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Best Things to do in Sandgate

Updated: Jun 08, 2025

Sandgate is one of the oldest and most charming bayside villages, with magnificent 19th century villas along the grand seafront promenade - a reminder of its heyday as a major holiday destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today it retains much of its historic charm, from the gorgeous town square fronted by the Sandgate Town Hall and old post office to the retro shopping strip that offers a mix of cute cafes, small bars, boutiques and old-fashioned shops.

Here are the best things to do in Sandgate, whether visiting for a day or a weekend:

The award winning hotel enjoys stunning views of Moreton Island, the Glasshouse Mountains, the city and the harbour
This charming café in Brisbane's seaside suburb Sandgate, offers familiar favourites with a fresh new twist
The Witchin' Kitchen is a charming art deco bayside cafe with a delicious healthy menu
Mr Henderson bar, a cool Sandgate drinking hole, inhabits an old cobbler’s shop in the main shopping precinct near the picturesque town square
A charming little gourmet sandwich bar in Sandgate, from the folks behind longtime neighbouring bar Mr Henderson
Sandgate is fortunate to have its very own Pakistani fusion cafe, 3 Blind Mice, serving breakfast and lunch
This is a scenic and easy walk or ride passing through a myriad of waterfront picnic spots to the historical jetty at Shorncliffe
Bringing a touch of class to the historical Masonic Lodge is this splendid cafe with its own tiny in-house homewares and giftshop.
At the base of the Shorncliffe cliffs is this enchanting little bay with grassy stretches shaded by cotton trees, rock pools, modern white picnic shelters, BBQs and a playground
Cardigan Bar, a cool and quirky drinking establishment, adds an inner-city vibe to seaside Sandgate
The Wired Owl Coffee Co is a charming coffee nook on Brisbane’s northside serving top-notch espresso and delicious, healthy sweet treats
Baaia cafe is a little gem of a waterfront cafe in an old Sandgate store, with stunning views across Moreton Bay
Il Forno is an absolute find and, for those seeking good pizza, worth a trip to the bay for.
Capulet & Co. is a stylishly renovated Sandgate store that is a go-to for quality threads, gourmet coffee & home wares
The heritage-listed town hall hosts local arts festival acts such as Music by the Sea and Jane Austen dances
All orders are taken from the street at this coffee hole-in-the-wall as its compact interior is taken up with an in-house roaster and sacks of beans.

A small family-owned Italian restaurant serving traditional fod with contemporary flair in a charming old Sandgate shop

Adjacent to the shopping strip is Sandgate's beautiful lagoons including Dowse Lagoon and Einbunpin Lagoon, which are perfect for a peaceful stroll, with paved paths circumnavigating and shelters to spot the turtles and birds. It is here that the local Einbumpin Festival is held each year in July.

Need to know - There's no need to bring the car to Sandgate. Follow in the steps of the early tourists and catch the train to Sandgate Station which is 3 mins walk from the Town Hall and easily accessible to all of the attractions.

Looking to discover more hidden gems of Brisbane, check out our Guide to Brisbane Suburbs HERE! Happy exploring!

Image credits: Dowse and Einbunpin Lagoons courtesy of Brisbane City Council website.

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