do on the Sunshine Coast

4. Tiaro Memorial Park, Tiaro

Just 27kms south of Maryborough is the fabulous Tiaro Memorial Park Free Camp. It’s only small however there are toilets and hot showers available.

It is also pet friendly.

We found this a great spot for an overnighter. Tiaro is only 59kms to Hervey Bay, the gateway to the spectacular Fraser Island.

Read all about: Everything to See and Do on Fraser Island

5. Hervey Bay Free 48 Rest Stop, Hervey Bay

Behind the Hervey Bay Information Centre is a good 48 hour Rest Stop. You do need to be self contained.

There are no facilities except a dump point which is locked, access is by a key at the Information Centre desk.

It is just 5 minutes from town and all the features of Hervey Bay.

While in Hervey Bay take a Whale Watching tour and don’t miss the opportunity to see the World Heritage Listed Fraser Island.

Read more: Our Trip from Hervey Bay to Bundaberg

6. Hinkler Lions Park, Bundaberg

Hinkler Lions Park named after the famous pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler, whose birth place is Bundaberg, is the perfect spot for an overnight stay for self-contained vehicles.

Located opposite the airport and just over 5km from the heart of Bundaberg, this free RV stop provides toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and a Dump Point. It is also pet friendly.

Bundaberg is fast becoming the Drinks Capital of Australia. It is home to the famous Bundaberg Rum Factory, The Bundaberg Barrel, Ohana Cider House & Tropical Winery, Kalki Moon and Bargara Brewing Company.

While in town be sure to head to the Hinkler Aviation Centre and Tinaberries.

Check out: Why Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting

7. Boynedale Bush Camp, Lake Awoonga

Lake Awoonga is just 30kms from Gladstone in Queensland and the Boynedale Bush Camp is set overlooking the lake.

A few years ago millions of Barrimundi fingerling were released in to the Lake along with some Mangrove Jack and with Red Claw also available it can be a great place to go fishing and camping.

There are toilets available however no power, no water and no bins.

Dogs are discouraged as there is a lot of surrounding wildlife.

Read more: Free Camps and Caravan Parks

8. Calliope River Rest Area, near Gladstone

The Calliope River Free Camps are located on both sides of the Calliope River and are a very popular overnight place to stay for travelers.

It is one of our most frequented of the 16 Great Queensland Free Camps.

There are toilets available and fires are allowed. Pets are permitted also.

It is just a 20 minute drive to Gladstone from the Campgrounds.

Check out all of : Our Best Free Camps in Australia

9. Kershaw Gardens Free Camp, Rockhampton

The Kershaw Gardens Free Camp is a simple space on the edge of parklands in Rockhampton.

It is well located and within easy walking distance to Coles, Kmart, Chemists, Camping Stores and lots more.

The Free camp is available for 48 hour stay. There are no facilities and you must be self contained.

The Rockhampton Council have been fantastic and fought to keep this Free Camping space for travelers for the benefit of all businesses in Rockhampton and we acknowledge this and thank the Council for their wisdom and courage.

While in Rockhampton we recommend visiting the spectacular region of Yeppoon.

Read about: 11 Awesome Things to See and Do in Yeppoon

10. Carmila Beach Campground, Carmila

100 kms south of Mackay is the ocean front Carmila Beach Camping Ground.

Previously a Free place to stay it is now $12.50 per vehicle a night.

There are toilets, bins and a dump point available and it is pet friendly. You will need to bring your own water and please place your rubbish in the bins provided.

There is great fishing in the rivers either side of the Campground.

Watch our video of getting our Motorhome bogged in the sand at Carmila Beach.

11. Notch Point, Ilbilbie

Spend 7 days with stunning views and fantastic fishing for Free at Notch Point in Queensland. It is undoubtedly the best of the 16 Great Queensland Free Camps!

Take the turnoff at Ilbilbie but it is 4WD only and the track includes tidal pools of water to navigate.

There are no facilities and you will need to take all your provisions with you.

It is pet friendly but before letting your dog go swimming there’s plenty of signs regarding sharks and possible salt water crocodiles.

View our YouTube video: Getting into Notch Point, Queensland’s Best Free Camp

12. RV Park Proserpine & Peter Faust Dam Proserpine

There are now 2 Free Camping options at Proserpine thanks to a progressive local Council and both are excellent options.

The Peter Faust Dam Camping at Lake Proserpine opened in October 2019 and provides a 72 hour stay for Free. It is accessible for rigs of all sizes.

The views are some of the best out of the 16 Great Queensland Free Camps.

There are toilets and showers plus it is pet friendly.

Back in town is the RV Park Proserpine which offers 48 hour Free camping for Self Contained RV’s.

Drinking Water is available plus there are bins and a dump point.

It is also pet friendly.

Proserpine is the gateway to the phenominal Whitsundays and Airlie Beach. We highly recommend the Ocean Rafting Tour and the Atlantic Clipper Day Tour

Book your Ocean Rafting Tour here>

Book your Atlantic Clipper Day Tour here>

13. Toomulla Beach Rest Area, north of Townsville

Just 40kms north from Townsville is the Toomulla Beach Rest Area.

Toilets, BBQ’s and bins are available and it is pet friendly.

This is an excellent free camp however remember to bring your insect repellent as there are mangroves nearby so midges and mosquitos are always possible.

Read more: Winning the War against Midges or Sand Flies

14. TYTO RV Park, Ingham

The TYTO RV Park isn’t Free but it is just $10 per vehicle and with such beautiful surroundings it sure is worth it.

Register and pay at the Information Centre next door. Given it is located on wetlands there is a strict no grey water on the ground rule.

The TYTO RV Park is a maximum 48 hour stay.

It is pet friendly and water, toilets, bins and a dump point are all available.

While staying at TYTO RV Park in Ingham do the day trip to the amazing Wallaman Falls.

Read all about how: Wallaman Falls has the Wow Factor

15. Babinda Rotary Park, Babinda

The Babinda Rotary Park Rest Area is one of the great Queensland Free camps as it is beside the river and offers toilets, drinking water and $2 hot showers.

Maximum stay is 72 hours.

There is also another free camp nearby at beautiful Babinda Boulders.

Babinda is less than an hours drive to Cairns.

Read all about: Driving north of Townsville to Cairns

16. Greenpatch Reserve, Gordonvale Cairns

The Greenpatch Reserve is located in Gordonvale besides the Mulgrave River just 23kms from Cairns CBD.

This Free camp is very popular and provides toilets and $1 hot showers. Bins are also available.

It is located near the highway so can be noisy.

Maximum length of stay is 72 hours.

Read all about the Things to See and Do in Cairns plus don’t miss a Day trip to Fitzroy Island.

Book your Fitzroy Island tickets here>

Check out: Things to See and Do in Cairns

A couple of tips for Free camping

• Arrive between 9am and 1pm just after others have left for their next adventures. By mid afternoon most Free Camps tend to get busy with other travellers arriving to set up camp.

If you turn up early you have a much better chance at securing a site and a better spot.

• Don’t just leave with your own rubbish but clean up the immediate space around you.

If we all commit to being responsible for leaving our space cleaner than when we arrived then in no time we will all be staying in a clean environment.

Read more: Everything you need to know to go Free Camping

Pin It – 16 Great Queensland Free Camps!

Check out these other great blogs:

There are so many free camps but these 16 Great Queensland Free Camps from Brisbane to Cairns are our favourites in our home state. Let us know in the comments below if you have stayed at any others that you rate highly.

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

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Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – http://ebay.us/PH711r  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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When we began to put together this adventure not a lot was planned around our Golden Retriever, MACKS. We hadn’t imagined travelling Australia with our dog but as our departure date got closer, we had to re-think our plans.

She is part of us, an important part of our family and leaving her behind was never an option.

The Story of our Dog MACKS

Let me tell you a bit about her. Often when we tell people her name the first impression is she must be male. Naturally, without spelling it, people assume we mean Max.

MACKS is the initials of all our names.
M = Matthew
A = Adele
C = Cameron
K = Kevin
S = Snowy, our last dog.

Because she is named after all our initials, I always spell her name in capitals.

Whilst she still looks quite young she turns 15 at the end of January 2017. We bought her as a pup and have had her since she was 8 weeks old.

Kev is her master but she really loves Adele, I’m guessing it’s a girl thing.

Training MACKS as a Pup

I’ve always had male dogs, my Dad never wanted the issues of a pregnant canine so when I brought home our first dog Snowy it was also a male, however we couldn’t go past MACKS when we first saw her and we’ve been so happy ever since.

