Shorncliffe Pier Brisbane
A picturesque pier and parkland offering stunning bay views, popular for sunset strolls, fishing, and family picnics.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Shorncliffe Pier Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque pier and parkland offering stunning bay views, popular for sunset strolls, fishing, and family picnics.
"Shorncliffe Pier is one of Brisbane’s most beautiful coastal spots! The ocean breeze and stunning sunrise views create a truly calming experience."
🎣 Bait Variety is Key
Bring multiple bait types like prawns, worms, chicken, or try catching live bait for better fishing success .
🌅 Sunset Strolls
Enjoy the breathtaking sunset views from the pier; it's a photographer's delight .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shorncliffe Pier Boardwalk
Shorncliffe
A long, picturesque boardwalk offering stunning bay views, perfect for sunset strolls and photography.

Night Fishing Adventures
Shorncliffe Pier
Experience the thrill of catching flathead, pike, and bream under the stars; a popular activity for locals.

Coastal Parklands
Adjacent to Shorncliffe Pier
Well-maintained parklands with seating, BBQs, and playgrounds, ideal for picnics and family outings.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Fishing Fundamentals at Shorncliffe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 Bait Variety is Key
Bring multiple bait types like prawns, worms, chicken, or try catching live bait for better fishing success.
🌅 Sunset Strolls
Enjoy the breathtaking sunset views from the pier; it's a photographer's delight.
🚗 Parking Tips
The lower car park fills quickly; consider parking on the road above or at the nearby cafe.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Zone
Great for kids with a playground and ample space for picnics and walks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Bait Variety is Key
Bring multiple bait types like prawns, worms, chicken, or try catching live bait for better fishing success.
🌅 Sunset Strolls
Enjoy the breathtaking sunset views from the pier; it's a photographer's delight.
🚗 Parking Tips
The lower car park fills quickly; consider parking on the road above or at the nearby cafe.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Zone
Great for kids with a playground and ample space for picnics and walks.
🌙 Night Fishing Hotspot
Shorncliffe Pier is known for excellent night fishing, especially for flathead and bream.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shorncliffe Pier is widely praised as a peaceful coastal gem offering beautiful bay views, especially at sunset. Visitors enjoy the long boardwalk for walks, fishing opportunities, and the well-kept parklands with amenities like playgrounds and BBQs. While parking can be challenging on busy days, the overall experience is highly recommended for its tranquility and scenic beauty.
"Great spot to watch the winter sunset. Lots of people fishing and sight seeing, going for a walk with pets on leash. There’s also a mobile cafe in the area. A bit hard to find a parking but easy enough when you drive back up and find a spot next to the road."
Monaliza Hilario
"🌅 5 Stars – A Peaceful Gem by the Bay 🌿✨
Shorncliffe Pier is one of Brisbane’s most beautiful coastal spots! The ocean breeze, the long boardwalk, and the stunning sunrise views create a truly calming experience. Perfect for a peaceful walk, taking in the sights, or snapping a few photos 📸. The surrounding parklands are well-kept and ideal for a picnic or a quiet read under the trees 🌳🧺. Easy parking and family-friendly amenities make it a great weekend destination. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike! 💯❤️"
Angel Perez
"This pier is fantastic for night. Fishing and I go there a lot with my son and lots of my workmates! So if you like Fishing for flat head pike and brim at night this place can go off at times which makes it absolutely awesome! Lots of fun with myself and my six year-old once a week on the weekend and you will find that they are lots of light minded sociable people that do night Fishing at the pier. I tend to use ultralight JDM style gear and do extremely well with Pike and brim, especially.👍"
Ryan Butler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Shorncliffe Pier, which is about a 30-40 minute drive from Brisbane CBD. Alternatively, you can take a train from the CBD to Shorncliffe station, which is a short walk from the pier. Public transport is a convenient option for many visitors.
Yes, there is parking available, but the lower car park near the pier can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Visitors often find parking on the roads above the pier or near the cafe located a short walk away.
Shorncliffe Pier is not directly accessible by ferry. Ferries typically go to islands like Moreton Island from Brisbane.
Yes, Shorncliffe Pier is accessible by public transport. You can take a train to Shorncliffe station, and from there, it's a short walk to the pier. This is a popular option for those without a car.
Many anglers drive to Shorncliffe Pier, allowing them to easily transport fishing gear. However, public transport is also viable if you're traveling light and don't mind a short walk from the train station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to walk on Shorncliffe Pier or to visit the surrounding parklands. It's a public space accessible to everyone.
Shorncliffe Pier is a public space and is generally accessible 24/7. However, amenities like public toilets may have specific operating hours.
There is no fee to fish from Shorncliffe Pier itself. However, you will need to ensure you have the appropriate Queensland fishing licenses if required.
