Scarborough, QLD 4020
Ranked 78th best suburb by locals in Brisbane Region, QLD
Great for
- Parks and recreation
- Parking
- Pest-free
- Clean & green
- Neighbourly spirit
Not great for
- Nightlife
Who lives here?
- Families With Kids
- Professionals
- Retirees
- Singles
- Fashion Conscious
Reviews of Scarborough, QLD
"Scarborough is a picturesque seaside suburb"
Scarborough is a picturesque seaside suburb located approximately 30 kilometers north of Brisbane's central business district. Its prime location along Moreton Bay offers residents stunning waterfront views and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Commuting to the city is achievable via major arterial roads such as the Houghton Highway and the Bruce Highway. Travel times to Brisbane typically range from 45 minutes to an hour by car, depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, public transportation options, including buses and trains, enhance connections to the city and neighboring regions, while also offering convenient accessibility to Brisbane Airport. Scarborough is home to several schools catering to the educational needs of its residents. These include both public and private primary and secondary schools, known for their academic excellence and supportive learning environments. Additionally, tertiary institutions and vocational training centers are within reach for residents seeking further education and skills development. Scarborough boasts a variety of parks, reserves, and recreational facilities, perfect for outdoor activities and leisure. The suburb features local parks with playgrounds, BBQ areas, and picnic spots, providing opportunities for relaxation and family gatherings. Scarborough Beach Park, with its expansive grassy areas and scenic views of Moreton Bay, is a popular destination for picnics, beachcombing, and water sports. Residents can also enjoy leisurely walks along the picturesque Scarborough foreshore and take in the breathtaking sunsets over the bay. Scarborough offers residents a diverse culinary scene, with a range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to explore. The suburb's dining precincts along Landsborough Avenue and Scarborough Beach Road feature a variety of cuisines, from fresh seafood and modern Australian dishes to international flavors. Whether you're craving fish and chips by the sea, gourmet burgers, or Mediterranean cuisine, Scarborough has something to satisfy every palate.
Scarborough, QLD 4020, Provides residents with a laid-back coastal living experience due to its closeness to Brisbane, availability of educational institutions, picturesque parks, and a variety of dining choices. Additionally, residents have the opportunity to indulge in delightful walks and embrace the charming bay lifestyle.
Hi Amy. What are the demographics like in Scarborough?
"Million Dollar Lifestyle"
Why a Million Dollar Lifestyle you ask. I have lived in Scarborough for 20yrs. I have always loved living here due to the minimal traffic, the extensive bikeways and the friendly people, not to mention that you are in the doorstep of the beautiful Moreton Bay.I feel safe walking around both early morning and night. The area has all the facilities you need and rarely need to leave the peninsular. The growth in the area has attracted many young families. Prices are still reasonable but it is just a matter of time before they rise considerably. I would recommend anyone to live here. P.S, they have the best F45 Fitness Centre in Australia.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
i would have to agree with you Karen. Scarborough is truely amazing and YES the F45 is the best - Amy McCurley
Would you say Scarborough or Redcliffe. Or Same? Are there plenty of restaurants and cafes in Scarborough
Scarborough is a suburb on the Redcliffe Peninsular. Scarborough is at the end of the Peninsular so you have less traffic etc. The restaurants and cafes are minimal in Scarborough but this is changing. Saying that we do have some great places to eat out. There are more cafes and restaurants in Redcliffe itself which is very close.
"Friendly and beautiful"
We moved here 6 months ago from South Sydney and we are extremely happy with our decision. The locals are very friendly, people stop to say hello and it's lovely and peaceful. Close to Newport and Scarborough Beach, we are surrounded by flat walk and cycle ways, nature and views out to Moreton Bay Island. The new train line in Kippa-ring is 6 mins drive with plenty of parking, my husband heads into the CBD 3 days per week and free wifi on the trains. Plenty of good schools of your choosing and activities for the kids. Parks galore!! Lovely.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
Hi there, we are moving to Brisbane from Scotland in the new year and are looking at living in scarborough. We have 2 little girls aged 4 and 1. My husband will be working for a company called Martin Brothers who are based in Fortitude Valley. Can you tell what the traffic is like commuting over to Brisbane everyday via a car? What school would you recommend for my 4 year old who will be due to start school in the new year?
