Find peace at Toorbul Beach.
Toorbul Beach – a hidden beachside hideaway just north of Brisbane in Queensland. A perfect spot to escape from the rat race for a day (or three).
You can fish, kayak, walk the beach, chase soldier crabs with the kids or just pop in to the local shop for fish and chips and a beverage!
For locals, caravanners and holiday makers Toorbul is a beachside hideaway in the Moreton Bay Region, about 50 kms north of Brisbane.
The sleepy little town of Toorbul (population 900) is a fishing and family haven sitting on a quiet stretch of beach next to the pristine Pumicestone Passage.
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Location of Toorbul Beach
To find this peaceful getaway, drive north from Brisbane up the Bruce Highway, take the Toorbul/Donnybrook turnoff (49km from Brisbane) and take Exit No. 157. Turn right and drive across the bridge over the highway and head east. Pumicestone Road is the only way in to Toorbul and you’ll drive past pine forests with contented cattle enjoying their own life in the slow lane.
At the 14km point you reach a T-junction where you take another left before arriving at the Esplanade, Toorbul.
Cycle in Safety at Toorbul
When you arrive, stand for a minute with eyes closed and soak up the serenity. No humdrum traffic noise, sirens, jets roaring overhead or other annoying suburban sounds. The only noises are the splash of small waves lapping the beach and calls from the huge variety of resident and migratory sea birds for which Toorbul is famous. The hum of an outboard motor will just be a fisherman looking for the best spot for the day.
Fishing at Toorbul Beach
If fishing is your main motive for the Toorbul visit, a boat isn’t vital for success. On a daily basis residents and visitors throw their line in from the boat ramp and take home a decent catch of flathead and whiting. Bream and Tailor also swim the channel between Toorbul and Bribie but a small boat is your best bet for this catch and the bonus is bait is plentiful along the water’s edge.
Lazy days on Pumicestone Passage
Taking the tinny home
Kayaking
Have a kayak in the garage? Load it onto the roof racks and launch from the Toorbul boat ramp. You can enjoy a paddle to the beachside village of Donnybrook past Little Goat Island in the calm waters of Pumicestone Passage. How about taking a hand line, pulling in a feed of fish and showing your skills off to the family!
Have kayak will travel to Toorbul…
Toorbul Store and Tavern
Now, if a day is all you can spare in this idyllic location, bring a picnic rug to spread on the shaded grassy foreshore. Fresh air brings large appetites and when food supplies are exhausted a walk over to the Toorbul Store is a must. Located on Freeman Road the shop is well stocked with everything from coffee, takeaway meals, bait, ice and even a cool beer. Yes – there’s actually a “Tavern in the Town”!
There’s a Tavern in the Town!
Kids and Grandkids
Kids and grandkids in tow? Pack the buckets and spades, plus a bait pump if there’s one lurking in the garage. On any given day you will find children with pumps and buckets on a mission to collect yabbies.
Come out come out wherever you are!
The soldier crabs are quick to head down their holes as little people enjoy chasing hundreds of these tiny blue creatures at low tide.
This way fellas…
When tired of chasing crabs and building sandcastles, there’s more fun waiting at the playground opposite the Toorbul Store, on the parkland next to the beach.
Playtime at Toorbul Beach
Toorbul Caravan Park
The Toorbul Caravan Park fits the bill to perfection. Located on The Esplanade one street across from the beach there are sites for caravans and tents plus cabins or cottages for hire and ample parking areas for boats.
A favourite spot in the Park is the barbeque table that has heard many (tall) fishing stories over the years and witnessed hundreds of families playing trivia, charades and other fun activities. Many long-lasting friendships have been made over a game of Trivia while caravanning!
Late afternoon departures from Toorbul Beach offer magnificent and vibrant sunsets reflected in the sparkling waters of Pumicestone Passage. However…at least one eye needs to be kept on the road for the resident wandering kangaroos who believe they are the true owners of this picture perfect beach.
Sunset with the locals.
“Detox time” is waiting for you at Toorbul Beach.
Facilities Available
- Local Store and Tavern
- Toilets
- Rubbish bins
- Water bubblers
- Caravan Park
- Boat Ramp
- Playground equipment (not fenced)
- Calm beach
Heading further South?
An extra tip – if you’re heading south to Northern New South Wales – another perfect spot is Yamba. Why not visit for a day, or week, to meet the cheeky pelicans just waiting to take your fish of the hook before you do! And, to sample the fresh prawns straight from the trawlers…