While there aren't specific tours for the pier itself, you can find tours for nearby attractions like Moreton Island departing from Brisbane.
There's also a mobile cafe that visits the area on weekends.No, the parklands surrounding Shorncliffe Pier are public spaces and are free to enter and enjoy.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Shorncliffe Pier is known for catching flathead, pike, and bream, especially during night fishing sessions.
Whiting are also commonly found here, particularly in the first half of the pier.Redditors suggest a variety of baits including prawns, worms, bread, and chicken. For flathead, soft plastics in colors matching local baitfish are effective.
Parmesan-dipped chicken on a longshank hook is also a popular choice.Yes, Shorncliffe Pier is considered a good spot for beginner anglers, especially for catching whiting which are easy to catch with kids.
The pier offers accessible fishing opportunities.Always check the current Queensland fishing regulations for size and bag limits for the species you are targeting. Ensure you have the necessary fishing license.
Besides fishing, you can enjoy walking along the pier, watching the sunset, picnicking in the parklands, and visiting the nearby playground. There's also a mobile cafe on weekends.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for photography at Shorncliffe Pier, highlighting the bay and the pier's structure.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the bay, long exposures of the water, portraits with the pier as a backdrop, and candid shots of people fishing or enjoying the parklands.
Yes, Shorncliffe Pier faces east, making it an excellent location for capturing beautiful sunrise views over the bay.
The end of the pier offers expansive views, while the boardwalk itself provides a great perspective for capturing the length and architectural lines of the pier.
Drone usage is subject to CASA regulations. Always check current rules and regulations regarding drone operation in public spaces before flying.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a permanent cafe directly on Shorncliffe Pier, but a mobile cafe and ice cream van often visit the area on weekends.
For more dining options, there's a cafe located a short walk away near the upper car park.Absolutely! The surrounding parklands are well-equipped with seating and BBQs, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
The mobile cafe typically offers coffee, snacks, and light refreshments, perfect for a casual outing.
Yes, the parklands adjacent to Shorncliffe Pier have public BBQ facilities available for use.
Besides the mobile cafe and the one near the upper car park, you can find various cafes and restaurants in the surrounding suburbs of Shorncliffe and Brighton.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds. The pier itself is safe for walking, and the views of the bay are always a hit. It's a relaxed environment perfect for a casual day out where everyone can find something to enjoy.
🎣 Anglers Seeking a Catch
If you're new to the area or fishing with kids, targeting whiting is a great option. They are abundant in the first half of the pier and are known to be eager biters, making for a rewarding experience. Remember to check Queensland fishing regulations and ensure you have the necessary licenses.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
Beyond the pier itself, the surrounding parklands offer opportunities for capturing local life, from families enjoying picnics to anglers casting their lines. The coastal scenery provides a tranquil backdrop for portraits or landscape photography. Don't forget to explore different angles and perspectives to make your shots unique.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Shorncliffe Pier Fishing
For those targeting whiting, Redditors suggest fishing in the first half of the pier, especially during winter. Using a whiting rig with a drop sinker and small pieces of squid as bait is highly recommended, as whiting are known to readily take this offering. The ease of catching whiting makes it a fantastic option for families and beginner anglers looking for a rewarding fishing experience.
When it comes to bait, the consensus from online discussions is to be prepared with variety. Prawns, worms, bread, and chicken are all mentioned as effective baits. Some anglers even suggest dipping chicken in Parmesan cheese for added appeal. For flathead specifically, using soft plastics in colors that mimic local baitfish like pilchards or hardyheads can be very successful, particularly when casting towards the shallower ends of the pier.
Capturing the Beauty of Shorncliffe
Sunset is another prime time for photographers. The pier becomes a popular spot for people to gather, fish, and enjoy the view, adding a human element to your shots. The warm, golden light of the setting sun casts a beautiful glow over the bay and the pier, creating memorable images. The surrounding parklands also offer opportunities for nature photography, with well-kept greenery and seating areas.
When composing your shots, consider the pier's lines and the expansive bay views. Long exposure photography can be used to smooth out the water and create a dreamy effect, especially during dawn or dusk. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, Shorncliffe Pier provides ample opportunities to capture beautiful and tranquil coastal scenes.
Family-Friendly Fun at Shorncliffe
For those looking for a bite to eat, the presence of BBQ facilities in the parklands makes it easy to plan a picnic lunch. On weekends, a mobile cafe and ice cream van often visit the area, providing convenient treats for families. This adds to the relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere that makes Shorncliffe a great spot for a family day out.
Fishing is also a popular family activity here. As mentioned, catching whiting is relatively easy and can be a fun introduction to fishing for children. The pier's accessibility and the chance of a catch make it an engaging experience for kids, turning a simple outing into an exciting adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit