
Settlement Cove Lagoon Brisbane
A vibrant, free community lagoon with separate pools for all ages, BBQ facilities, and playgrounds. Open 24/7.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Settlement Cove Lagoon Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, free community lagoon with separate pools for all ages, BBQ facilities, and playgrounds. Open 24/7.
"A wonderful public pool, situated at the edge of the bay. Settlement Cove is a good place to swim for families."

Go Early for Peace
Arrive before 2:30 PM on weekdays to avoid school crowds. Weekends are best avoided. :clock1:
Pack Your Own Shade
Bring chairs, tables, and umbrellas as shade can be limited during peak times. :sunwithface:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lagoon Pools
Main swimming area
Spacious pools with variable depths, perfect for a proper swim or just cooling off.

Kids' Water Playground
Fenced area
A dedicated, fenced zone with a mushroom shower and shallow rock pools for little ones.

Picnic & BBQ Facilities
Adjacent to lagoon
Enjoy a meal with family and friends at the available BBQ areas and picnic shelters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
24/7 Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Early for Peace
Arrive before 2:30 PM on weekdays to avoid school crowds. Weekends are best avoided.
:clock1:Pack Your Own Shade
Bring chairs, tables, and umbrellas as shade can be limited during peak times.
:sunwithface:Hygiene Awareness
While facilities are available, hygiene can be an issue. Consider bringing your own supplies.
:toilet:No Glass or Alcohol
Strict rules apply: no glass bottles or alcohol allowed on premises.
:wine_glass:Tips
from all over the internet
Go Early for Peace
Arrive before 2:30 PM on weekdays to avoid school crowds. Weekends are best avoided.
:clock1:Pack Your Own Shade
Bring chairs, tables, and umbrellas as shade can be limited during peak times.
:sunwithface:Hygiene Awareness
While facilities are available, hygiene can be an issue. Consider bringing your own supplies.
:toilet:No Glass or Alcohol
Strict rules apply: no glass bottles or alcohol allowed on premises.
:wine_glass:Lifeguard Hours
Lifeguards are present during the day. Be mindful of nighttime swimming safety.
:guards:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Settlement Cove Lagoon is a highly popular, free community swimming spot praised for its family-friendly design and spacious pools. Visitors love the dedicated kids' area and the convenience of BBQ facilities. However, some note that hygiene can be an issue during peak times, and it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
"Settlement Cive Lagoon is ideally located at Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020.
This unique lagoon is a very popular family-friendly place where the earlier you arrive, the better it is due to its popularity.
Settlement Cove Lagoon has swimming 🏊♂️ & wading pools & also a fenced off water playground area for the younger children to enjoy 😉
There are adequate shade areas on the seafront area of the lagoon.
This community swimming lagoon is opened to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with dedicated lifeguards onsite during the day.
There is also no diving into the lagoon or running allowed in & around the lagoon area.
There is also onsite security surveillance & security guards onsite on a 24/7 basis 😳
There are on-site services available, with BBQ facilities onsite along with wheelchair access available ♿️
Designated car parking, with disabled parking, is also available near Settlement Cove Lagoon, making it very convenient for people with disabilities.
Steet parking along with the various cafes,hotels & restaurants are also available, again within walking distance from this public swimming lagoon.
There are public toilets 🚻 & showers 🚿 available at the lagoon, but at times, due to its popularity, hygiene issues can arise, particularly with the toilets 🚻
Due to the popularity of Settlement Cove Lagoon, my advice would be to take your own chairs & picnic tables & umbrellas for shade as required.
Please note: There are no dogs allowed onsite 😢
Achohol & smoking restrictions also apply!"
John O'Brien
"Clean, plenty of space, lifesavers on duty, deep enough for a 'proper' swim. For smaller kids, the water park area is a winner. Free."
El Bee (elbee13)
"A wonderful public pool, situated at the edge of the bay. Settlement Cove is a good place to swim for families. The pool has variable depths that mimic a natural waterway and gets quite deep, so little ones will need a parent in the water, but it's a truly great day for the kids."
Stefan Pulpitel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Settlement Cove Lagoon is located at Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020. It's easily accessible by car, with designated parking available. Street parking and nearby cafes/hotels also offer options. Public transport via the 310/315 bus to the CBD is also an option.
Yes, there is designated car parking, including disabled parking, conveniently located near the lagoon. Street parking is also available.
The lagoon itself is open 24/7, but the main car park and changing rooms/toilets are locked between 11 PM and 4 AM.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination from Brisbane, offering a refreshing escape with plenty of amenities for a full day of fun.
Driving is the most convenient option. If you're coming from Brisbane, it's about an hour's drive. Public transport is available but takes longer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Settlement Cove Lagoon is a free public facility, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
The lagoon is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, lifeguards are only on duty during the day, and some facilities have nighttime closures.
No booking is required as it's a free public space. However, arriving early is recommended due to its popularity.
Yes, there are restrictions on glass bottles and alcohol. Dogs are also not allowed on the premises.
Yes, there is onsite security surveillance and guards are present on a 24/7 basis.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You'll find swimming and wading pools, a fenced water playground for kids, BBQ facilities, picnic shelters, showers, and public toilets.
Yes, it's very family-friendly with a dedicated water playground area featuring a mushroom shower and shallow rock pools perfect for toddlers and young children.
Yes, the main lagoon pools are deep enough for a proper swim, offering a refreshing experience for all ages.
Lifeguards are on duty during the day to ensure safety.
No diving or running is allowed in or around the lagoon area. Adhere to general safety guidelines and the no glass/alcohol rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a dedicated cafe within the lagoon, there are BBQ facilities for you to cook your own food. Nearby cafes, hotels, and restaurants are also within walking distance.
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. However, glass bottles are prohibited.
Yes, BBQ facilities are available onsite for visitors to use.
The area around Settlement Cove Lagoon has various cafes, hotels, and restaurants offering a range of dining choices.
Given its popularity, bringing your own picnic is a great idea, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time there.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant blue waters, the unique architecture of the lagoon, and the happy faces of families enjoying the facilities. The surrounding esplanade also offers scenic views.
It can be challenging during peak times. Visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon will offer fewer people in your shots.
Early morning or late afternoon generally offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photographic opportunities.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use, but always be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public spaces. It's advisable to check local council bylaws regarding drone operation in Redcliffe.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as while there are BBQ facilities, bringing your own picnic is often easiest. Also, consider bringing your own shade, as it can get quite sunny. Visiting on a weekday morning is your best bet to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, take advantage of the free BBQ facilities and pack your own picnic. Instead of paying for parking, consider street parking if available or utilizing public transport options if coming from further afield. It's a great way to experience a popular Queensland attraction without breaking the bank.
☀️ Day-Trippers from Brisbane
Plan your visit: Aim for a weekday morning to avoid the weekend rush and enjoy the lagoon with fewer people. Pack your swimwear, towels, and a picnic to make the most of the free BBQ facilities. Remember to bring your own shade, as it can get quite hot. You can easily spend several hours here swimming, playing, and relaxing before heading back to Brisbane.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Lagoon's Waters
It's important to note that while the lagoon is designed for enjoyment, no diving or running is permitted to ensure everyone's safety. Lifeguards are present during the day to oversee activities and assist if needed.
Community feedback suggests that while the lagoon is generally well-maintained, hygiene can sometimes be a concern, particularly with the toilets, due to its high usage. Visitors are advised to be prepared and bring their own essentials if needed.
Community Vibes and Etiquette
To ensure a pleasant experience, Redditors strongly advise visiting on weekdays and arriving early, ideally before 2:30 PM, to avoid the peak school rush. This allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable time. The lagoon is technically open 24/7, and some locals have enjoyed nighttime swims, but it's important to be aware that facilities like toilets and changing rooms may be locked after dark, and there are no lifeguards on duty.
Respecting the rules, such as no glass bottles or alcohol, is crucial for maintaining the lagoon as a welcoming space for everyone. Security is present, so adhering to guidelines ensures a smooth visit for all.
Beyond the Lagoon: Redcliffe's Charm
If you're looking for active pursuits, bringing a bike is recommended, as there are opportunities for riding along the coast. Fishing off the remnants of the Hornibrook Bridge is another local pastime.
For a bite to eat, the Dolphins football club is mentioned as a good spot for grub, and the general area boasts various cafes, hotels, and restaurants within walking distance of the lagoon.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit