Settlement Cove Lagoon, also known as Redcliffe Lagoon, is a free water park, set on the shores of Moreton Bay at Redcliffe. It is very popular for families and is not uncommon to see it busy on weekday afternoons during the summer.
The lagoon is quite large with varying depths from shallow areas through to six foot deep sections, making it fun and enjoyable for younger kids through to teens and adults too. For the little ones, there is a separate wading pool at the northern end of the lagoon.
The northern end of Redcliffe Lagoon also has a small waterfall flowing into the lagoon and leading out with a line of rocks into the shallows of the lagoon.
In the middle of the lagoon is an island, which is frequently visited by kids. The temptation is to jump from it, but jumping is not allowed.
I remember the bottom of Settlement Cove Lagoon having sand in sections many years ago. I lost my wedding ring in the sand one evening, and borrowed goggles from someone to look for it. The ring was recovered, but it would be easier now because unfortunately the bottom is now kept free of sand. It was meant to have sand, kind of like South Bank does, but I believe it was removed for safety reasons. Now there is only sand after a bad storm.
Around the lagoon are a few shelters to set up for a lunch. Weekends and holidays these are prime spots and are normally taken early. There is plenty of space around with artificial grass to set up a picnic blanket.
At either end of the lagoon are BBQs to cook those essential sausages and onions. These too are sort after on busy days. I haven’t had any problems getting use of one, but you may have to wait your turn.
Sutton’s Beach 
is just south of Settlement Cove Lagoon, another popular spot during the weekends and holidays. You can have your picnic lunch there and then move to the lagoon afterwards as an alternative to setting up for the day at the lagoon.
At the northern end of the lagoon, passed the toddler’s wading pool, is a playground. The equipment includes nice easy things for small kids to enjoy, and bigger things for older kids to play on as well. Just to the south of the lagoon is a basketball court.
Passed the playground is a grassed area that has more space to set up for a picnic lunch but be aware there is not as much shade here.
If you don’t want to bring your own food, there is a popular takeaway up on the road above the lagoon, and a short walk towards Redcliffe Jetty brings you to numerous cafes to choose from.
There are two toilet blocks at the lagoon and include changing room and showers.
The lagoon is open every day of the year and can be accessed at any time of the day or night. Lifeguards are on duty at certain hours, normally 7am through to 6pm. The hours are extended to 8pm in January during the school holidays, and on Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Australia Day. The Redcliffe Surf Lifesaving Club is just south of the lagoon next to the main parking area for the lagoon, at the southern end of Sutton’s Beach . Sutton’s Beach and Settlement Cove Lagoon are the only two swimming places on Redcliffe Peninsular that have lifeguards on patrol.
The main parking area is accessed via the roundabout at the end of Anzac Avenue, then a short walk north to the lagoon. You can also park along Redcliffe Parade above the lagoon, between Anzac Ave and Baker St, with a ramp and stairs leading down directly to the lagoon.
To get there:
Coming from north of Brisbane along the Bruce Hwy, follow the signs to Redcliffe. A brown sign to Redcliffe is at the approach to Deception Bay Rd (exit 142). Follow Deception Bay Rd for 7.7km, and turn left into Anzac Ave. Continue straight following Anzac Ave for another 7.3km, where you will reach a roundabout. Continue straight ahead to go to the main parking area for the lagoon. Redcliffe Pde to the left of the roundabout is more parking spots above the lagoon.
Coming from the south, there are two points to enter Redcliffe. The Deagon Deviation is accessed from the Gateway Motorway (exit 120A). Follow the Deagon Deviation for 6.1km, and cross over the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge, another 2.9km. At the end of the bridge, follow to the right from the 2 right lanes off the bridge onto Hornibrook Esp. Continue for 5.9km, the road bending to the left becoming Oxley Ave along the way. Turn right into Anzac Ave, and follow 700m, where you will reach a roundabout. Continue straight ahead to go to the main parking area for the lagoon. Redcliffe Pde to the left of the roundabout is more parking spots above the lagoon. (NOTE: The Deagon Deviation is no longer accessed from the two right-hand lanes. This has changed and Exit 120A from the left lane is now used).
Coming from the south, you can also head up the Bruce Hwy from along Gympie Rd. If you miss the Deagon Deviation exit, you will eventually come to this exit also. Take the exit to Anzac Ave (exit 133), and keep to the right lane to go under the overpass and loop back to Anzac Ave, turning left towards Redcliffe. Drive for 4.8kms and turn right to continue along Anzac Ave. Continue straight following Anzac Ave for another 7.3km, where you will reach a roundabout. Continue straight ahead to go to the main parking area for the lagoon. Redcliffe Pde to the left of the roundabout is more parking spots above the lagoon.
Cost: Free, gold coin donation for nature centre
Hours: Anytime, lifeguard during certain hours (see above)
Toilets: Yes
Bins: Yes
Tables: Yes
Seating: Yes
Water: Yes
Food: Yes, takeaway above lagoon area, and nearby cafes
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Pets: No, dogs can be walked through on a leash passed the lagoon but cannot stay
BBQ: Yes