Hi there, commuting into Brisbane during peak hours 7am to 8.30amish could take you over an hour. We lived in Scarborough and we commuted by bus to the Kippa Ring Station, in total 1 hour 20 minutes each way. You would need to ensure you have a car park in Fortitude Valley. If you can travel outside 'peak hours, it will still take you around 50 minutes.
A great school is Southern Cross College and it has a great swim program incorporated into the curriculum. For travel, I would suggest your husband takes the train from Kippa Ring to the Valley to work unless of course he has a car space and can drive. If you husband can drive outside of peak hours that would help with traffic.
"Scarborough Lifestyle PLUS!"
I've lived in Scarborough/Newport for the past 15 years and would not hesitate to recommend this area to family and friends looking for a safe location to raise their children. I personally attended Scarborough State School in grade 7, followed by Southern Cross Catholic College years 8-10 and Grace Lutheran College for years 11-12. My Father owns an electrical business on the peninsula and my mother is a teacher at a local high school. I love driving across the Hornibrook Bridge and knowing I can leave all my worries behind me.
Great for
- New Shops at Dolphin Oval
- Beautiful street appeal
- 14km foreshore bike track,saltwater lagoon.
- Beaches,Fishing,Sailing,Parks
- Fish Markets,Coffee shops,Restaurants
- Community spirit
- Great schools and childcare centres
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
Wow Alexandria, what a wonderful endorsement for Scarborough you are, my husband and I are moving up there to retire early December this year and I can't wait to move there especially with wonderful young people like you that are living there.
Hi Sharne, not sure how old your post is. My husband and myself are looking to retiring to Queensland anywhere from Gold coast and up. have been looking at Scarborough and surrounding areas on Realestate.com. Saw this post and wondered how you got on when you retired there. are there cafes, restaurants etc gyms/yoga/golf courses. trying to get as much info before we head up there for a look around. Thanks in advance. Sandy
Rentals in Scarborough
Find real estate agents in Scarborough
"Overcrowded, ugly, arrogant people, unit filled suburb."
I have lived in Scarborough for 25 years. What it has become is a nightmare. It used be such a lovely, quiet, friendly suburb. Too many units being built, too many people. It's just really awful now.
Not great for
- Too many units, too many people.
Who lives here?
- Retirees
"For those looking for the best place in Australia to raise your family"
When I think about the perfect place to live my checklist goes something like this:
- Close to beautiful beaches that are safe for the kids and great for fishing, kayaking and boating
- Close to really good schools where the kids can maintain great friendships for life
- Close to sporting clubs that have state of the art training facilities and development squads
- Close to shopping centres, high quality restaurants and cafes
- A close knit community where it's easy to make friends who help out at a moments notice...
- High qualty, and more importantly, accessble and affordable childcare centres
- Plenty of well maintained open spaces, parks, walking tracks and BBQ facilities
- A community spirit that welcomes newcomers immediately with loads of free events
- A thriving local market with fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the farmers
- Lots of fit people who are active within their community and promote healthy lifestyles
I'm not kidding when I write that Scarborough has it all. I've lived in so many places around Australia and three years after I moved to Scarborough I still find myself delighted with just how much this suburb has to offer. I have three children and all I have ever wanted for them is a great place to grow up and expereince the "real" Australia where everyone gets along and everyone helps out. If you're looking for the same place for your family then I can give you my personal endorsement that Scarborough is hands down the best place in this country to live!!
Great for
- Community spirit
- Great schools and childcare centres
- 14km foreshore bike track,saltwater lagoon.
- Beaches,Fishing,Sailing,Parks
- Fish Markets,Coffee shops,Restaurants
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
Matty, I am moving my family to the area in Oct 12 can you recommend a good primary school? Thanks.
My eldest daughter (61/2) goes to Southern Cross Catholic College (SCCC) Scarborough campus and we haven't had any issues there. She has access to Piano lessons and swimming lessons (great development squad) and they also run a before school, after school and vacation care program. My daughter's Prep teacher has been there for over 30 years and is a wonderful lady. It's a very active school community and I think I pay about $650 a term (which is a picnic after paying childcare fees!). I'd recommend organising a visit to the school to talk to the teachers (we did) before making the decision to enrol so you feel comfortable that it's going to be a supportive environment throught their schooling years. Good luck and welcome to Peninsula.
Hi Matty! I am thinking of moving to Brisbane next year and Scarborough is top of my list. However, I am planning on not buying a car. Could you please tell me if this is do-able in Sarborough? Thanks so much.
*Scarborough
Hayley, it is definitely do-able! You can catch the 315 into the city everyday and the journey takes anwhere from 50 minutes through to 1 hour 10 minutes. There are plenty of bus stops around Scarborough so it shouldn't require a long walk either. The longer time is usually for a trip between 7am and 8am. If you leave before or after the 1 hour rush then the trip should only take between 50 minutes and an hour. The best thing about a bus ride into the city is that you can relax with a book and enjoy the beautiful virews of the bay as you're crossing the bridge. I love crossing the bridge at sunset and seeing the last rays of the day playing across the sand and waves - you have to see it to believe it! Like most people who live up this way I spend most of my weekends around Scarbourough and Redcliffe because there is so much to see and do and the footpaths / bikeways are in really good condition. Get yourself a bike or some roller blades and do the 10 km stretch between Woody Point and Scarborough and back again to enjoy the view of the beach, the ocean and the bay. You won't regret it! The State Government are planning on building a train line out this way too but they've been saying that for 30 years so don't move town on that promise alone!
That's great. Thanks so much for your reply :)
Hi Matty - I read your replies with great interest. I just bought a place at Scarborough and was wondering what are the top 5 industries in Scarborough. I am a father of 6 children and one of my biggest consideration is work to support the family. Thanks
Hmmm, good question. I'm not sure what the top 5 industries are but I could take a good guess!! Real estate agents are everywhere so that would have to be No 1. lol! I'm sure you experienced that when you bought your house recently. If you have a trade qualification there are a lot of opportunities to gain work around the peninsula as well with well established builders, electricians and plumbers - reputation is everything though as you would expect in a small town and word of mouth spreads quickly if someone feels like they got ripped off by a dodgy tradie... There are also lots of schools (both public and private) so teaching qualifications would go far too. You could also look at Moreton Bay Regional Council opportunities. They cover a big area and they are a great employer. I've done some consulting work for them and they are a great bunch of people to work with. Good luck. The main point to take away is that most opportunities will come through word of mouth - everyone knows everyone up here so get out to the markets on Sunday, stand around the jumping castle or the German Sausage Hut and talk to people. Most people are very engaging, love to talk about our community and will help you out where they can or put you in contact with someone who might be able to. That's the best thing about living up here - it's so easy to make new friends with common interests.
Matty - Thanks for the reply - I really appreciate the time you have taken to reply. I already like home given your reply. You conitnue your good works and offer advise to others. God bless!
Hi Matty, I realise this is an old post now, but I wonder if you could help me please. My family and I will be moving to the Peninsula in September and I was hoping you could give me so advise on the secondary schools in the area please and if you have any experience of them now? We are looking to move to Redcliffe or Scarborough. Thanks for your help.
Karen
Hi Matty ,
Looking at heading North next year ..60 yr old single lady ...is Scarborough a suitable place
"Sleepy hollow,with all the mod cons."
Having moved in 5 years ago,we have never looked back.I work in the heart of the city and it takes me 35 minutes in the morning and 45 in the evening,as i drive over the new Ted Smout bridge i marvel at the easy traffic and wonderful water views,thinking of people that see it for the first time,and say were were the hell is everybody.
Great for
- Fish Markets,Coffee shops,Restaurants
- Beaches,Fishing,Sailing,Parks
- 14km foreshore bike track,saltwater lagoon.
