Sandgate - Brisbane Suburb Guide

Sandgate 

Sandgate is a coastal suburb in Brisbane, Australia, 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) north of the Brisbane CBD

Sandgate enjoys sweeping views to the east over Moreton Bay to Moreton Island and north to Woody Point on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

When you visit Sandgate you feel like you are stepping in to a different place and time with its historic buildings and bayside charm. You can enjoy the fresh sea breezes and panoramic views of the bay with beautiful shady picnic grounds and walkways.

History

Historic Sandgate is one of Brisbane’s most picturesque seaside villages and one that has been enjoyed by day trippers for over 130 years. In 1853 the first land lots were put up for sale, by 1858 Sandgate had its first hotel and in 1874 its first school. In 1880 with a population of 500 it was declared a town in its own right and, after the railway was completed in 1882 enjoyed a time as Brisbane’s go-to Victorian seaside resort.

Today much of its history has been preserved, with heritage parks and town square, grand sprawling Victorian villas and boarding houses, the neighbouring 150 year old Shorncliffe Pier and the iconic Richard Gailey built white gothic church that sits at the base of its cliffs. 

Upgrades

Brisbane City Council is revitalising Sandgate’s business centre, with works on a $720,000 project to breathe new life into the area now underway. 

City Planning Chairman Julian Simmonds said Council had worked closely with the community to undertake the renewal project, which would focus on the area’s southern gateway. 

“Council is committed to supporting our suburban business centres, and continues to invest in initiatives to drive economic development in local communities,” Cr Simmonds said. 

“Sandgate is an important business and community hub that has grown and diversified since the area’s original Suburban Centre Improvement Project (SCIP) was delivered, with a variety of shops on Brighton Road and the former semi-industrial area on the corner of Bowser Parade and Rainbow Street now an emerging precinct with a diverse range of businesses.

“ Council is supporting this growth by revitalising the precinct to ensure it remains vibrant and accessible for residents and visitors and has worked closely with residents and the business community to make this happen.”  

Cr Simmonds said the renewal project formed an important part of Council’s investment in the area as part of a continued push to drive economic activity and attract more visitors to Sandgate.

“Council received more than 400 responses from local residents, businesses and property owners as part of a survey undertaken in late 2015 to determine a clear strategy for the future of the area,” he said. 

“This renewal project is just one result of the feedback received, and Council is continuing to deliver new and innovative project to enhance the area.  

“Sandgate is also one of eight suburban centres to benefit from free public wifi as part of the Lord Mayor’s $1 million commitment to expand the city’s wifi services across the city.

“The SCIP renewal will deliver new pavement, street furniture, trees and garden beds at the corner of Bowser Parade and Rainbow Streets.

“Several original artworks will also be restored, including two drinking fountains ‘Bird Bath’ and ‘Kissing Fish’ by artist Katrina Steel, glazed ceramics inlaid in the pavement entitled ‘Soldier Crabs’ by Elise Goodrich and the ‘Indigenous Cultural Plaques’ by Ron Hurley and Delores McDonald.”For more information on the Sandgate SCIP Renewal, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on 3403 8888.

Public Transport

There are a number of options on public transport to get you in to the city, all take around 40 minutes.

Train

https://www.sandgate.com.au/files/140120-shorncliffe.pdf

Bus Route

Sandgate to Redcliffe - https://www.sandgate.com.au/files/140120-690.pdf

Sandgate to Rothwell - https://www.sandgate.com.au/files/140120-695.pdf

Sandgate to City via Chermside - https://www.sandgate.com.au/files/120618-325,335.pdf

Brighton to City via Sandgate - https://www.sandgate.com.au/files/130401-310,N310,315.pdf

What to Do

If a day on the beach isn't enough or you aren't in the mood for a stroll along the Prom then why not take your hand to a round of golf at Sandgate Golf Club. If that still sounds to energetic you could take a swim in Sandgate Swimming Pool to cool off before heading to one of the local parks for an evening stroll under the starry skies. Don't forget bird watching at Dowes Lagoon.

Sandgate Swimming Pool is located on the Sandgate Foreshore. Sandgate Aquatic Centre has a variety of facilities, including a 50 metre pool, leisure pool and an indoor learn to swim pool. They do a variety of water sports and aqua aerobic classes.

Schools

Although there are a couple of schools in Sandgate itself, I would recommend Shorncliffe State School (prep to Yr 6). A lot of other independent schools may be single sex schools so check before viewing. Also ask if they are zoned. 

Shopping

There are lots of boutique shops and cafe/restaurants around Sandgate, including Aldi for your main groceries, that's if you can't make the weekly farmers market.

Demographics 

In the 2011 census the population of Sandgate was 4,626 and is comprised of approximately 51.4% females and 48.6% males.

The median/average age of the people in Sandgate is 43 years of age.

77.8% of people living in the suburb of Sandgate were born in Australia. The other top responses for country of birth were 5.9% England, 3.7% New Zealand, 0.8% Scotland, 0.6% Ireland, 0.5% United States of America, 0.5% Philippines, 0.5% Germany, 0.4% Papua New Guinea, 0.4% South Africa, 0.4% India, 0.4% Netherlands, 0.2% Canada, 0.2% Poland, 0.2% Japan.

92.1% of people living in Sandgate speak English only. The other top languages spoken are 3.1% Language spoken at home not stated, 0.9% Other, 0.5% German, 0.5% Japanese, 0.4% French, 0.3% Italian, 0.3% Filipino , 0.2% Greek, 0.2% Dutch.

The religious makeup of Sandgate is 29.7% Catholic, 21.9% No religion, 17.7% Anglican, 10.6% Religious affiliation not stated, 5.7% Uniting Church, 3.3% Presbyterian and Reformed, 2.4% Baptist, 2.0% Christian, nfd, 1.3% Lutheran, 0.9% Pentecostal.

44.2% of people are married, 28.1% have never married and 12.8% are divorced and 4.1% are separated. There are 414 widowed people living in Sandgate.

58.4% of the people living in Sandgate over the age of 15 and who identify as being in the labour force are employed full time, 31.6% are working on a part time basis. Sandgate has an unemployment rate of 5.3%. 

The main occupations of people living in Sandgate are 24.8% Professionals, 16.4% Clerical & administrative workers, 14.1% Managers, 12.6% Technicians & trades workers, 10.9% Community & personal service workers, 7.9% Sales workers, 7.4% Labourers, 4.0% Machinery operators & drivers, 1.9% Occupation inadequately described/ Not stated.

The main industries people from Sandgate work in are 15.0% Health care and social assistance, 10.1% Public administration and safety, 8.9% Professional, scientific and technical services, 8.9% Education and training, 8.8% Construction, 8.4% Retail trade, 7.2% Manufacturing, 6.2% Transport, postal and warehousing, 5.2% Accommodation and food services.

27.2% of homes are fully owned, and 32.2% are in the process of being purchased by home loan mortgage. 36.5% of homes are rented.

The median individual income is $630 per week and the median household income is $1195 per week.

The median rent in Sandgate is $235 per week and the median mortgage repayment is $2000 per month.