She is quiet, calm, obedient, smart yet dopey in a Golden Retriever kind of way and very easily trained. Like all Golden Retrievers or Labradors, just offer food as a reward and they’ll do anything for you.

She’s a beautiful girl.

As a pup I had 2 rules, no licking and no jumping up on people. When she licked me I grabbed her tongue and soon she worked out Rule number 1.

When she jumped up to me I put my knee out and she’d fall backwards.

One day she fell right back on her back and that’s when the message got through on Rule number 2.

I’m glad I did this, Golden Retrievers are prone to arthritis and hip joint issues and by not jumping I think it’s helped her to get to this age and although she has back and rear leg issues now, we are still able to manage it and she can still get around and move ok for her age.

MACKS joined us on our travels around Australia

When we planned our trip it didn’t include travelling Australia with our dog. We simply didn’t expect MACKS to still be with us by the time we left.

If people asked when we were leaving we would often say “after MACKS goes”, thinking her lifespan was in months not years.

Eventually we had to decide that if we were going to leave by the time we wanted, she would have to come with us.

Originally I wanted to bury her in the backyard next to Snowy but then figured her last days spent at the beach would suit her perfectly.

Read more: A Tribute to MACKS the Best Dog I’ve ever known

MACKS made lots of friends travelling on our Adventure

Since beginning our adventure of travelling around Australia with our dog, MACKS has gathered her own following. People ask about her through our social media pages and everywhere we go other campers fall in love with her.

At Agnes Water we had MACKS booked in to the dog sitter but the couple beside us were missing their dogs and fell in love with MACKS, so they insisted we leave her with them.

They enjoyed the day with her and took her to the beach and even fed her steak. It’s a wonder MACKS wanted to come back to us.

People stop all the time as they walk past and come over to pat her and say hello.

Travelling Australia with a pet isn’t easy though, especially dogs

She has been to the vet 3 times on our trip so far. The first 2 times were with viruses and the vets said they do get sick more when trave;ling as they pick up viruses easily.

They get them from the ground and in puddles, it’s hard to control. First time was early in the trip at Hervey Bay and again in Tannum Sands.

In Cairns we had another vet trip which turned out to be back pain.

Then in Palmerston, Darwin she decided to go for a wander and the local council found her. That turned out to be a $140 adventure but we were just happy she was alive and well.

She lost a bit of freedom after that though, no more wandering freely around our friends acreage!!

Finding Dog Friendly Caravan Parks and Campgrounds While Travelling Australia with our Dog

The biggest challenge is finding pet friendly caravan parks to stay. Some towns like Mackay, Townsville, Broome and Kalbarri are limited with places that accept pets, especially in school holidays and peak times.

Townsville has dog friendly caravan parks but they aren’t even fit for a dog to stay at.

For Pet Friendly Places to stay in Queensland check out: 16 Great Queensland Free Camps from Brisbane to Cairns

MACKS has had numerous adventures of her own during her 8 months travelling on the road so far. At Banka Banka Station in Northern Territory she met some donkeys for the first time. She was very keen to say hello.

Then there was the opportunity for her to meet Red Dog, the famous Dampier dog that even had a successful movie made after it.

Making MACKS comfortable while we travel Australia

At Mossman we bought her a new mat to sleep on and she has loved it.

She sleeps on it almost all the time. Mostly she sleeps between the two front seats and at night we move her mat into the Motorhome area and she sleeps there.

Like most dogs she sleeps in some crazy funny positions. Whilst I haven’t ever noticed her sleeping on her back you will often find her laying there with her legs protruding in all directions.

How she can be comfortable I don’t know.

When she is outside she likes to get in under the Motorhome near the door. A number of times we’ve had problems getting her out when there’s a concrete slab on our site.

MACKS wedges herself in under there somehow but can’t then get out. She also comes out with grease, oil or dirt on her head or back.

Travelling Australia with a Dog in National Parks

Without doubt the most common question we are asked is “What did you do with your dog?” or “What do you do with your dog when travelling in National Parks?”

We chose to visit National Parks and find dog sitters to look after MACKS. There was no way we were going to miss out on visiting Karijini National Park, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Eungella National Park, just to name a few.

This is without doubt the greatest challenge of travelling Australia with a dog. The NSW coastline is so amazing with so many great National Parks to stay but as we know pets are prohibited.

You can’t do a lap and not visit Fraser Island for example, or Kakadu or Litchfield or Karijini or Cape Le Grande (Esperance).

The list goes on of so many superb locations that must be visited on your travels so having a plan for your Dog is going to be important.

When we visited The Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park Western Australia, the National Parks office had a kennel for dogs. It was pretty basic but we didn’t have to leave her there for very long.

Call Mad Paws first and if there’s none available where you are try the Vet and then try the local community pages.

Finding Dog Sitters while you Travel Australia

In 8 months we have arranged MACKS to be looked after 16 times. On 4 of those occasions it was done for us for free. 9 times she stayed with dog sitters and 3 times she went to a kennel.

Our preference is always that she stay with dog sitters, where she goes to someone’s home and is looked after personally.

Although, our biggest issue with using dog sitters is we fear they won’t give her back. A couple of times we’ve had remarks that she could stay, “what a wonderful dog” and “we love her”, which is always great to hear.

Dog sitters usually charge $10-25 per day. Kennel prices have ranged from $27 to $30 per day.

Check out our costs for travelling Australia with our dog: Our 12mths Expenses and Costs for Travelling Australia

Using Mad Paws

We always check with Mad Paws first to see if they have a representative in the location where we are at the time. Our experiences with them so far have been fantastic.

On the 5 times we have used Mad Paws, the dog minders have been lovely and we have received text messages with photos of her settled in or having fun.

The service is fantastic and it ranges from just $10 per day to $25 per day.

Some sitters have offered a pick up and return service, some even at no additional charge dependent on the sitter.

Kennels are our last choice. MACKS isn’t great with other dogs at the best of times and we don’t like that she’s just a number.

There’s often a lack of flexibility with when you can drop them off and pick up again and we prefer a more personal touch.

Tips for Travelling Australia with a Dog

Here’s our tips if you are travelling Australia with a dog and need to have them minded for the day or longer.

• Contact Mad Paws and check if they have someone locally that can help.
• Ask the Caravan Park if they know a dog sitter.
• Google Dog Sitters in the town you are in.
• Check with the local Vets.
• Seek out the local Facebook Community Pages. Often you’ll find someone there who does dog sitting.
• Look for a dog kennel.

Things you will need when Travelling Australia with a dog

Here’s some more tips on things to do before you leave home: –

• Ensure you have a good dog lead and collar/harness
• Have an extension cord that provides them a little more room to get around. We were given an extension cord from our good friends which screws into the ground
• Poo bags are cheap and easy to buy from bargain shops and simply attach to your dog’s lead.
• Let local council know you are traveling. Luckily MACKS was still registered in Brisbane and Darwin Council were able to contact them when MACKS wandered off
• Don’t forget your dog’s favourite bowls
• Have a really comfortable dog mat
• MACKS has a biscuit tin where we keep her dry dog biscuits
• We have seen some dog pens while traveling which owners use for their dogs and they like and recommend them. For some dogs they are a perfect way to be secure and rest after a long day walking and playing
• For energenic dogs, a dog tennis ball launcher would come in handy. We wish we had one for MACKS when she was younger
• A sonic dog trainer is very useful to help train your dog around barking so as not to cause a disturbance to fellow travelers

Travelling Australia with dogs is very common

Many people travel Australia with their dog/s. The rules in parks are mostly obvious, always on a lead, always pick up after them and no barking.

So far we haven’t met any problem owners and all dogs have been appropriately looked after. Some caravan parks do require a dog bond to stay.

Only one caravan park has charged us for MACKS to stay which was $2 per night.

Pin – Travelling Australia with our dog!

Overall, we didn’t find travelling Australia with our dog MACKS was difficult but it does come with some challenges.

Are you travelling Australia with a dog or pet?

What other tips would you add?

Thanks
Kev, Adele and MACKS

You may also enjoy reading:

________________________________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – http://ebay.us/PH711r  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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Where to Find Us

Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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We love to eat out! So it was easy to come up with our 17 Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast!

Our lives have been so busy for so many years that dining out has been a way to wind down from a busy day and reduce some stress.  We will go out as a family, with friends or just the two of us.

Depending on our mood we may want a night out in town or something more local and we have favourite locations for all of our culinary tastes.

