Local History, Published 16 February 2026
Let's step back into Redcliffe’s golden days with the Redcliffe Rollerdrome, the seaside skating hotspot that first opened its doors in 1938! Built by local craftsman Alec Smith, this beachfront…
Let's step back into Redcliffe’s golden days with the Redcliffe Rollerdrome, the seaside skating hotspot that first opened its doors in 1938! Built by local craftsman Alec Smith, this beachfront rink quickly became the place to be, just a short glide from the Redcliffe Jetty and right in the heart of the peninsula’s social scene.
Through the 1940s, 50s, and well beyond, the Rollerdrome buzzed with life. Teens practiced spins, families spent their weekends on wheels, and music echoed across the foreshore. For many locals, it was where friendships formed, romances sparked, and wobbly first steps on skates turned into confident glides.
The Rollerdrome wasn’t just a rink, it was a community hub. Competitions, exhibitions, social nights, and live music made it a cultural anchor for nearly five decades. If you grew up in Redcliffe, chances are you either skated there, watched someone who did, or heard stories from someone who never stopped talking about it!
After 47 years, the Rollerdrome closed in 1985, but its legacy still rolls on in memories, photos, and local lore. It remains a nostalgic symbol of Redcliffe’s vibrant past, a reminder of simpler days, seaside breezes, and the joy of skating under Queensland skies.
Have any favourite memories or photos from your time at the Rollerdrome?
We’d love to see them! Share your stories or snapshots in the comments and help us keep the nostalgia rolling!
Original photos courtesy of city of Moreton Bay libraries (Public domain).
Colour restoration by the Dave & Malou channel.
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