Not great for
- Nearest new major shopping center 15km.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- Hipsters
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
I agree with the above comment, however, if you are commuting in peak hour and you are travelling in from Scarborough or Redcliffe/Scarborough border, then people please know that you should put aside 1 hour to 1.25 hours for door to door commuting. The timeframe of 35 mins is inaccurate (I drive daily into the city and I've never done it in 35mins!)
I agree but I do have some tips for the city commuters like me. If you're in peak hour (anytime from 0645 through to 0815) take the Gateway instead of Sandgate Rd. Even though the right lane to the Gateway jams up when you enter you get going again within 5 minutes. Then you have two options. 1st option is to go all the way down to the last turn off before the Gateway Bridge which will bring you onto Kingsford Smith Drive. Depending on which part of the city you are going to you can either go down Breakfast creek rd (for the Eagle St types) or go down the Inner City Bypass for the Roma St end of things. This way will take you between 50 - 60 minutes max.
2nd option is to take the Gateway again but exit at the Airport turn-off and take the new Airport LInk tunnel. If you take the Fortitude Valley turn-off in the tunnel you can then take either Campell St exit which will spit you out just up from the RNA showgrounds or take the ICB and head down to Roma St again. This will cut your trip down to between 40 - 50 minutes (at least that's what I'm doing now whilist patronage of the tunnel is still low). Some simple rules to make your life easier:
1. Try to avoid leaving the peninsula between 0700 and 0730 - it's chock a block then.
2. Tune to 612ABC at 0745 for the morning news followed by AM at 0800. This is the best time to tune in - you get good news update and current affairs without the talkback.
3. Never take Sandgate Road in the morning.
4. Never take the Gateway at night.
5. Although I'm not a supporter of zipping in and out of traffic there are a few key areas where a well executed lane change will save you from merging traffic / stopped buses further up the road. You can find those secrets out for yourself though. ; P See you on the roads maybe.
"A Peninsula sanctuary with everything at your door"
I have lived in Scarborough now for over 10 years. During this time I have watched it's development from sleepy little town to exclusive highly sort after land and community lifestyle. Scarborough is now equipped with a fully functioning esplanade/cafe strip hosting nice restaurants, beauty services, real estates, parks, beaches, accommodation and much more. A gateway to the beautiful moreton bay there is loads of activities available in and around Scarborough. There is nothing nicer than grabbing the family, sitting on the Scarborough beach with fish and chips and letting the kids swim or play in Cotton Tree/Railway Place park.
Schools, shopping centres, parks and decent transport facilities which includes a new bridge to access the Redcliffe Peninsula make everthing accessible within either a few short minutes stroll or drive to local business centres. We are also only a short 35mins drive to the heart of Brisbane CBD.
I love the lifestyle of the Peninsula - it's exclusive and a relaxing place to live - I've been here 10 years now and I'm in no hurry to leave - especially now that it is fast becoming a great northside weekend hangout for the tourists too which just adds to the atmosphere. Bring on the railway and we would have it all.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
"SCARBOROUGH - SOMEWHERE ON THE QUEENSLAND COAST"
Scarborough is a great home to my young family - it offers us an active outdoors lifestyle on the beautiful, Queensland coast, if you're not peering out to the Glasshouse Mountains or Morton Island, you will likely be fishing, eating seafood, having a drink at the nice Bars, or ziping down to Brisbane in only 25 minutes. After living in the Norhern Beaches of Sydney - I notice many similarities between the two peninsula's, a similar distance to the cbd. neither have trains, Sydney's Peninsula has a much longer commute to the city due to traffic, all this without the great value for money...very happy in Scarborough.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Hi Lucas. I'm reading your comments with great interest. We're currently on the Northern beaches (been here all my life) and are hoping to buy in QLD in the next 6 months. Scarborough really stood out from the crowd when doing our research and I'm so happy to read you've created a great life for your family up there.
"A great relaxed quiet place"
Scarborough is a friendly little beachside suburb. I have lived here for over 12 years and enjoy the friendlyness and locality of the shops and beaches. No traffic congestion means you get a park at the shops every time and plenty of parks along the beachfront at Queens Beach or the climbing park. I kayak most mornings at Queens beach and find that the white sand and fact there is little or no surf ( or rips) very appealling for the kids or families swimming. The small number of high rise buildings is great as it makes for a great atmosphere with a mixture of retirees and families. Have lived in or visited over 30 countries for my work over the years and wouldn't live anywhere else on earth.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
"Want to Live the High Life!!"
Beautiful, streets, houses, parks, and neighbours. This is a lovely area most properties back onto the man made marina allowing boat access to each property. This is a more expensive area to live in but with the consideration to all it's benefits and the size and value of the properties, it is well worth it. Great resale value for sellers, as these properties are often under demand and generally sell fairly quick. The area is quiet yet still handy to everything that you could need.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
I have lived in Scarborough now for 9 years. Where/what are you referring to as bad traffic congestion? If you discount school drop and pickup times, (which every suburb has) the only other traffic congestion is when visiting shopping centre at peak times! This is a wonderful place to live in with great coffee shops, restaurants, clubs and hotels. The area has had billions of dollars invested via new homes and apartment buildings. The council has been proactive and spent millions on upgrading the beachfront, with walkways, parks, b-b-ques sites bicycle tracks from the Hornibrook Bridge all the way up to Morgans. This is from Clontarf to Scarborough. Tigerlilly suggest you come back and spend some time and enjoy all the facilities the area has.
Traffic Congestion - You have to be kidding - The reason I live in Scarborough ( not just visiting) is the fact I can drive or bike to the Scarborough shops with hardly any traffic on the roads and get a park easily . Maybe you are talking about the bridge construction and getting across from Brisbane which can be tedious at times, but our suburb of Scarborough is at the tip of the Peninsula and once here the traffic falls away to hardly any. Especially as we don't have the population of some of the other suburbs with the new high rises on the Peninisula. Maybe your comments about the traffic should be made at the other suburbs you drive through to get here.
You have to be joking-Scarborough is a destination point not somewhere you pass through like Redcliffe, Margate or Woody point so unless you set out to come here or live here its VERY quiet, come back and then comment again.
I agree with the above comments that there is no traffic congestion within the Penninsula, however, there is a lot of congestion once you hit Deagon deviation if you are commuting into the city everyday. The Gateway is clogged, Sandgate road can get very busy and Gympie Rd is often a nightmare. Frankly the tale told of 35 mins drive into the city is simply incorrect if you are commuting in or near peak hour. If you live in Scarborough or on the Redcliffe/Scarborough border as I do people need to know that they have to realistically set aside 1 to 1.25 hours door to door commute to the city.
I live near the top end of scarborough and work in fortitude valley, I commute 5 days a week during peak hour and have NEVER taken more than 45 minutes to get to work. what traffic are you talking about. I have never seen more than 20 - 30 cars on the bridge at a time in the mornings and maybe double that in the evenings. traffic congestion does not exist out here nor is it that bad on the deagon deviation and only mildly irritating on the gateway. I wouldnt live anywhere else.
check out this link to see just how little traffic there is http://tmr.qld.gov.au/Interactive-Map.aspx?wcid=410 check it anytime of day especially during peak hour and you will see there is little to no traffic congestion.
Traffic congestion is everywhere around Brisbane !
The infrastructure is 10 years behind . This all started more than 40 years ago and is impossible to catch up ! Thanks Joe
"Scarborough - Ideal place close to Brisbane."
Scarborough is a beachside suburb on the coast only 30 kms from the Brisbane CBD. Scarborough has a white sandy beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There is a barge service from Scarborough out to the islands of Moreton Bay. Scarborough offers great restaurants, bistros and fast food outlets and there are plenty of accommodation options for the visitor. Scarborough has numerous shops for all you needs and has schools, recreation facilities and sporting fields as well as parks which are great for picnics. Considering the closeness to Brisbane CBD the property prices are not too bad and are still with reach of working couples.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
I live locally with a young family and absolutely love it. Scarborough is a safe and quiet place and the property market has seen a great increase over the last 12months - Amy McCurley local agent