Our choices might depend on if it’s a Saturday night and we want a bit of a party time or we’re looking for a relaxing Sunday lunch with a view.

We have our favourite locations depending on our mood.

We live on Brisbane’s Northside and therefore our choices are naturally aligned with where we live.

On the Gold Coast we like to stay at Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise and therefore it’s no surprise our favourite dining locations are close by.

We are regular diners with lots of our friends and family asking us over many years if we ever eat at home. Of course we do but if we’re asked out, we’re there.

Our 17 Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast

Here they are, our favourites – Our 17 Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast, not in any specific order but just split up into:

• Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast – Brisbane North Suburbs
• Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast – Brisbane Inner City
• The Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast – Surfers Paradise
• The Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast – Broadbeach

Best Places to Eat in Brisbane

Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast – Brisbane North Suburbs

What’s in the Pot

If you want the most unique, exquisite tasting home cooked Italian meal then What’s in the Pot is the place for you. Nothing like your traditional Italian dining places, the owners cook the meals they want to make for the day. The menu constantly alters but everything is amazing.

Don’t miss the desserts either and expect to get a hearty handshake and hugs from the owners when you leave. These guys make you feel just like you’re at home.

Phone: 0406 480 796
Address: 5/133-137 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020

Mon Komo Hotel

We like the The Komo for it’s great location and it’s fabulous bar. A full range of drinks and plenty of good bubbles.  The Mon Komo Seafood Tier is very good and I highly recommend sharing it with a friend.

The night after finishing packing up our house and just before leaving for our road trip we were completely exhausted with nowhere to stay so we booked a night at Mon Komo Hotel overlooking Moreton Bay and it was great. If you would like to stay at the Mon Komo you can book a room here.

Phone: 07 3284 6520
Address: 99 Marine Parade, Cnr Anzac Ave, Redcliffe QLD 4020

Read more: 17 Reasons to Visit Redcliffe

Sushi Edo Nundah

The sushi at Sushi Edo Nundah is good but what sets this one apart is the easy computerised ordering service from your seat. With a tablet at your table you can easily order without needing to engage staff and your food or drinks are served promptly.

Phone: 07 3260 5959
Address: 1229 Sandgate Rd, Nundah QLD 4012

The Royal Nundah

The Royal Nundah went under a major renovation turning a once tired pub into an amazing Italian restaurant.

Originally known as the Royal English Hotel it under went a transformation costing millions and now most nights diners can be seen enjoying the fabulous meals.

The seafood Linguine is my favourite but last time I had the sandcrab lasagna which was awesome.

This is no regular pub, it’s an Italian delight with top end quality food.

Phone: 07 3266 2777
Address: The Royal, 1259 Sandgate Road, Nundah  

The Full Moon Sandgate

Tuesday nights at The Full Moon Hotel is outstanding value with the Reef and Beef for just $15.  It has outdoor dining looking out over Brisbane’s Moreton Bay. Good bar and terrific cheap night out.

Phone: 07 3869 0544
Address: 118 Eagle Terrace, Sandgate QLD

Carlos Naples Pizza Zillmere

This is a simple suburban local Pizza and Pasta restaurant.

The food at Carlos Naples Pizza is good, especially the Pizzas and although inside can be very noisy, where else can you have the owner serenade you with his good rendition of “That’s Amore”

Update April 2021: Carlos Naples Pizza has moved from Zillmere to Strathpine.

Phone: 07 3205 4549
Address: 8 Lincoln Street, Strathpine QLD 4500

Tosakan Thai

The very best Thai we’ve ever eaten.

The food at Tosakan Thai is outstanding.

The meat just melts in your mouth and everything tastes superb. Can be noisy inside and the service sometimes slow but when you begin to eat your food it makes up for everything.

We always order the Massaman Beef Curry and Yellow Thai Chicken Curry and vary our other choices.

Phone: 07 3350 5371
Address: 23 Playfield St, Chermside QLD 4032

Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast – Brisbane Inner City

551 Restaurant & Bar Watermans Hotel

Located opposite the Roma Street Parklands at Spring Hill we’ve come to enjoy the 551 Restaurant & Bar.

Food is great, excellent bar and good service.  We’ve enjoyed it here each time.

Phone: 07 3058 9329
Address: 551 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill

Mr & Mrs G Riverbar, Brisbane Riverside

Set on the Brisbane River with fabulous views and clear vision of the Story Bridge is Mr & Mrs G Riverbar.

