Centred around two shopping complexes, Capalaba is an attractive residential suburb that takes its name from the Yugarabul word for “ringtail possum”. It’s one of the most populous suburbs in the City of Redland and serves as a gateway to the region’s protected parks and offshore islands that include the ever-popular North Stradbroke Island.

Things to do

You can get your retail fix at the Capalaba Park Shopping Centre, which opened in 1981 on the site of Queensland's first drive-in movie theatre. It’s now home to supermarkets, discount department stores and chain retailers, as well as a diverse choice of grab-and-go eateries. Directly across the road is the Capalaba Central Shopping Centre where you’ll find the BCC Cinemas Capalaba and Capalaba Library.

To the west of Capalaba’s retail centre sprawls Capalaba Regional Park, a green oasis of meadows and native trees that’s traversed by walking and cycling trails. Kids will love the huge, all-abilities terraced playground at this park, which also features several barbecues and picnic pavilions, while your four-legged friends can run free in the dog off-leash area.

Golfers can enjoy a round at Howeston Golf Course, which comprises three nine-hole courses framed by native gum trees. Electric carts, pull buggies and golf clubs can be rented from the on-site Pro Shop, with a highlight being the challenging 5th, 6th and 7th holes on the Howard nine, which are affectionately known as the “Bermuda Triangle”.

Getting around

Capalaba is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Brisbane and 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport. It’s connected by several bus routes to the CBD and the surrounding suburbs. Birkdale railway station is just north of Capalaba and connects along the Cleveland line.