Masthead Beach at Raby Bay Park |

Are you looking for a calm beach near Brisbane for a day trip with kids?

Located in Cleveland, about 40 minutes southeast of Brisbane, lies Raby Bay Park. The park includes a small beach with calm water that is perfect for a day out with kids.

My family spent a day at Masthead Beach and loved not having to worry about the waves and current like we usually do when we visit the Gold Coast Beaches.

Keep reading to find out how to get to Raby Bay, things to do nearby, and where to eat during your day at Masthead Beach with kids.

Transportation to Cleveland from Brisbane

The easiest way to get to Cleveland from Brisbane is by car. There is a large parking lot at Raby Bay Park, and parking is free.

There is a direct train from Central Station in Brisbane to Cleveland. The train from Brisbane to Cleveland is a little more than an hour long. It is a 15-minute walk from the train station to Raby Bay Park.

The area of Cleveland around Raby Bay has many canals. Every street has water on both sides.

Raby Bay Park with Kids

Raby Bay Beach — Masthead Beach at Raby Bay Park

The best thing about Raby Bay is the calm water.

Many of Queensland’s beaches have rough waves due to being on the ocean, but Masthead Beach is on Raby Bay, which offers calm waters, perfect for small swimmers and those wishing to use SUPs and kayaks.

Things to do at Raby Bay Park and Masthead Beach with Kids

Between the parking lot and Masthead Beach is a small playground with sand and shade sails.

Despite the shade, it can get very hot on the playground on summer days.

My kids enjoyed just playing in the sand at Masthead Beach and would have stayed for hours had we brought shade, like an umbrella or canopy. There is not a lot of shade from the surrounding trees, and the parts of the beach that are shaded are full of rocks.

There are 3 areas of Masthead Beach, all in a row, which offer swimming and water sports, with one dedicated as a dog beach.

Bay Island Water Sports

Join a tour or ride alone with Bay Island Water Sports.

Kayaks, Stand-up Paddleboards (SUP), and water bikes are available to rent by the hour. Groups can rent tandem water bikes, a kind of paddle boat, or a giant inflatable paddle boat that fits up to 8 people.

For those who would rather take a tour, 1.5-hour to 3-hour tours are available by kayak or waterbike.

Restaurants near Raby Bay Park

A coffee van is located right at Masthead Beach, offering hot and iced coffee drinks as well as a few snacks.

Picnic shelters line the beach, and there are BBQs as well. If you want to secure your spot at a shelter, get there early.

Though Raby Bay lacks restaurant options, there are plenty of choices nearby. By Raby Bay Harbour Park, near the Raby Bay Marina and the Cleveland Train Station, there is a street full of shops and restaurants.

On the other side of Raby Bay Park, by the Cleveland lighthouse, there are a few restaurant options as well.

6 Things to do in Cleveland, Queensland with Kids

Aria Cruises

Sail to Moreton Bay, Stradbroke Island, or a variety of other small islands nearby with Aria Cruises.

Brisbane Yacht Charters

Take a yacht to Moreton Island, Stradbroke Island, or a variety of other small islands nearby with Brisbane Yacht Charters.

Charter boats can be booked, or you can join in on a public boat ride. Tours leave from Raby Bay Harbour in Cleveland.

Cleveland Markets

The Cleveland Markets run every Sunday on Bloomsfield Street from 7 am-1 pm. One Sunday each month has a different theme.

Redland Museum

Open daily 10 am-3:30 pm, the Redland Museum has family passes.

The Redland Museum has displays depicting life in the past. There is a Toy Hall of Fame featuring iconic Australian toys throughout history.

An interactive play area for children is included in the Toy Hall of Fame.

Redland Performing Arts Centre

See a show at Redland Performing Arts Centre or participate in a theatre workshop.

The theatre has a variety of shows, some of which are geared towards children, especially during the school holidays.

Sealink

Take your car on the ferry to Stradbroke Island with Sealink. Sealink also offers a variety of tours and workshops on Stradbroke Island.

Before you go, read our guide to Stradbroke Island.

Masthead Beach Wrap Up

While it isn’t the prettiest beach around, Masthead Beach is worth visiting for those who don’t want to travel far from Brisbane to enjoy a day at the beach.

Masthead Beach has calm water that is perfect for SUP, kayaking, and for small kids wading in the shallow water.

If you are looking for a quick getaway from Brisbane, check out Masthead Beach at Raby Bay. Make a day of it, and enjoy what Redland Bay has to offer.

Masthead Beach at Raby Bay Park

Transportation to Cleveland from Brisbane

Raby Bay Park with Kids