The bar has a great mix of drinks and the food is perfect for a simple relaxing Sunday lunch.

Watch the ferry’s and city cats go by and it is right above the Kookaburra Queen Paddle Wheeler Cruise boats.

Phone: 07 3221 7001
Address: Eagle Street Pier/1 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

Eleven Rooftop Bar

Only after a few months in the Eleven Rooftop Bar in Fortitude Valley quickly became the place to be. We first ventured there just 3 weeks after it opened and loved it.

The food is fabulous, great bar but the views are amazing. Eat looking out over the 270 degree views of inner Brisbane.

Hopefully they have Bundaberg Rum available now.

Update 2021: The Eleven Rooftop Bar is now a Mexican Restaurant. It’s the same owners just a new vibe.

Phone: 07 3067 7447
Address: 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Byblos Portside Wharf

Located at the Cruise terminal on the Brisbane River, Byblos is a very popular cocktail and champagne bar with a simple but excellent menu.

Dine outside overlooking the river or be seated in your own booth space inside.

Phone: 07 3268 1998
Address: 39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007

Green Beacon

With industrial bars becoming the rage the Green Beacon at Teneriffe stands out like a….. well, beacon!!.

I’m not a beer drinker but I’ve been there plenty of times with people who are and they love the craft beers available.

For me, they have a great Cider and plenty of good sparkling.

The food is fairly basic but interesting all the same.

Great for a night out with the boys or for a small gathering with friends.

Phone: 07 3257 3565
Address: 26 Helen St, Newstead QLD 4006

Best Places to Eat on the Gold Coast

The Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast – Surfers Paradise

Vapianos Surfers Paradise

It’s different and we like the atmosphere at Vapianos.

We sit outside watching the events of Cavill Mall where there’s always something happening.

Like the last time we were there and the Elvis impersonation competition was in the mall below us.

The food is great, good bar and we like the concept of our own little credit card for purchasing and pay on the way out.

Phone: 07 5538 8967
Address: Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Four Winds Revolving Restaurant

Four Winds Restaurant, Queensland’s only revolving restaurant provides 360 degree views of the Gold Coast. The smorgasbord offers a range of exquisite foods including seafood, Asian variety and a delicious range of desserts.

We like to go just on dusk and watch as the Gold Coast transcends from day into night and the bright lights take effect.

Update April 2021: Due to CoVid the Four Winds Revolving Restaurant is closed indefinitely

Phone: 07 5592 9906
Address: Crowne Plaza Hotel Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Sandbar Surfers Paradise

When we’re at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, we always have lunch at the Sandbar Surfers Paradise.

It’s directly opposite the world famous Surfers beach and you can watch the waves crashing in as you eat and drink.

For lunch we order the steak sandwich and chips for $12 and ask that it be cut in half and we’re provided 2 plates.

It’s huge and plenty for the both of us. Cheapest lunch you’ll ever have with such an amazing view.

Update 2021: Menu has changed a little but they still have a great Steak Sandwich for $19.

Phone: 07 5526 9994
Address: 52 The Esplanade Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217

The Best Places to eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast – Broadbeach

Sage Cafe Restaurant Broadbeach

We’ve been to Sage Cafe Restaurant so many times and never had a bad experience.

The food, the service and the value are fabulous.

Order before 6pm and you get 40% off. It certainly is one of the best places to eat on the Gold Coast.

If you’re really hungry order my favourite, The Sage Earth and Sea platter.

Phone: 1300 070 564
Address: 5/20 Queensland Ave, Gold Coast QLD 4218

Koi Dining & Lounge Bar

My favourite restaurant at Broadbeach is Koi Dining & Lounge Bar.

The full dining experience is amazing.

Food is awesome, atmosphere great, cocktails and champagne brilliant, service outstanding and we’ve never been let down regardless of whether we go for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

We dined there one night when it was extremely busy, we had to wait a short while for a table and they communicated to us often what was happening.

We eventually were seated and you could just tell that everything was under control regardless of how crazy busy they were.

The restaurant really runs like clockwork and the staff are always very good and friendly. Definitely a favourite of mine.

Phone: 07 5570 3060
Address: 93 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Pin – 17 Best Places to Eat in Brisbane and Gold Coast

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Kevin & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

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