Natural Attractions
Sandgate lies on the northern shores of Moreton Bay in the City of Brisbane. There are sweeping views to the east over Moreton Bay to Moreton Island and north to Woody Point on the Redcliffe Peninsular. On a clear day large ocean going freighters can be seen entering the mouth of the Brisbane River at Fisherman’s Island.
The South Pine and North Pine Rivers enter Moreton Bay at Hayes Inlet on Sandgate’s northern shore. At the right tide on any day fisherman cast their lines from the old Hornibrook Bridge or from their own boats. In fact, the full length of the foreshore from Brighton to Sandgate Pier and from Shorncliffe into Cabbage Tree Creek, offers the keen angler the opportunity to take a fresh catch.
Dolphins and sea turtles are seen at times frolicking off shore from Shorncliffe or in Hayes Inlet and Cabbage Tree Creek. Along the foreshore, when the tide goes out there can be three hundred metres of tidal sands to explore. Not only are there sea creatures like sea pens and anemones, but there are soldier crab colonies and wader birds feeding.
There is a fine sandy beach at Lower Moora Park at Shorncliffe with shallow rolling waves. To the south, a rocky walk at low tide only, leads to the mouth of Cabbage Tree Creek. It is a fine place for families to play and picnic.
Cabbage Tree Creek is an important part of the fish breeding grounds that empty juvenile fish into Moreton Bay. Past the parkland and boat moorings, mangroves protect the banks of the creek. Local canoeists regularly paddle up the creek to enjoy its solitude.
On the southern bank of Cabbage Tree Creek lies the internationally recognised Boondall Wetlands. These wetlands act as a barrier to the south between the City of Brisbane and Sandgate.
To the west of Sandgate, other wetland parklands continue this barrier between Sandgate and the city and suburbs. There are the Deagon Wetlands which were saved from development by the Brisbane City Council, the Brighton Wetlands and the Tinchi Tamba Wetlands which complete the ring of Parklands around Sandgate.
Within Sandgate itself, there are wonderful lagoon parklands. Three lagoons are linked and lie like pearls on a thread leading from the land to the sea.
In Peace Park in Brighton lies the northern portion of the Third Lagoon Reserve. Covered in water-grasses, it is a home each year to herons which migrate from the northern hemisphere to nest. They arrive in September and return north in March. The birds can be sighted from a bird-hide accessed from Brackenridge Road at the Aeromodeller’s Park.
The southern portion of the Third Lagoon Reserve, was saved by locals from being developed into a regional shopping centre, in the 1980’s. The lagoon drains to the east into Gasworks Creek, which then leads into Cabbage Tree Creek.
Scattered through the suburbs of Brighton, Sandgate and Deagon are other pockets of wetlands and many open spaces to walk and enjoy the natural environment.
Tom Dowse Lagoon catches run-off from Nashville Hill and the ridge to the east above the Sandgate foreshore. Spreading over one square kilometre, the lagoon is home to tortoises and water birds. Pelicans, herons and even black swans can be seen feeding and swimming around the lagoon. There is a walkway that circles the lagoon and provides a constant view of the water sparkling in the sun.
A favourite place for all residents and visitors to Sandgate is Einbunpin Lagoon. On Brighton Road, in the centre of Sandgate across from the shopping centre, Einbunpin Lagoon is a wonderful place to rest and relax to watch the tortoises sitting in the sun and wild ducks, swamp hens, ibis, herons and pelicans feeding and swimming. In the Einbunpin Parkland, there is a rotunda, children’s play area and a bridge over the lagoon.
